The Use of Illegal Drugs

The use of illegal drugs can have serious, sometimes deadly, physical effects on the user. These effects can occur even the first time a drug is used. Drug use is harmful to social and emotional health. It causes arguments and tension in families, loss of friendships, and poor grades in school. Users may get into trouble with the police and ruin plans they may have had for the future.

Addictive Drugs

Most drug users become addicted to the drug they are using. Addiction is a physical or mental need for a drug or other substance. Users who are addicted will do anything- lie, cheat or steal- to get the drugs they crave.

Addictive Drugs (cont.)1. Stimulants are drugs that speed up the

body’s functions. They cause an increase in HR, BP and breathing rate, and cause the pupils of the eyes to dilate. Examples of stimulants are amphetamines and cocaine. Use of amphetamines can lead to severe mental problems (including hallucinations and delusions), seizures, and even death.

Addictive Drugs (cont.)Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug

with effects that are unpredictable and very dangerous. Even the first time, the user’s soaring HR & BP can cause a fatal heart attack or seizure. Users that inject cocaine risk HIV or hepatitis (when sharing a needle); users that prepare crack cocaine risk death or injury from fire or explosion.

Addictive Drugs (cont.)

2. Depressants are drugs that slow down the body’s functions and reactions. They cause HR, BP, and breathing rate to drop. Examples of depressants are barbituates and tranquilizers. Dangers of abusing these drugs include poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, poor judgment, confusion, and addiction.

Addictive Drugs (cont.)3. Narcotics are a group of drugs that relieve

pain and induce sleep. Examples include morphine, codeine, and heroin. Doctors prescribe morphine to reduce severe pain, and codeine is found in some cough syrups. Legal narcotics are highly addictive and must be used very carefully. Heroin has no medical uses. Heroin users risk unconsciousness and death. Injecting heroin has similar risk factors to injecting cocaine (HIV & hepatitis).

Addictive Drugs (cont.)4. Hallucinogens are illegal drugs that cause

the user’s brain to distort real images and to see and hear things that aren’t real (i.e. hallucinations). They may also cause the user to lose control and behave strangely or violently. Examples of hallucinogens include PCP (“Angel Dust”) and LSD (“Acid”). Both these drugs can cause flashbacks, or delayed effects, long after use has stopped.

Addictive Drugs (cont.)5. Inhalants are substances whose fumes

are breathed in to give the effect of a hallucination. Inhaling such substances (often found in common, household products) is extremely dangerous- even with the first use. The fumes kill brain cells, causing permanent damage or death. Other effects are nausea, balance problems, trouble thinking, and violent behavior.

Addictive Drugs (cont.)6. Marijuana and Hashish are illegal drugs

made from the hemp plant. These drugs increase HR & BP, may cause panic attacks, impair concentration and memory, adversely affect coordination, cause apathy, and may lead to burnout. These drugs are not physically addictive (like the ones we have talked about so far), but they are psychologically addictive- just as dangerous!