SAY NO TO DRUGS

BY SHRADHA OSWAL 09ITMG1078CSE

WHAT ARE DRUGS?

A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. They can be distributed into 3 different categories:

Depressants or downers Stimulants or uppers Hallucinogens

DEPRESSANTS

Depressants are psychoactive drugs which temporarily diminish the function or activity of a specific part of the body or mind. Due to their effects typically having a "down" quality to them, depressants are also occasionally referred to as "downers". Effects may include anxiolysis, sedation, and hypotension.

STIMULANTS

Stimulants is a name given to several groups of drugs that tend to increase alertness and physical activity. Groups include pharmaceuticals such as amphetamines and the street drugs commonly called "uppers" or "speed" and cocaine.

HALLUCINOGENS

Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that cause an alteration in perception, thought, or mood.

Despite their name, most hallucinogens do not consistently cause hallucinations. Often, they are more likely to cause changes in mood or in thought than actual hallucinations.

DIFFERENT NAMES OF DRUGS

Some slang/street names:

A-bomb: combination of marijuana with heroin Acapulco Gold: marijuana Angel Dust: PCP Beverage: alcohol Bhang marijuana Blotter Acid: LSD Blow: cocaine Booze: alcohol Burgers: ecstasy Charlie: cocaine

Addiction Description And Symptoms

When you are addicted to the use of alcohol, drugs, smoking, sex or gambling, you are (physically or mentally) dependent on this use or behavior. You get withdrawal and/or tolerance symptoms when you don't use the substance.

Tolerance: Tolerance means that one needs higher quantities of a substance over time to reach the desired effects.

Addiction Description And Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms:
Unpleasant physical reactions that occur when the use of the substances is decreased or discontinued. Examples are nausea, muscle aches, fever, concentration problems, insomnia, anxiety and unpleasant dreams.

But people who do not experience tolerance and/or withdrawal symptoms can be dependent on the substance. They repeatedly and with no success try to reduce or control the use of the substance, or they use it longer or more than they had intended.

PHYSCAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

Appearance Changes Periodontal Disease Respiratory Complications Skin Disorders Heart Problems

APPEARANCE CHANGES

Drastic change in weight Body odor Greasy hair Complete disarray

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Gum disease can be mild or major Initially, the gums are reddened and bleed more frequently. Irresponsible care of the mouth can cause tooth loss. Infections in the mouth can lead to death if not properly treated.

RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS

Physical effects on the respiratory system. Runny nose, red and itchy eyes. For inhaled drugs: Nosebleeds, deep chest coughs Inflammation throughout the respiratory system. Lung failure and death can ultimately occur.

SKIN DISORDERS

The appearance of skin changes. Appears red with noticeably larger pores around the nose. Veins and arteries affected, can produce blotchy appearance. Sweat and oil glands overproduce.

HEART PROBLEMS

Increased heart rate. Causes strain on the heart.

Can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Elevated blood pressure. Veins can rupture.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

Cognitive Impairment Emotional Effects

COGNITIVE IMPAIREMENT

Affects neurological activity in the brain and causes dopamine levels to be altered. Affects memory, attention, and reasoning abilities. Reality no longer viewed in the same manner. The self-absorbed thinking wreaks havoc on ability to deal with day-to-day interactions. Becomes more debilitating with increased years of use.

EMOTIONAL EFFECTS

Brain becomes confused.

Causes an addictive cycle with extreme highs and lows. Addict tries to selfmedicate. Depression, suicidal thoughts.