Commonly Abused Drugs
OBJECTIVES
Compare the effects of
depressants, stimulants &
hallucinogens on the body.
Name three classes of drugs
of increasing concern in
recent years.
WARM-UP
In the last 25 years, abuse of
prescription pain relievers
has increased by 500%.
What factors do you think
are responsible for the
increase in prescription drug
abuse?
Commonly Abused Drugs
Depressants
Psychoactive drugs
that slow brain & body
reactions
Slow body functions
by decreasing heart
and breathing rates &
lowering blood
pressure.
Categories of
Depressants:
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Barbiturates
CNS Depressants
Opiates
Alcohol
Commonly Abused Drugs
Depressants
Barbiturates
Also called sedative-hypnotics
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Poor Coordination
Slurred speech
Decreased alertness
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Sleepiness
Irritability
Confusion
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Slow nerve activity
Relax muscle tension
Lower alertness
Cause drowsiness
Side Effects
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Long-Term Effects
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Sedative that slows the activity
of the central nervous system
Actions:
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Side Effects
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Small doses: sedative
Large doses: hypnotics
CNS Depressants
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Slurred Speech
Headache
Skin rash
Long Term Effects: Blood &
Liver Disease
Commonly Abused Drugs
Depressants
Opiates
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Drug made from
psychoactive
compounds contained
in the seed pods of
poppy plants
Small Doses: dull
senses, relieve pain,
cause sleep
Common Opiates
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Side Effects
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Heroin, Codeine,
Morphine
Nausea, vomiting
Decreased alertness
Drowsiness
Depressed respiration
Long-Term Effects
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Constipation
Blood-borne Diseases
Commonly Abused Drugs
Stimulants
Drug that speeds up
activities of the CNS
Increases heart rate,
blood pressure,
breathing rate &
alertness
May be used to treat
sleep disorders, ADD,
ADHD
Commonly Abused
Stimulants
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Amphetamines
Methamphetamine
Cocaine
Nicotine/Tobacco
Smoke
Commonly Abused Drugs
Stimulants
Amphetamines
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Prescription drugs sold
as “Speed” or Uppers”
Produces feelings of
well-being and high
energy
Side Effects
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Restlessness
Rapid speech
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Long-Term Effects
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Hyperactivity
Irritability
Irregular heart rate
Liver damage
paranoia
Commonly Abused Drugs
Stimulants
Methamphetamines
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More powerful than
amphetamines
Called “Meth”,
“crank”, “crystal” or
“ice”.
Made from OTC
ingredients in illegal
meth labs
Side Effects
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Increased respiration
Elevated body temperature
Convulsions
Stroke
Long-Term Effects
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Psychotic behavior
Memory loss
Aggression
Brain & heart damage
Severe tooth & gum disease
Commonly Abused Drugs
Stimulants
Cocaine
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Powerful, short-acting
stimulant
May be sniffed, smoked, or
injected
Crack
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A concentrated, smokable
form of cocaine
Strongest form of cocaine
Short, powerful effects
occur within 8 seconds after
smoking.
Side Effects
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Sleep disorders
Loss of appetite
Increased blood pressure &
heart rate
Long-Term Effects
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Depression
Paranoia
Irritability
Weight Loss
Irregular Heart Beat
Respiratory &
Cardiovascular Failure
Commonly Abused Drugs
Hallucinogens
Drug that distorts
perception, thought,
and mood
Overload the brain
with sensory
information, causing a
distorted sense of
reality
Have no medicinal use
Produce frightening &
unpredictable mood
swings
Abusers cannot tell what
is real
May experience
memory loss &
personality changes
Tolerance develops
quickly
Commonly Abused Drugs
Hallucinogens
LSD
Also called “acid”
Effects unpredictable—can
either stimulate or depress
CNS.
Experience hallucinations &
feel they have superhuman
powers.
Shortens attention span
Causes “bad trips” &
flashbacks
Psilocybin
Also called “shrooms”
Chemical found in certain
type of mushroom
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Mushrooms eaten raw or with
other food
Effects similar to LSD, but
not as strong
Psilocybin mushrooms
resemble a deadly
mushroom
Commonly Abused Drugs
Hallucinogens
PCP
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Also known as “angel dust”—comes in white
powder
Originally used as an anesthetic or painkiller
May smoke w/ tobacco or marijuana, inject, sniff,
or eat
Eliminates sensation of pain unintentional injury
Abusers develop signs of schizophrenia
Effects last long after drug use ends
Commonly Abused Drugs
Club Drugs
First gained popularity
at dance clubs & raves
Now widely available
Strength & effects
highly unpredictable
Drugs can be
unknowingly placed in
someone’s drink
Examples
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Ecstasy (MDMA)
Rohypnol
GHB
Ketamine
Commonly Abused Drugs
Club Drugs
Ecstasy
XTC, C, Adam, Clarity, Love
Drug
Combined stimulant &
hallucinogen
Side Effects
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Increased heart rate & BP
Blurred vision
Muscle tension
Severe sweating & chills
Nausea
Increased body temp.
Organ failure
Rohypnol
Roofies, rophies, forget-me
pill
CNS depressant
Side Effects
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Decreased blood pressure
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Confusion
Memory Loss
“Date Rape” drug
Impairs user up to 12 hours
Commonly Abused Drugs
Club Drugs
GHB
Grievous bodily harm, G,
liquid ecstasy
CNS Depressant
Side Effects
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Ketamine
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Drowsiness
Nausea
Headache
Loss of reflexes
Associated with date rape
High doses result in sleep,
coma, or death
K, Vitamin K, Cat valium
Hallucinogen
Side Effects
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hallucinations,
Increased heart rate & BP
Impaired motor function
Memory loss
Numbness
Nausea
High doses cause delirium &
fatal respiratory problems
Commonly Abused Drugs
Key Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Briefly describe the overall effects that
depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens
have on the body.
What is an opiate? Give 3 examples.
What is methamphetamine? List 3 longterm effects of methamphetamine use.
Summarize the dangers of club drugs.
