Drugs
And how they affect criminal
behavior
A drug is….
“…any substance that, when absorbed into the
body of a living organism, alters normal bodily
function.”
Wikipedia
This means that there are far more “drugs”
out there than the commonly accepted street
drugs. We will consider many different drugs
in this study…
Drug Classifications
• There are four main classifications of drugs…
•
•
•
•
Stimulants
Depressants
Anti-Depressants
Anti- Psychotics
Classifications
Stimulants
• Induce temporary
improvements in either
mental or physical function
or both. Examples of these
kinds of effects may include
enhanced alertness,
wakefulness, and
locomotion.
• "uppers".
Classifications
Depressants
• Depressants are substances
which slow down the
normal function of the
central nervous system.
These drugs include
barbiturates, alcohol,
marijuana and inhalants.
• “Downers”
Classifications
Anti- Depressants
• used to alleviate mood
disorders, such as major
depression and anxiety
disorders.
• Often have strong side
effects.
• Controversial.
Classifications
Anti- Psychotics
• Antipsychotics are often
prescribed for those with
bipolar disorder (manic
depression) to help control
mania or alleviate psychotic
features such as delusions,
voices, etc.
Stelazine
How do drugs work?
• You now have thirty seconds to explain…
How do drugs work?
• Neurotransmitters:
Neurotransmitters are chemicals which transmit signals from
a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
Reworded: these are chemicals that enable our brains to
send electrical signals to other cells, nerves, etc.
Neurotransmitters at work
Neurotransmitters at work
• Different
neurotransmitters
affect different aspects
of our behavior.
• Here are some common
ones.
Neurotransmitters at work
• Drugs work by limiting or
enhancing the effect of
our own brain’s
Neurotransmitters!
• If you are depressed,
boosting Serotonin will
make you feel happier.
• If you boost dopamine,
you will feel pleasure (get
high), you limit
dopamine, you will feel
low, etc…
• Now you know why there
is such a wide variety of
drugs. It is because we
have a huge number of
Neurotransmitters!
Commonly Abused Drugs
• See how many you can
think of….
Commonly Abused Drugs
Amphetamines
• Function- Enhances dopamine
and other N. Transmitters.
• Effects – heightened energy,
stamina, focus, decreased
appetite. (Very potent
“Upper”, pumps you up and
can make you feel invincible).
Highly addictive.
• Common NamesMethamphetamine,
Benzedrine, Speed
Commonly Abused Drugs
Barbiturates
• Function : Central nervous system
depressant. A tranquilizer that is
used to combat insomnia,
seizures and anxiety.
• Effect: Extreme relaxation, and
often unconsciousness. Highly
adictive.
•
Common Forms: Amobarbital,
Phenobarbital
Used rarely by doctors these days.
Commonly Abused Drugs
Cannabis
•
Function: Painkiller, cure for nausea in
cancer patients. Most commonly a
recreational drug and nervous system
depressant.
•
Effect: Relaxation, feeling of euphoria,
increased appetite, silliness and
reduced inhibitions.
Mildly addictive. Can lead to paranoia if
taken excessively.
•
Common Names: Weed,
Pot, Marijuana, hash, etc…
Commonly Abused Drugs
Cocaine
• Function: Topical Painkiller, stimulant
• Effect: Intoxicates with intense high
and feelings of euphoria. Suppresses
appetite and need for sleep. Clear
thinking and enhanced mental abilities,
concentration. Localized numbness.
Highly addictive.
• Common Names: Crack, Coke,
Snow… Benzocaine, Ambesol,
Novacaine
One of the oldest drugs, derived from
Peruvian Coca Plant.
Commonly Abused Drugs
Date Rape Drugs
• Function: Treat insomnia, render
women unconscious for rape.
Depressant.
• Effect: Powerful soporific effect
(sleep inducing), paralysis, loss of
memory. Possibility of death.
• Common Names:
GHB
Rohypnol,
Commonly Abused Drugs
Ecstasy
• Function: Stimulant
• Effect: Intoxicates with intense high
and feelings of euphoria. Can induce
feelings of intimacy, as well as
altered state of reality. Highly
destructive on the body and easy to
O.D.
• Common Names: “E”
Methylenedioxymethamphetami
ne (MDMA)
Commonly Abused Drugs
Inhalants
• Function: Recreational.
• Effect: Intoxicates with intense high
and feelings of euphoria. Highly
addictive (psychologically) and
extremely easy to O.D. Inhalants also
lower inhibitions.
• Common Names: You can inhale
just about anything.
Commonly Abused Drugs
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
• Function: Hallucinogen and
sensory enhancer. Creates altered
state of perception and reality.
• Effect: Strange sensory episodes,
from 6-18 hrs. Non-addictive.
• Common Names: Acid, dose,
Blot, Lucy
Derived from a fungus that lives on
Rye. First made as a painkiller in
1938. (A failure because of its
unintended effects).
Commonly Abused Drugs
Magic Mushrooms
• Function: Hallucinogen and
sensory enhancer. Creates altered
state of perception and reality.
• Effect: Strange sensory episodes,
from 6-18 hrs. Non-addictive.
• Common Names: Shrooms
Similar effects and processes as
LSD
Commonly Abused Drugs
Morphine/Opiates
• Function: Strong Painkiller and
depressant, used after surgery.
• Effect: Intense high, followed by
intense lows. Highly addictive, and
fatal in overdose.
• Common Names: Heroin,
laudanum, Morphine, Junk
Derived from opium plant.