cocaine
Definition: drug used as a narcotic or anesthetic
Context: Cocaine is a white powder and is often called coke, C, snow, blow and toot. Cocaine belongs in a
class of drugs known as stimulants. It gives the temporary feeling of endless energy and then can leave the
user feeling low, depressed and wanting more.
crack
Definition: form of cocaine
Context: A chemically altered form of cocaine. It is just as addictive as cocaine and offers the same
illusions of highs and lows.
ecstasy
Definition: a synthetic, psychoactive drug
Context: Ecstasy, also called MDMA or Adam, is most available in tablet form. It is also available as a
powder. Ecstasy can cause a tightening in the jaw, increased heart rate, nausea, depression and dehydration.
Since it is manufactured, it is not known what other dangerous drugs it might be "cut" or mixed with.
Ecstasy is most often used by young people at clubs, raves (all night dance parties) and rock concerts.
Hallucinogenic Drugs
Definition: a substance that distorts ones perception of reality
Context: LSD (also known as "acid") is a major drug classified under hallucinogens. It can come in tablet,
capsule or liquid form. It can be added to colorful, absorbent paper that is not readily identifiable as a drug.
The effects of LSD are unpredictable and depend on the user. The changes can often be frightening and
cause panic.
heroin
Definition: a narcotic
Context: Heroin is an illegal drug that is highly addictive. Using heroin can lead to physical and
psychological problems such as nausea, panic and shallow breathing. Attempts to stop using the drug can
lead to significantly painful withdrawal symptoms.
methamphetamine
Definition: drug used as a stimulant
Context: Methamphetamine is also known as meth, "speed", "ice" and "crank". The drug gives a sense of
increased energy and euphoria but increases nervousness, irritability and paranoia. Periods of intense use
(binges) can be followed by intense periods of depression.
marijuana
Definition: narcotic from the hemp plant
Context: Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug being used in the United States today. It can cause
impaired short-term memory and alter sense of time and the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration
and coordination.
stimulants
Definition: to make active; class of drug that increases certain functions/activities
Context: Stimulants are used to counteract the "down" feeling of tranquilizing drugs. They increase
alertness and relieve fatigue. Cocaine is described as a stimulant. Personal reactions are unknown due to the
user type and drug type.
addictive
Definition: habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice, which is
sometimes beyond voluntary control
Context: When someone is addicted they cannot stop the craving for the drug or activity. Many drugs are
addictive and the withdrawal can be very painful.
withdraws
Definition: mental and physical problems that affect someone who is addicted and tries to stop using a drug
Context: The effects of withdrawal from drugs is a painful process sometimes having long term or
permanent side effects.
resistance
Definition: to withstand or to stand back; an inner force or drive that is exerted in opposition to another
forced or drive
Context: It is hard to decline or resist an activity when friends and others urge you to join in.
temptation
Definition: to be introduced or attracted to something you should avoid
Context: When something sounds like it will be fun, exciting, or enjoyable it is difficult not to want to give
it a try even though we know the consequences could be harmful or deadly.
1) The groups are now going to become their own "band" (rock, rap, country, jazz —whatever
they decide as a group). Working together, they will write a song about the drug assigned
to them. This is an anti-drug song
Students will need to research the effects of their assigned drug and include answers to the
questions originally asked in the first section. Encourage them to use the vocabulary list and
Deadly Highs, The Hard Facts handout as starting points
1. What message did you get from the song?
2. What can happen to your body with this drug if abused?
3. What helpful information was offered in this song?
4. What do you think people currently using this drug would learn from this song?
5. What do you think you will remember most about the song you heard?
6. What is the most positive thing you came away with after hearing this song?
The following is how your poem will be graded by me.
Negative Consequences-Drugs can mess up your life in ways you never
imagined. They can make you lose control and harm your relationships with
family and friends. They can cause damage to your physical health.
Positive Consequences-Not using drugs gives you the power to shape your
identity, reach goals, and earn the respect of peers and family.
Refusal Skills-Refusing to do drugs doesn't make you foolish or
"uncool."
Normative Message-Being drug free is cool. Most of the people you admire
don't do drugs.