Psychoactive Drugs

By: Ally Huffman, Holden Rohr, Megan Lerer, Kelly Bruner, and Tori Propst

Objective

SWBAT identify and describe the dangers and effects of different psychoactive drugs.

Drill

In your drill section of your notebook…. What do you already know about

psychoactive drugs?

Psychoactive drugs are chemicals that affect the central nervous system and alter activity in the brain

Vocabulary Psychoactive Drugs: chemicals that affect the

central nervous system and alter activity in the brain

Designer Drugs: synthetic drugs that that are made to imitate the effects of other drugs

Hallucinogens: drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and sense perceptions, including vision, hearing, smell, and touch

Euphoria: a feeling of intense well-being or elation

Vocabulary (continued)

Depressants: drugs that tend to slow the central nervous system

Club Drugs: drugs that are disguised in foods or put in a person’s drink w/o their knowledge

Stimulants: drugs that speed up the CNS Opiates (narcotics): drugs such as those

derived from the opium plant that are obtainable only by prescription and are used to relieve pain

Psychoactive Drugs Basic Characteristics Changes the functioning of the Central

Nervous System When abused or misused, a person’s

health and functioning capacity of all body systems are seriously affected

Leads to poor judgment and behaviors which can put teens and adults using abusively at risk of injury, violence, STDs, pregnancy, and suicide

Club Drugs Disguising drugs into foods or slipping them into

drinks: illegal Able to be several 100x stronger than regular

drugs Ecstasy (MDMA): shares the effects of stimulants

and hallucinogens. May cause: short-term euphoria Rohypnol (“roofies”): depressants (sedatives

specifically) that are colorless, odorless, and tasteless

The “date-rape” drug: related to unwanted physical contact, unplanned pregancy, HIV/STDs

Having sex w/ someone under the influence of Rohypnol: illegal

Club Drugs (continued) Meth (methamphetamine):

Stimulant that is white, odorless, and easily dissolves in alcohol or water

Creates short- term euphoria, depression, paranoia, delusions, and death

Ketamine: Anesthetic used to treat animals Causes hallucinations and possible respiratory

failure GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid):

Depressant that is AVAILABLE as clear liquid, white powder, tablets, and capsules

“Date-rape” drug

Club Drugs (cont.)

LSD (lysergic acid diethyiamide) LSD is an acid Can cause hallucinations, flashbacks, and

serious emotions that can lead to serious injury or death

Hallucinogens

DXM (Dextromethorphan/ “tussin”): Cough suppressant sold over the counter that

when used as directed is not harmful Misuse: hallucinations, paranoia, panic attack,

nausea, increased heart rate and BP, seizures, and addiction

PCP (phencyclidine): distorts sense of time, increases muscle strength and feelings of violence which may lead to physical harm to self and others

Death is usually caused because of this behavior

Mushrooms

Name for hallucinogens found in nature whether plant- or fungal-based

When eaten: hallucinations, nausea, and flashbacks

Able to lead to poisoning and death (usually only found when bought from a drug dealer who sells a toxic species)

Opiate Overview

Group of highly addictive drugs that are derived from the poppy plant that are used as pain relievers, anesthetics, and sedatives

Narcotic used to relieve pain and only obtained by prescription legally- pharmacists record # of sales

Opiate examples

Codeine: highly addictive ingredient in some cough medicines

Causes drowsiness, dizziness, labored breathing, low blood pressure, seizures, and respiratory arrest

Morphine: one of the strongest codeine drugs. Generally prescribed for a short period of time to

treat severe pain Side-affects: fast/slow heartbeat, seizures,

hallucinations, blurred vision, rashes, and difficulty swallowing

Opiate examples (cont.)

Heroin: processed version of morphine that can either be snorted, injected, or smoked.

Slows breathing and pulse, can create infection of heart linings and liver disease, and coma and death (large dose)

Comes in white-brownish powder and black, sticky tar

HIV and Hepatitis B can spread from unclean needles

Fetal death

Oxycodone

Brand name: OxyContin Under prescription and

supervision of doctor, it is used to relieve moderate to severe chronic pain

Strong opiate Effects: respiratory

suppression which may lead to death from respiratory failure

Stimulants

Drugs that temporarily increase a person’s energy and alertness Amphetamines: highly addictive and helps

people stay alert and lose weight. If regularly used: irregular heartbeat/heart failure. paranoia, aggressive behavior.

Cocaine: fast-acting and highly addictive white powder that comes from coca plant leaves. Gives feelings of confidence but eventual depression. Results of using: fatigue, paranoia, physiological and cardiac problems, and malnutrition.

Stimulants (continued)

Crack: a more dangerous form of cocaine. Reaches brain seconds after being smoked or inhaled.

Creates heart rate and blood pressure to rise to near-fatal levels

Death: Cardiac or respiratory failure

Mixing drugs exponetially increases risk of death

Depressants: Able to slow heart + respiration rates and lower

blood pressure Alcohol: commonly used depressant Combining depressants: shallow breathing,

weak or rapid pulse, coma, and death Barbituates: sedatives rarely used for medical

purposes. Some users feel “intoxicated” after using.

Causes: mood changes, excessive sleepiness, and coma

Combining w/ alcohol: fatal

Depressant examples (continued)

Tranquilizers: relieves anxiety, muscle spasms, sleeplessness, and nervousness When overused:

causes psychological and physiological dependence, coma, and death

Activity Jeopardy Game

In small groups, you will answer questions based on your knowledge of this unit.

Once a question is up, someone from your group must raise their hand.

If any of the “teachers” call on you or your other group members, you must announce the answer (if you don’t announce in 5 seconds, another group must answer)

You may use your note sheet You may talk w/ your group Most of all: Have Fun!

Closure:??????

Why do you think it is important to follow directions from your doctor or pharmacist when taking a prescription drug such a as codeine?

Don’t want to get an overdose or addicted. If you don’t do as told you have: headaches, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty breathing, rashes, and seizures