Shane Garrard, LMSW, CCS, CADCIIDirector of Alcohol and Drug Services

Region One Mental Health

AlcoholAlcohol is a depressant! Affects every organ and can damage a

developing fetus. FASD-different levelsIntoxication can impair brain function and

motor skills.

Alcohol2009- 51.9% of Americans age 12 and older

had used alcohol in the 30 days prior to being surveyed.

23.7% of that percent had binged (5 plus drinks within two hours).

6.8% drank heavily

NIDA

AlcoholA standard drink equals 0.6 ounces pure

ethanol, 12 ounces of beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof.

One of the few substances that are dangerous to detox from!

Behaviors Associated with AlcoholSlurred speechSlower reaction timeInhibitions loweredDecisions are affectedOthers?Think about a growing brain!

Adolescent Brain• Adolescence is a period of profound brain maturation.

• We thought brain development was complete by adolescence

• We now know… maturation is not complete until about age 25!

Marijuana Street names include: Pot, Ganga, Weed,

Grass, and 420

Marijuana

Marijuana FactsMost commonly used illegal drug in the U.S.Made up of the Cannabis sativa hemp plant.Short term effects of marijuana use include

euphoria, distorted perceptions, memory impairment, and difficulty thinking and solving problems.

NIDA

UseThe most common way to use marijuana is to

smoke the substance. Can be smoked in hand made cigarettes (joints), in pipes or water pipes (bongs) or in blunts.

Can be ingested but is slower reacting. Usually mixed in foods or brewed as tea.

Illicit Drug Use

Marijuana2009-28.5 million Americans age 12 and

older had abused marijuana at least one in the year prior to survey.

2010 Monitoring the Future Study: 13.7% of 8th graders, 27.5% of 10th graders, and 34.8% of 12th graders had abused marijuana at least once in year prior.

NIDA

Myths and FactsMyth 1-Safe substance that grows naturally.

Fact-Individuals who smoke regularly potentially set themselves up for life-altering events.

Myth 2-There are no lasting effects to smoking. Fact-Smoking alters cognitive abilities and social development. Usually not seen till later in life.

Myth 3-Non-addictive. Fact- 9% of all users become addicted and those individuals who start young closer to 17%. One in Six! A quarter to half of daily users are addicted.

NIDA

Effects on LifeMakes exiting problems worse or creates new

life problems.Lower life satisfaction.Poorer mental and physical health.Relationship problems.Less academic and career success compared

to their peers (from similar backgrounds)

Should Marijuana be Legalized Not enough evidence in trialsMust be well defined and measurable

ingredients Is used for pain and nausea

NIDA

Spice

Synthetic MarijuanaStreet names include: K2, fake weed, Yucatan

Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and many others.Labeled “not for human consumption”

Spice FactsClaim to be natural but contain synthetics (or

designer) cannabinoid compounds.Has been sold in head shops and gas stations.More popular with boys than girls.Hard to detect in standard drug testsSold as incense but resembles potpurri

Effects of SpiceSimilar to marijuana but in some cases

the effects can be stronger.Some users report psychotic effects like

extreme anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Since all have different compounds the results could differ.

Cases reported to poison control centers include rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations

NIDA

Opioids

Prescription Drug Abuse

Most Commonly UsedPain relievers- 5.1 millionTranquilizers- 2.2 millionStimulants- 1.1 millionSedatives-0.4 million

Facts1 in 12 high school seniors reported

nonmedical use of Vicodin; 1 in 20 reported oxycotin

70% of these seniors claimed they were given by a friend.

Misconception-they are given by a Dr therefore they are safe.

OpioidsCan be taken orally, snorting or injecting.High risk of overdoseHighly addicting-even when taken as

prescribedHeightened HIV risk with IV drug useRisky decisions through drug-altered

judgment and decision-making

NIDA

Medical ModelMethadoneSuboxoneWorks best in unison with other approaches:

CBT, MI, and REBT

Crack

CrackStreet name given to a processed form of

CocaineForm of Cocaine in a rock form which when

heated produces vapors that are smoked.Crack refers to the crackling sound given off

when heated.High only lasts for 5 to 10 minutes

FactsThe effects of crack cocaine use only lasts a

short period therefore the individual using it must “chase the high” for hours or days trying to obtain the same effect as first use.

Cocaine

Administration and EffectsSmoked as in CrackSnortingInjectingIntensity in use depends on the route of

administration.Causes increased energy, reduced fatigue

and mental alertness

Affects in the BrainIncreases levels of dopaminePleasure and movement in the reward center.Big release but no recycling of the chemicalLong term effects after repeated use

Health EffectsConstricts blood vessels, dilates pupils, and

increases body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Loss of smell, nosebleeds, problems swallowing

ParanoiaAdverse reactions and increased risk

associated with using in unison with other substances

Meth

Street NamesSpeedMethChalkIceCrystalGlassHigh speed chicken feed

EffectsIncreased wakefulness and physical activity

(working mans drug)Produces rapid heart rate, irregular

heartbeat and increased blood pressure and body temperature

Long term effects include mood disturbances, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia and severe dental problems

MethamphetamineIncreases the release and blocks the

reuptake of dopamineChanges how the brain functionsStructural problems with emotion and

memory are reported from chronic users

Psychosis?Abusers display similar symptoms as an

individual with psychosis such as paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (insects under skin)

Bath Salts

Bath SaltsEmerging family of drugs containing one or

more synthetic chemicalsAmphetamine-like stimulantLabeled not for human consumptionGrowing public health and safety risk

Names for Bath SaltsIvory WaveBloomCloud NineLunar WaveVanilla SkyWhite LightningScar faceMost recently sold as jewelry cleaner or

phone screen cleaner

EffectsProduces euphoria and increased sex driveSome users experience paranoia, agitation,

hallucinatory deliriumSome display psychotic and violent behavior

and numerous deaths have been reportedSimilar to amphetamines and MDMA10 times more potent than cocaine

GHB

Date Rape DrugCentral nervous system depressantUsed in treatment of narcolepsyEffect GABA neurotransmitterOdorless, colorless, and tasteless forms that

are combined with alcohol or other beveragesSedates and incapacitates unsuspecting

victims

GHBActs on 2 sites in the brain: GABA receptors

and specific GHB binding siteHigh doses may result in sleep, coma, or

deathWithdrawal effects include insomnia, anxiety,

tremors and sweating

Rohypnol

RohypnolA benzodiazepine chemically similar to

valium or xanax.Not approved for this countyIndividuals using this substance often report

blackoutsCan produce tolerance and physical

dependence Lethal when mixed with other substancesMedical detox is necessary

Anabolic Steroids

SteroidsUsed legally to treat conditions resulting

from steroid hormone deficiencyCan be taken orally or injected into the

muscles or some may be applied to skinDo not have the same acute effects on brain

as other drugs-do not have the rewarding high

Does affect pathways and therefore may have significant impact on mood and behavior.

DetoxMood swings, fatigue, rest-lessness, loss of

appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and roid craving.

Most dangerous is the depression which is persistent and can lead to suicide attempts

Be careful of Roid Rage!