Module 2

Introduction
This module tackles the following topics: A brief history and background of drug abuse A description of drug abuse and the most commonly abused drugs The effects that different drugs have on the body as well as their short and long term consequences The reasons that people take drugs

Brief History
Cannabis or marijuana was grown in

China from as early as 4,000 BC Cocaine has been known to be worshipped by the Aztecs and Incas from South America Drugs can be grouped based on their effects: downers or depressants, and uppers or stimulants

: Involves the repeated and excessive use of

chemical substances to achieve a certain effect

: being abnormally tolerant to

and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs) when a persons reaction to a drug decreases and larger doses are required to achieve the same effect

: Occurs

: Involves compulsion to continue

using the substance despite the negative consequences

What are UPPERS and DOWNERS ?

UPPERS or STIMULANTS- Induces temporary

improvements in either mental or physical function or both. It enhances alertness, awareness, wakefulness, endurance, productivity, and motivation, increased arousal, locomotion, heart rate, and blood pressure, and diminished need for food and sleep. Many stimulants are also capable of improving mood and relieving anxiety, and some can even induce feelings of euphoria.

 DOWNERS or DEPRESSANTS-decreases mental and/or physical function, are in stark contrast to stimulants.

muscle relaxation, lowered blood pressure/heart rate, respiratory depression, moist mouth, weight Gain, and asleep. Some are also capable of inducing feelings of euphoria.

What are the Most Commonly Abused Drugs?

1.
Valium

:
Codeine
Tylenol Demerol Morphine

Immediate Effects
Euphoria

Pain relief
Slowed breathing

Increased pulse rate

Nausea Lowered blood pressure Lowered body temperature

2.

:
Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa)

Shabu (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride)

Ecstasy

(Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA) Others (Opiates/ Narcotics, Bangkok Pills, Cocaine, Sedatives)

 Marijuana, or Cannabis

Sativa, is most often rolled into a joint and smoked like a cigarette Marijuana is generally classified as a downer When smoked, effects generally last from one to three hours

Immediate Effects:
Distorted perceptions (sights, sounds,

time, touch) Problems with memory Loss of coordination Trouble with problem-solving Reduced blood pressure

Long Term Effects:

Increased risk of chronic pulmonary

disorders, including cancer Decrease in testosterone levels for men Increase in testosterone levels for women Lower sperm counts and difficulty having children in men Increased risk of infertility in women Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure

Marijuana: Did you know?

While marijuana is illegal in the Philippines, some

countries such as the US and Canada the use of the plant for . Cannabis is indicated for and , stimulating hunger in chemotherapy and patients and for the treatment of due to its lowering of intraocular pressure, as well as a nonaddictive general analgesic or painkiller. Individual studies also have been conducted indicating cannabis to be beneficial to several other conditions running from to .

 Shabu, or Methamphetamine,

is considered an upper Users may become hypersexual or obsessed with a task, thought or activity Withdrawal is characterized by excessive sleeping, eating, depression, anxiety and drugcraving

Immediate Effects:
Anorexia
Hyperactivity Dilated pupils

Flushing
Restlessness Dry mouth

Headache

Long Term Effects

Dependence and addiction psychosis Paranoia Hallucinations Mood disturbances Repetitive motor activity

 Stroke Weight loss Tooth decay Rapid heart rate Hyperthermia (elevated

body temperature) Inflammation of the heart lining Death

the different parts of the body and how they are affected by shabu

 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

(MDMA) with its street name ecstasy is a psychoactive drug It produces entactogenic, psychedelic, and stimulant effects It also induces a sense of intimacy with others and diminished feelings of fear and anxiety, hence making the drug of choice in clubs, parties and discos

Immediate Effects:
Reduced insecurity, defensiveness, and fear of emotional

injury Decreased irritability, aggression, anger, and jealousy A sense of increased insightfulness and introspection Mild psychedelia (colors and sounds are enhanced, mild closed-eye visuals, improved pattern recognition, etc) Enhanced tactile sensations (touching, hugging, and sex for example all feel better) Mental and physical euphoria A sense of general well-being and contentedness Decreased negative emotion and behavior such as stress, anxiety, fear, and paranoia

The long term effects of this drug have not been studied in detail, although initial research shows that ecstasy reduces the levels of serotonin (the hormone responsible for making a person feel happy) and other chemicals in the brain, possibly leading to depression.

 Opiates, sometimes called narcotics,

are a group of drugs that are used medically to relieve pain, but have a high potential for abuse. Some opiates come from a resin taken from the seedpod of the Asian poppy. Opiates that are commonly abused are Opium, Morphine, Codeine, and synthesized or manufactured opiates.

Opium poppy flower

SHORT TERM EFFECTS: Rush of euphoria, an increase in body temperature, dry mouth, and a heavy feeling in their limbs. The user then spends the next few hours alternating from a wakeful to a drowsy state. LONG TERM EFFECTS:

May develop collapsed veins, infections in their heart and valves, and liver disease. Because opiates depress respiration, pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia.

 One of the latest drugs out in the market today is the infamous Bangkok pills. These pills are not registered with

the Bureau of Food and Drugs, which is why they are not legally allowed to be placed on the local market, because of the unsafe combination of substances in the product.

Did you know?? Bangkok pills contains Ephedrine is an asthma drug that is structurally similar to amphetamines or "speed". It is found in its natural form, ephedra, in the Chinese herb ma huang. The drug's stimulant effect increases heart rate, metabolic rate and alertness; Fenfluramine and phentermine are the infamous duo otherwise known as "fen-phen which results to the same effect of Ephidrine.

 Cocaine is a drug from the

leaves of the Coca plant, a shrub that originated in South America. This drug affects the central nervous system as a stimulant ( upper).

SHORT TERM EFFECTS:

Increased blood pressure, Constricted blood vessels, Dilated pupils, Mental alertness, Increased energy, Increased heart rate, Decreased appetite & Increased temperature. LONG TERM EFFECTS: Some of the these complications include heart disease, heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, and gastrointestinal problems. Other physical symptoms include convulsions, nausea, blurred vision, chest pain, fever, muscle spasms, and coma.

 Sedative-hypnotics such as

tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and sedatives are drugs, which depress or slow down body functions or they are considered as depressants (downers). These drugs can be dangerous when not taken according to physician's instructions.

Taking drugs is much more common among people from broken homes, and those at risk from drugs range from as young as 7 to 17 years old.

Ones peer group or barkada has a huge influence on the choices that one makes. The role of the barkada becomes all the more important for teens who come from broken families, as they feel that they closer ties to their group than to their family. A common quote illustrates this way of thinking:

Some people say the taking drugs makes them feel good and so they are able to forget their problems in life. However, not only do drugs fail to solve the problems that are causing stress in the first place, they also create problems that always make the situation worse.

Young people have a natural tendency to want to try new things. While this inquisitive nature in itself is not harmful, it can lead to drug abuse if a child or teenager does not get the proper information about drugs and their harmful effects.

The role that the community plays is important. Factors such as the accessibility of drugs and the general tolerance or acceptance of drug use in a community can contribute to a person taking drugs. The media has a part to play in influencing decisions regarding alcohol and other drug use.