Drugs and Their Affect on Society

1
Drugs and Their Affect on Society

• Positive effects of drugs
• Negative effects of drugs
• Why people abuse drugs
• How to avoid the misuse of drugs

2
Benefits of drugs

• Drugs can be used to fight and cure disease.
• Some drugs are used as painkillers.
• Drugs can be used to overcome other physical
  ailments a person may have.

3
Negative drugs Cocaine

• What is it? Cocaine is an illegal drug that
  falls under the classification of stimulants. It
  comes from the coca plant which grows in many
  areas of South America.

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Cocaine

• What effects does it have on the body? Cocaine
  speeds up the brain and nervous system. Heart
  rate, blood pressure, and pulse all go up. It
  can cause people to see things. It can also
  cause heart attacks, strokes and seizures.
  Insomnia is a common effect.
• It gives the user a feeling of well-being and
  strength.
• It may make a person feel happy and excited.

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Cocaine

• Is it addicting?
• Cocaine users can become very dependent on the
  drug. Persons may feel physical and mental
  withdrawal symptoms.

• Does it have any positive uses?
• Cocaine is illegal, but it has been used to numb
  the eye before surgery.

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Cocaine

• What are some other names it is called?
• Coke, snow, toot, white lady, blow
• How is it taken?
• It is sniffed or snorted through the nose. It
  can be injected. If it is smoked it is called
  freebasing.
• What form does it come in?
• White crystals or powder. It is odorless

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Why do people abuse drugs?

• They dont follow doctors directions.
• They have a low self esteem.
• They become addicted and then cant stop.
• They are influenced by friends.
• They think, nothing will happen.

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Positive Decision Making

• How to keep myself safe and healthy?

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What Are Healthy Decisions?
Get involved in activities. Participation in sports. Play in a band or orchestra.
Choose friends that are drug free. Learn how to say no. Have a trusted adult you can talk to.
Be honest with yourself and others. Be aware of consequences and accept them. Dont drink and drive.
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Resources

• Microsoft Encarta 2001, Malcolm, Coe, Oxford
  Scientific films. Coca Plant
• www.healthfinder.gov
• http//substanceabuse.about.com/cs/cocaine/
• Merki, Mary Bronson, Teen Health.
  Pgs461-462.Glencoe/McGraw-Hill 1999