Introduction to Drugs

1
Introduction to Drugs
2
Drugs in America

• Is there a problem?
• National Drug Control Strategy
• Plan to decrease drug use and availability in
  half in 10 yrs.

3
Definitions

• Drug
• Mind and behavior changing substance
• Any substance that changes the bodys ability to
  function or the structure of an organism
• Changes the ways a person thinks, feels, and acts
• Can be
• Legal
• Illegal

4
Definitions cont.

• Medicines
• A drug substance use to diagnose, prevent, cure,
  or treat a disease or illness
• Or to relieve pain
• Types
• Over the Counter (OTC)
• Prescription
• Often used wrongfully

5
Psychoactive Drugs

• Mind altering
• Classifications
• CNS depressant alcohol, barbituates, tranqs.
• CNS stimulant caffeine, cocaine, nicotine
• Limbic center depressant antidepressants
• Psychedelic/Hallucinogenic LSD, marijuana
• Narcotic pain medications
• Controlled Substances Act (1970)
• Classification of mind altering drugs

6
More Definitions

• Drug use drug taking behavior
• Drug misuse inappropriate use of OTC or
  prescription drugs
• Drug abuse
• Use of any illegal drug or uses a legal drug in a
  way that is detrimental to health
• Continuous use of a mind-changing chemical
  substance for non-medical reasons

7
Drug Problems are People Problems

• Affects all people
• Health related consequences
• Delay seeking medical attention
• Dont use other problem-solving techniques
• Toxic reaction
• Panic / Flashback
• Dependence

8
Are we winning the war on drugs?