7th grade HEALTH- Chapter 11 9/15/2015

Transcription

1 Drugs and Alcohol Using Medicines Safely In this chapter, you will learn about Different types of medicines and their proper use. How alcohol affects the body. In this lesson, you will learn about Different types of medicines. The proper use of medicines. How to avoid misusing medicines. What drug abuse is. How you can keep the nervous system healthy. Reasons to avoid alcohol and drugs. A drug is a substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind. A medicine is a drug that prevents or cures illness or eases its symptoms. A prescription medicine is a medicine that can be used safely only with a doctor s written permission. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are ones that you can buy without a doctor s prescription. 1

2 If you see any Side effects are reactions to medicines other than the ones intended. information in GREEN then you should write it down in your notes! Using Medicines Safely Drugs and Medicines The Vocabulary terms in this lesson are: Drug. Medicine. Prescription medicine. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Side effect. A drug is a substance (other than food) that changes the structure or function of the body or mind. A medicine is a drug that prevents or cures illness or eases its symptoms. What Medicines Do Medicines are generally grouped according to the effect they have on the body or what they can do. Different types of medicines: Prevent diseases. Fight germs. Relieve pain. Treat other conditions such as cold and allergy symptoms. Types of Medicines There are two main types of medicines: Prescription medicines Non-prescription medicines Over-The-Counter (OTC) Both kinds of medicines can have side effects and should be used with caution. 2

3 Prescription Medicines The doctor s prescription shows how much of the medicine is needed and how often it should be taken. Prescription Medicine Label Only licensed pharmacists are authorized to fill prescriptions and give you the medicine to take home. Over-the-Counter Medicines Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may be bought without a doctor s prescription and are safe when used as directed. When choosing an OTC medicine, check the label to find the product s active ingredients. This helps in selecting a product that contains only the medicines you need. Safe Use of Medicines Medicines may cause side effects, which are reactions to medicines other than the ones intended. To use medicines safely, follow these guidelines: Be aware of any side effects that may lead to injury Read the label Take safety precautions Misusing Medicines To avoid misusing medicines: Take medicines only when needed. Take medicines according to directions. Do not give your prescription medicines to anyone else. Do not mix medicines without your doctor s approval. Reviewing Terms and Facts Turn to someone beside you and discuss 1. What is the difference between a drug and a medicine. A drug is a substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind. A medicine is a drug that prevents or cures illness or eases its symptoms. 3

4 Reviewing Terms and Facts Thinking Critically 2. What are the four ways in which medicines can help the body? Preventing diseases. Fighting germs. Relieving pain. Treating other health conditions. 3. What might happen if you took a medicine after its expiration date had passed? It might no longer be effective or it might have an adverse effect on you. Alcohol Use and Abuse Rate what you know about medicines, alcohol, and drugs. Take the Health Inventory for Chapter 11 at In this lesson, you will learn about How alcohol affects the body. Why people s bodies react differently to alcohol. What alcoholism is and what can be done about it. Alcohol is a drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods, especially fruits and grains. Cirrhosis is scarring and destruction of liver tissue. 4

5 Intoxicated means drunk. Alcoholism is an illness characterized by a physical and psychological need for alcohol. Alcohol Use and Abuse The Vocabulary terms in this lesson are: Alcohol. Cirrhosis. Intoxicated. Alcoholism. What Is Alcohol? Alcohol is a liquid drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods (especially fruits and grains) Alcohol is found in beer, wine, whiskey, and other beverages and it affects a person physically and mentally. Using alcohol may result in chemical dependency on this substance and cause several health problems. How Alcohol Affects the Body A person can feel the effects of alcohol just a few minutes after taking the first drink. People who drink large quantities of alcohol also risk serious long-term effects such as permanent damage to organs and even death. Harmful Effects of Alcohol Short Term Brain Impaired judgment, reasoning, memory, concentration; slowed reaction time, decreased coordination; slurred speech; distorted vision and hearing; reduced inhibitions; alcohol poisoning, causing unconsciousness and even death. Heart Increased heart rate. Liver Processes of the liver, which filters out over 90% of the alcohol in the body, may become unbalanced. Blood Vessels Enlarged blood vessels, creating false sense of warmth. Stomach Vomiting, which can lead to choking and death. Kidneys Increased urination, which can result in dehydration, headache, and dizziness. 5

6 Harmful Effects of Alcohol Long Term Differing Effects Brain Brain cell destruction, nervous system disorders, and memory loss. Heart Irregular heartbeat, heart muscle damage. Liver Cirrhosis, or scarring and destruction of liver tissue, and liver cancer. Both can cause death. Blood Vessels High blood pressure; stroke. Stomach Ulcers (open sores) in the stomach lining; stomach cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, the more he or she will be affected. Other factors that determine how a person will be affected by alcohol include the following: Size and gender Food in the stomach How fast a person drinks Other substances, such as illegal drugs, in the body Kidneys Kidney failure resulting from high blood pressure. Drinking and Driving Say No to Alcohol Even one alcoholic beverage begins to impair coordination and can make driving unsafe. The more alcohol a person drinks, the more dangerous he or she is behind the wheel. Slower reaction times and impaired judgment make drunk drivers dangerous to other drivers and pedestrians. Drunk drivers are said to be driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Driving drunk is illegal. Alcoholism Alcoholism is an illness characterized by a physical and psychological need for alcohol. Alcoholics are unable to limit the amount they drink. They develop a tolerance for alcohol and need to drink more and more alcohol to experience its effects. Alcoholism A person may be alcoholic if he or she: Becomes drunk often. Drinks alone. Stops participating in other activities so that he or she can drink. Makes excuses for drinking. Promises to quit but does not. Refuses to admit how much he or she drinks. Experiences blackouts. 6

7 Reviewing Terms and Facts Thinking Critically 1. Define the term alcohol. Alcohol is a drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods, especially fruits and grains. 3. Explain how chemical dependency on alcohol negatively impacts health. Drug Use and Abuse In this lesson, you will learn about What drug abuse is. How different drugs affect the body. Illegal drugs are substances it is against the law for people if any age to manufacture, possess, buy, or sell. Drug abuse is the use of a drug for nonmedical purposes. Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body s functions. 7

8 Amphetamines are strong stimulant drugs that speed up the nervous system. Depressants are drugs that slow down the body s functions and reactions, including heart and breathing rates. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and dull the senses. Hallucinogens are drugs that distort moods, thoughts, and senses. Drug Use and Abuse The Vocabulary terms in this lesson are: Illegal drugs. Inhalants are substances whose fumes are breathed in to produce mind-altering sensations. Drug abuse. Stimulants. Amphetamines. Depressants. Narcotics. Hallucinogens. Inhalants. 8

9 What Is Drug Abuse? What Is Drug Abuse? Some drugs have no medical use. These illegal drugs are substances it is against the law for people of any age to manufacture, possess, buy, or sell. Illegal drugs damage the user s mind and body. When people use illegal drugs, or when they intentionally misuse legal drugs for nonmedical purposes, this is drug abuse. For example, when people take someone else s prescription pills, they are abusing drugs. Types of Drugs Types of Drugs and Substances 1. Stimulants Amphetamines Cocaine 2. Depressants Alcohol Barbiturates Tranquilizers 3. Narcotics Morphine Codeine Heroin 4. Hallucinogens PCP (angel dust) Ecstasy LSD (acid) 5. Inhalant Gasoline Spray paint Drug/ Substance Narcotics Hallucinogens Examples Heroin, morphine, codeine Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, acid) Characteristics Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and dull the senses. Abuse damages the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. Users of hallucinogens may become disoriented, less sensitive to pain, and violent. They may also lose control. Other Types of Drugs and Substances (cont d.) Drug/ Substance Club Drugs Inhalants Examples Ecstasy (X, MDMA), GHB (G, liquid Ecstasy), Rohypnol (Roofie), Ketamine (special K, Vitamin K) Glue, gasoline, spray paint Characteristics Club drugs are illegal drugs that were originally available mostly in nightclubs or at all-night dance parties called raves. Inhalants can cause nausea, dizziness, mental confusion, and loss of motor skills. Inhaled poisons go directly to the brain, where they can cause permanent damage or even death. Stimulants Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body s functions. Effects of stimulants include the following: Increase in heart rate Increase breathing rate Increase in blood pressure False sense of energy and power 9

10 Stimulants Amphetamines The use of stimulants can: Cause addiction. Affect the body in unpredictable ways and can even lead to death. Cause exhaustion and emotional unbalance as the effects wear off. Stimulants that are commonly misused are amphetamines, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Amphetamines are used to treat obesity, sleep disorders, and attention disorders in children. All other uses are illegal. Long-term use of amphetamines can lead to Severe mental problems Seizures Death Amphetamines come in many forms and can be swallowed, inhaled, smoked, or injected. Amphetamines The dangers of amphetamines include: Increased aggressiveness Mental illness Headaches Stroke Physical collapse Heart attack Brain seizures Irregular heartbeat Death Depressants Most depressants come in the form of tablets or capsules and are swallowed. Doctors sometimes prescribe depressants to treat patients who are experiencing anxiety, muscle spasms, or sleeplessness. However, taking someone else s prescribed medicine is illegal. Depressants Effects of depressants include the following: Impair coordination and judgment and cause sleepiness. Make users physically and psychologically dependent. Cause depression and mood swings. Cause coma and death if combined with alcohol. Marijuana Marijuana is a drug made from the hemp plant. It is usually smoked and is often the first illegal drug that teens use. This mood-altering drug is also called pot or weed. 10

11 Effects of Marijuana Use The Dangers of Drug Use Inability to think or speak clearly Difficulty paying attention Loss of short-term memory Lack of coordination, slowed reaction time Increased heart rate and appetite Unusual sensitivity to sights and sounds Sadness or fearfulness Problems with normal body development in young users Damage to lung tissue and the immune cells that fight cancer Feelings of anxiety and panic Possible psychological dependence Possible inability to have children Drugs can cause brain damage, coma, and death. Sharing needles when injecting heroin or other drugs can spread HIV or hepatitis. A person under the influence of a drug cannot think clearly. Reviewing Terms and Facts 1. Define the terms illegal drugs and drug abuse. Illegal drugs are substances it is against the law for people of any age to manufacture, possess, buy, or sell. Drug abuse is the use of a drug for nonmedical purposes. Reviewing Terms and Facts 2. How do stimulants differ from depressants? Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body s functions. Depressants are drugs that slow down the body s functions and reactions. Thinking Critically Avoiding Alcohol and Other Drugs Turn to someone beside you and discuss 3. What advice would you give to a friend who was thinking about taking amphetamines so that she could stay awake to study for a test? In this lesson, you will learn about How alcohol and drug use poses risks to your physical, mental/emotional, and social health. Reasons to avoid alcohol and drugs. Alternatives to using alcohol and drugs. Reasons to say no to alcohol and drugs. 11

12 Avoiding Alcohol and Other Drugs The Vocabulary term in this lesson is: Assertive. Assertive means willing to stand up for yourself in a firm but positive way. Understanding the Risks People who drink alcohol or take other drugs expose themselves to serious and deadly physical, mental/emotional, and social harm. Being aware of the consequences of alcohol and drug use can help you: Stay away from risk situations. Make the right decision if you find yourself in a risk situation. Feel confident about choosing not to use alcohol or drugs. Physical Risks Negative effects of alcohol and drug use on physical health may include: Short-term effects such as dizziness and vomiting Long-term effects such as brain damage Delayed physical development. Increased risk of accidental injuries Increased health risks due to impaired judgment Physical Risks Risks to the Unborn Reduced strength Low energy levels Slowed reflexes Loss of physical coordination Difficulty walking, running, dancing, and playing sports Muscle twitches and cramps Use of alcohol or other drugs by pregnant females can result in: Serious diseases and birth defects in the fetus. Delays in development and learning disabilities. Addiction to drugs at birth. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (which causes developmental delays and psychological and behavioral problems) Decreased endurance 12

13 Mental/Emotional Risks Mental/Emotional Effects The psychological consequences of substance use are very serious: Drug and alcohol users often feel bad about themselves and have trouble relating to others. The ability to think and learn is impaired by alcohol and drug use. Addiction Trouble communicating Depression Lack of concentration Anxiety Loss of inhibitions Reduced ambition Suicide Confusion Irritability Anger Poor judgment Loss of memory Inability to solve problems Social Risks Drug and alcohol use has many social risks: Experience mood swings and personality changes. Lose control over their behavior, which can strain or end relationships. Lose interest in family and friends. End friendships or lie to cover up their addictions. Risks in School Turn to someone beside you and discuss What problems could middle school students who use alcohol or other drugs have in school? Be late or miss school often. Low grades because they are unable to pay attention. Behave in ways that get them suspended or expelled. Miss the opportunity to be involved in school activities. Let down classmates or teammates because of poor performance. Lose the chance to learn new skills and develop their abilities. Fail to meet long-term goals. Risks to the Family Someone who abuses alcohol or drugs may: Fail to nurture other family members. Become violent and hurt other family members. Spend time away from home and be moody and unpredictable. Lie or steal to support the habit. Lose his or her job or fail to fulfill other responsibilities. Risks with the Law It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy or possess alcohol. Adults who sell alcohol to anyone under 21 are also breaking the law. An underage person who is caught driving while intoxicated will lose his or her license. Anyone who buys, sells, or possesses illegal substances can be arrested, fined, and sentenced to a detention center. 13

14 Getting Help Refusing to Use Alcohol and Drugs To get help for yourself, a friend, or family member who has an alcohol or drug problem: Talk to trusted adults like parents, teachers, religious leaders, or counselors. You can turn to organizations that offer counseling and treatment. Peer pressure is one of the main reasons that teens use alcohol or drugs. An effective way to deal with peer pressure is to avoid social situations where substance use might take place. When you cannot avoid these situations be assertive and use effective refusal skills. Reasons to Avoid Alcohol and Drugs There are many good reasons to avoid alcohol and drugs. Remind yourself: Alcohol and drugs can harm my health. I do not show respect for myself if I use alcohol or drugs. My future means too much to me to ruin it. I d rather be in control of what I do. Alcohol and drugs can take away my energy. Using alcohol or drugs means breaking the law. My true friends don t try to convince me to use drugs. Reviewing Terms and Facts 1. Define the term assertive. Assertive means willing to stand up for yourself in a firm but positive way. 14