The Health Risks of Drug Use

Illegal Drug Use

Can include both substance abuse and illicit drug use.

Substance Abuse: Any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances

for non-medical purposes.

Illicit Drug Use: The use OR sale of any substance that is illegal or otherwise
not permitted.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Illegal Drug Use

Can include both substance abuse and illicit drug use.

Substance Abuse: Any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances

for non-medical purposes.

Illicit Drug Use: The use OR sale of any substance that is illegal or otherwise
not permitted.

Illicit drug use involves unlawful sale of legal or illegal drugs. Substance
abuse refers to personal use, not sale.
Both can involve using illegal drugs or abusing legal drugs. They are both
life-threatening.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Factors that influence teenage substance abuse:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Factors that influence teenage substance abuse:

• Peer pressure
• Family members
• Role models
• Media messages
• Perceptions of drug behavior
• Misleading information
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Effects on Physical Health:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Effects on Physical Health:

• Risk of overdose
• Hepatitis B infection
• HIV infection
• Increased likelihood of engaging in risk behaviors
• Increased risk for unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted
disease
• Danger to personal safety via crime and/or violence
• Increased risk of suicide
• Unintentional injuries
• Death
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Effects on Mental Health:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Effects on Mental Health:

• Impairment of ability to think and reason.

• Lowered inhibitions.
• Alteration of the brain’s structure and function.
• May act in ways that go against one’s values.
• Increased risk of depression and suicide
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Effects on Social Health:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Effects on Social Health:

• Damage to reputation
• Loss of friendships
• Damage to relationships with family members
• Legal consequences
• Suspension/Expulsion from school
• Loss of employment/inability to secure future employment
• Financial burden
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
The Cycle of Addiction
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
The Cycle of Addiction

• Tolerance: The body becomes accustomed to the drug, so the user

needs to take more of it in order to feel its effects.
• Psychological dependence: The user feels that he or she needs the
drug in order to feel good or function normally (addiction of the
mind).
• Physiological dependence: The user’s body develops a chemical need
for the drug. When the effects of the drug wear off, withdrawal
symptoms or possible death occur (addiction of the body).
• Addiction: An addict continues to use a drug regularly and
compulsively, even while knowing it to be harmful.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
The Cycle of Addiction

• Tolerance: The body becomes accustomed to the drug, so the user needs to
take more of it in order to feel its effects.
• Psychological dependence: The user feels that he or she needs the drug in
order to feel good or function normally (addiction of the mind).
• Physiological dependence: The user’s body develops a chemical need for the
drug. When the effects of the drug wear off, withdrawal symptoms or
possible death occur (addiction of the body).
• Addiction: An addict continues to use a drug regularly and compulsively,
even while knowing it to be harmful.

Because addiction involves both psychological and physiological dependence,

addicts have great difficulty ending their drug use on their own. Professional
intervention is often necessary to help them stop using illegal drugs.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
True or False: Drugs can help people escape from their problems.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
True or False: Drugs can help people escape from their problems.

FALSE.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
True or False: Drugs can help people escape from their problems.

FALSE.

The reality is that drugs actually create more problems, which affect all
aspects of the user’s health. On top of that, the dangers of drug use are
not limited to the user. Drug abuse can also harm the user’s friends and
family, as well as society as a whole.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of illegal drug use to the user’s family:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of illegal drug use to the user’s family:

• Damaged relationships
• Emotional burdens
• Financial burdens
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of pregnant women illegally using drugs:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of pregnant women illegally using drugs:

• Drugs (and their harmful effects) are passed to the unborn child
• Increased risk of birth defects
• Increased risk of behavioral problems
• Possible addiction
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of pregnant women illegally using drugs:

• Drugs (and their harmful effects) are passed to the unborn child
• Increased risk of birth defects
• Increased risk of behavioral problems
• Possible addiction

Anything that enters the woman’s body when she is pregnant is passed
on to her unborn child
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of illegal drug use to society:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of illegal drug use to society:

• Drug-related crime and violence.

• Drug-related auto accidents causing injuries and deaths.
• Drug abuse costs the United States an estimated $180 billion per
year resulting from:
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
Consequences of illegal drug use to society:

• Drug-related crime and violence.

• Drug-related auto accidents causing injuries and deaths.
• Drug abuse costs the United States an estimated $180 billion per
year resulting from:
lost work hours and productivity due to drug-related illnesses, jail time,
accidents, and deaths.
health care costs and legal fees.
law enforcement costs and insurance costs due to drug-related damages,
injuries, and deaths.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
True or False: The consequences of drug abuse are 100 percent
preventable.
 The Health Risks of Drug Use
True or False: The consequences of drug abuse are 100 percent
preventable.

TRUE.

By choosing a drug-free lifestyle, you avoid these consequences, both for

yourself and for others.
 Marijuana
Many U.S. states have decriminalized the use of marijuana. Other states
have passed laws legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Does this mean that recreational marijuana use is safe? Yes or no?
Explain WHY.
 Marijuana
Many U.S. states have decriminalized the use of marijuana. Other states
have passed laws legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Does this mean that recreational marijuana use is safe? Yes or no?
Explain WHY.

No. Like other legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, there are
many potential side effects that are harmful to your health.
Marijuana
Laws 2024
UPDATED

Accurate as of November 2024

 Michigan Law

In 2018, a law was passed to authorize and legalize:

• possession, use and cultivation of marijuana products by

individuals who are at least 21 years of age and older

• commercial sales of marijuana through state-licensed

retailers.
 Michigan Law
This law:

• Allows individuals 21 and older to purchase, possess and use marijuana and
marijuana-infused edibles, and grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal
consumption.

• Imposes a 10-ounce limit for marijuana kept at residences and requires amounts
over 2.5 ounces be secured in locked containers.

• Creates a state licensing system for marijuana businesses and allows municipalities
to ban or restrict them.

• Permits retail sales of marijuana and edibles subject to a 10% tax, dedicated to
implementation costs, clinical trials, schools, roads, and municipalities where
marijuana businesses are located.

• Changes several current violations from crimes to civil infractions.

 Marijuana
Physical health consequences of marijuana use:
 Marijuana
Physical health consequences of marijuana use:

• Users face the same health risks as tobacco smokers.

• Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing chemicals than
tobacco smoke.
• Damage to the immune system.
• Interference with sperm production .
• Lowers levels of testosterone in men.
• Lung irritation, coughing
• Heart and lung damage
• Increased risk of lung cancer
Marijuana
 Marijuana
Marijuana’s effect on dopamine:
 Marijuana
Marijuana’s effect on dopamine:

In some users, marijuana raises levels of a brain chemical called

dopamine that produces feelings of pleasure. In some users, marijuana
triggers the release of so much dopamine that the user reaches a state
of intense well-being or elation, known as a “high.” This is what brings
many users to desire a continual use of the drug while disregarding its
harmful side effects.
 Marijuana
Mental/emotional health consequences of marijuana use:
 Marijuana
Mental/emotional health consequences of marijuana use:

• Slowed mental reflexes.

• Distorted perception.
• Difficulty thinking/concentrating and problem solving.
• Loss of coordination/dizziness
• Feelings of anxiety
• Fatigue.
• Memory loss.
• Hallucinations and paranoia.
• Slowed reaction time.
 Marijuana
Effects of marijuana use that can impair driving:
 Marijuana
Effects of marijuana use that can impair driving:

• Impaired depth perception

• increased/slowed reaction time
• Impaired judgment
• Fatigue/sleepiness
• Slowed reflexes
 Marijuana
True or False: A person can be charged with DUI only when they drive
under the influence of alcohol.
 Marijuana
True or False: A person can be charged with DUI only when they drive
under the influence of alcohol.

FALSE.
 Marijuana
True or False: A person can be charged with DUI only when they drive
under the influence of alcohol.

FALSE.

The penalties for driving under the influence of any drug—including

marijuana— are the same as for driving under the influence of alcohol.
If a driver under the influence kills or injures another person, the driver
may also experience devastating emotional consequences.
State Law (Marijuana & Driving)
 More Information…
• State Police See Crashes Linked to Recreational Marijuana (9&10 News – Northern MI)
https://www.9and10news.com/2021/04/22/state-police-see-crashes-linked-to-recreational-marijuana/

• Daily Marijuana Use And Highly Potent Weed Linked To Psychosis (NPR):
• https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/03/19/704948217/daily-marijuana-use-and-highly-pote
nt-weed-linked-to-psychosis

• Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence (Hillsdale College):

https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/marijuana-mental-illness-violence/
More Information…
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol (CBD)
 Inhalants
Inhalants: Substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled to give a
mind-altering effect.

Examples:
 Inhalants
Inhalants: Substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled to give a
mind-altering effect.

Examples:
• Solvents
• Aerosols
• Glues
• Paints
• Varnishes
• Gasoline
 Inhalants
Immediate effects of inhalant abuse:
 Inhalants
Immediate effects of inhalant abuse:

• Glassy stare
• Slurred speech
• Impaired judgment
• Lack of coordination
• Nausea
• Coughing
• Nosebleeds
• Fatigue
 Inhalants
Long-term effects of inhalant abuse:
 Inhalants
Long-term effects of inhalant abuse:

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Blindness
• Brain damage
• Paralysis
• Cardiac arrest
• Death
 Steroids
Anabolic-androgenic steroids: Synthetic substances that are similar to
male sex hormones (testosterone); usually used to promote muscle
growth.
 Steroids
Negative consequences of using anabolic-androgenic steroids:

• Unnatural muscle growth

• Increased likelihood of injury
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Liver and kidney tumors
• HIV or hepatitis B infection due to non-sterile needle injection
• Violent behavior (“’Roid Rage”)
• Extreme mood swings
• Depression

(more on next slide)

 Steroids
Negative consequences of using anabolic-androgenic steroids
(continued):

• Paranoia
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Reduced sperm count
• Interferes with normal/healthy hormonal balance
• Increased risk of prostate cancer
• Expulsion from a team or from an event
• Monetary fines
• Tarnished reputation
 Steroids
True or False: Steroids, while potentially harmful, are legal to possess.
 Steroids
True or False: Steroids, while potentially harmful, are legal to possess.

FALSE.
 Steroids
True or False: Steroids, while potentially harmful, are legal to possess.

FALSE.

It is illegal to purchase or possess steroids without a prescription. It

is illegal to use steroids for any nonmedical use. It is illegal to sell
steroids. Violators may face legal consequences including jail time.
 Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive Drugs:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Psychoactive Drugs: Chemicals that affect the central nervous system
and alter activity in the brain.
 Psychoactive Drugs
Categories:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Categories:

1. Stimulants
2. Depressants
3. Hallucinogens
4. Opiates
 Psychoactive Drugs
“Club Drugs”:
 Psychoactive Drugs
“Club Drugs”:

Various drugs found at concerts and clubs. These drugs can be disguised
in foods or slipped into drinks and taken without a person’s knowledge.

Examples:
 Psychoactive Drugs
“Club Drugs”:

Various drugs found at concerts and clubs. These drugs can be disguised
in foods or slipped into drinks and taken without a person’s knowledge.

Examples:
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Rohypnol (“Roofies”)
• GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)
• Prescription Cough Syrup containing Codeine
• Ketamine
• Methamphetamine (“Meth”)
• LSD (Acid)
 Psychoactive Drugs
Many “club drugs” are also this type of drug, which may be several
hundred thousand times stronger than the drugs they imitate. (Which
type?)
 Psychoactive Drugs
Many “club drugs” are also designer drugs, which may be several
hundred thousand times stronger than the drugs they imitate.
 Psychoactive Drugs
“Date Rape” Drugs
 Psychoactive Drugs
“Date Rape” Drugs

Commonly used examples:

• Rohypnol (“Roofies”)
• Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)
• Alcohol
 Psychoactive Drugs
Dangers of stimulant drugs:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Dangers of stimulant drugs:

• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Paranoia
• Aggressive behavior
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Liver failure
• Seizures
• Death
 Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulant Drug Examples:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulant Drug Examples:

• Ecstasy
• Methamphetamine (Meth)
• Crack
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines (Adderall)
 Psychoactive Drugs
Dangers of depressant drugs:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Dangers of depressant drugs:

• Slow heart rate

• Slow breathing rates
• Low blood pressure
• Shallow breathing
• Weak or rapid pulse
• Coma
• Death
 Psychoactive Drugs
Depressant Drug Examples:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Depressant Drug Examples:

• Rohypnol
• GHB
• Prescription cough syrup containing Codeine
• Barbiturates
• Tranquilizers
 Psychoactive Drugs
TRUE or FALSE: Taking a depressant after taking a stimulant will cancel
out its effects, rendering the drugs in your system harmless.
 Psychoactive Drugs
TRUE or FALSE: Taking a depressant after taking a stimulant will cancel
out its effects, rendering the drugs in your system harmless.

FALSE.

Taking these two types of drugs simultaneously can actually increase the
side effects of these drugs and carries a high risk of irregular heart
rhythm and heart attack or heart failure.
 Psychoactive Drugs
How do hallucinogenic drugs actually cause a person to hallucinate?
 Psychoactive Drugs
How do hallucinogenic drugs actually cause a person to hallucinate?

Hallucinogens overload the sensory controls in the brain, causing

confusion, intensified sensations, and hallucinations. This altered mental
state can last for several hours or several days.
 Psychoactive Drugs
Examples of hallucinogenic drugs:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Examples of hallucinogenic drugs:

• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Ketamine
• LSD (“Acid”)
• PCP (“Angel Dust”)
• Dextromethorphan (DXM)
• Psilocybin (Mushrooms)
• Mescaline (Peyote Cactus)
 Psychoactive Drugs
Opiates

What is the legitimate, medical use for opiates?

 Psychoactive Drugs
Opiates

What is the legitimate, medical use for opiates?

The legitimate, medical use of opiates is for pain relief. When these
drugs are used as prescribed by a health care professional, they can be
very effective.
 Psychoactive Drugs
Negative consequences of opiate abuse:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Negative consequences of opiate abuse:

• Dulled senses
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Convulsions
• Addiction
• Coma
• Death
 Psychoactive Drugs
Opiates

Examples:
 Psychoactive Drugs
Opiates

Examples:

• Codeine
• Oxycodone
• Morphine
• Heroin
• Fentanyl
https://www.wxyz.com/news/7-in-depth/our-biggest-drug-problem-police-finding-meth-fentanyl-at-alarming-rates
LINK: 90+ pounds of fentanyl seized from Detroit gas station owner, investigators
say (fox2detroit.com)
 Fentanyl Is Killing American Kids.
Most Don’t Even Know They’re Taking It.

LINK:
https://www.thefp.com/p/fentanyl-is-killing-american-kids
 Tucson CBP agents seizing enough
fentanyl, meth to kill billions of people

Border Patrol agents found fentanyl hidden in a hamburger.

LINK:
https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/tucson-cbp-ag
ents-seizing-enough-fentanyl-meth-kill-billions-people
 More Information…
• DEA Facts about Fentanyl: https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl

• Michigan sees spike in opioid-related overdose deaths during pandemic (WXYZ - Detroit)
https://www.wxyz.com/news/michigan-sees-spike-in-opioid-related-overdose-deaths-during-pandemic

• 2020 was the worst year for drug overdoses in recorded history, according to new CDC data
(WXYZ - Detroit):
• https://www.wxyz.com/rebound/coronavirus-stress/2020-was-the-worst-year-for-drug-overdoses-in-recor
ded-history-according-to-new-cdc-data
Edible Marijuana
LINK:
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2024/05/02/vitti-issues-p
lea-to-target-edible-marijuana-use-by-students-in-school/73546359007/
 Adderall
• Adderall is the brand name for the medicinal amphetamine used to treat ADHD & narcolepsy;
it is generally well-tolerated.

• At therapeutic doses, Adderall causes emotional and cognitive effects including increased
wakefulness and improved cognitive control. It can also induce physical effects such as a faster
reaction time, fatigue resistance, and increased muscle strength.

• In contrast, much larger doses of Adderall can impair cognitive control, cause rapid muscle
breakdown, provoke panic attacks, or induce psychosis (e.g., paranoia, delusions,
hallucinations). The side effects of Adderall vary widely among individuals, but most
commonly include insomnia, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

• The risk of developing an addiction or

dependence is insignificant when Adderall is
used as prescribed at fairly low daily doses;
however, the routine use of Adderall in larger
daily doses poses a significant risk of
addiction or dependence. Recreational doses
of amphetamine are generally much larger
than prescribed therapeutic doses and carry a
far greater risk of serious adverse effects.
 Kratom
• Kratom consumption is up in the U.S. despite warnings of addiction
(freep.com)
 Living Drug Free
TRUE or FALSE: Over 60 percent of students try marijuana during their
four years of high school.
 Living Drug Free
TRUE or FALSE: Over 60 percent of students try marijuana during their
four years of high school.

FALSE.

Almost 62 percent of high school students have never tried marijuana.

 Living Drug Free
Strategies that can help you live a drug-free lifestyle:
 Living Drug Free
Strategies that can help you live a drug-free lifestyle:

• Choose friends who share your attitude about drug use

• Avoid places where drugs are available
• Use refusal skills
• Take part in drug-free activities
 Living Drug Free
Healthy alternatives to drug use:
 Living Drug Free
Healthy alternatives to drug use:

• Hobbies
• Physical activity
• Community activities
• School organizations
 Living Drug Free
In what ways are schools and communities working together to support
students in their efforts to be drug-free?
 Living Drug Free
In what ways are schools and communities working together to support
students in their efforts to be drug-free?

• Drug Watches
• Drug-Free School Zones
 Living Drug Free
Behaviors that may indicate that a person has a drug abuse problem:
 Living Drug Free
Behaviors that may indicate that a person has a drug abuse problem:

• Lies about the drugs he or she is using

• Constantly talks about drugs
• Stops participating in activities that once were an important part of his or her life
• Changes eating or sleeping habits
• Shows rapid weight loss
• Takes unnecessary risks
• Participates in unsafe behaviors
• Gets in trouble with authorities (school administrators/police)
• Seems withdrawn, depressed, or tired
• Cares less about their personal appearance
• Has red-rimmed eyes and runny nose not related to colds or allergies
• Has blackouts and forgets what he or she did under the influence
• Has difficulty concentrating
 Living Drug Free
What steps can you take to help guide a friend or family member who is
showing signs of drug use?
 Living Drug Free
What steps can you take to help guide a friend or family member who is
showing signs of drug use?

• Identify sources of help in your community.

• Talk to the person when he or she is sober. Express your affection
and concern, and describe the person’s behavior without being
judgmental.
• Listen to the person’s response. Be prepared for anger and denial.
 Living Drug Free
What is the name of the facility that is a safe place for drug abusers to
withdraw from drug use and begin rehabilitation?
 Living Drug Free
What is the name of the facility that is a safe place for drug abusers to
withdraw from drug use and begin rehabilitation?

Drug treatment center

 Living Drug Free
Types of drug treatment centers:
 Living Drug Free
Types of drug treatment centers:

• Outpatient drug-free treatment centers

• Short-term treatment centers
• Maintenance therapy centers
• Therapeutic communities
 Living Drug Free
Additional resources available to recovering drug addicts:
 Living Drug Free
Additional resources available to recovering drug addicts:

• Drug counselors
• Support groups
 Living Drug Free
Why is it important to commit to being drug-free before drugs are
offered to you?
 Living Drug Free
Why is it important to commit to being drug-free before drugs are
offered to you?

Peer pressure can be persuasive. The best way to combat it is to be

prepared with strong refusal strategies.