Understanding Drug Abuse Effects

A Drug is a Drug Street, Prescription, and OTC Drugs

Objectives Identify the harmful effects of over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse on the human brain and body Differentiate the appropriate use and the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs Compare the harmful effects of abusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs to those of street drugs Demonstrate a knowledge of the facts regarding nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, street drugs, and prescription and over-the-counter medications 2

Street, Prescription, & OTC Street Drugs Prescription Drugs OTC Drugs Drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine are illegal street drugs that most people know are powerful, dangerous, and harmful to the body. They re called street drugs because they aren t made in a licensed laboratory or prescribed by doctors. They are produced illegally and sold on the streets. Drugs prescribed by a doctor have legitimate uses in medical treatment. However, these drugs are too powerful to be administered and dosed by individuals. Doctors determine appropriate strength and dosage to treat the illness without harming the patient. Over-the-counter medications are typically less powerful or lower dosage versions of prescription drugs. However, OTC drugs can be just as dangerous if not used as directed. While prescription and OTC drugs have legitimate uses in medical treatment, the abuse of these substances present similar effects to those of street drugs. 3

Open workbooks to pg. 22 & 23 You Be the Doc Review the short-term effects on pg. 22 to complete the patients charts on pg 23. Read each scenario for the corresponding chart. Why are the patients at the hospital? According to Rachel s mother, she was having trouble studying for a test in school. A friend of hers offered her pills prescribed to him for his Attention Deficit Disorder, a type of hyper-activity disorder. He told her the pills would help her concentrate. Rachel s mother brought her in because she could not focus, complained of a racing heart, and couldn t sleep. Rachel s chart indicates the following symptoms: anxiety, sweating, irritability, and paranoia. Patient 1 - Rachel According to Marcus coach, he had a headache at football practice. His teammate Anthony offered him pills his doctor prescribed for pain from his knee surgery. Anthony said the pills really worked. Marcus took a couple of Anthony s pills. His coach brought Marcus to the ER because he was drowsy, confused, had slurred speech, slow breathing, and was vomiting. Patient 2 - Marcus Chris was hanging out with friends. It was a rainy day without much to do. His friends started experimenting with drugs and dared Chris to try. Chris gave into the peer pressure. Shortly afterward his friends called 911. His friends said Chris complained of blurred vision and became dizzy, confused, and began throwing up. Then he passed out. They thought he was just sleeping but they couldn t wake him. Patient 3 - Chris 4

Please complete the Kahoot! When finished with al l 10 lessons. 5