Health Chapter 23

584
Medicines and Drugs

The Role of Medicines
Drug UseA High-Risk
Behavior
Marijuana, Inhalants,
and Steroids
Psychoactive Drugs
Living Drug Free
HS_HEALTH_U07_C23_CO 12/8/03 1:14 PM Page 584
585
Using Visuals. Illegal drugs can seriously damage
a persons physical, mental/emotional, and social
health. In what specific ways can drugs affect an
athletes life?
Make this Foldable to help you organize
what you learn about the role of
medicines. Begin with a plain sheet of
11 x 17 paper.
Fold the short sides
of a sheet of paper
into the middle to
form a shutterfold.
Fold the shutterfold
in half.
Unfold. Cut along the inside fold lines
on both sides to form four tabs. Label
as shown.
As you read and discuss the material in
the chapter, use your Foldable to take
notes and to list examples under the
appropriate tabs.
Before You Read
Medicines
That
Prevent
Disease
Medicines
That
Promote
Health
Medicines
That
Relieve
Pain
Medicines
That
Fight
Pathogens
As You Read
HS_HEALTH_U07_C23_CO 12/8/03 1:15 PM Page 585
The Role of Medicines
YOU LL LEARN TO
Analyze the relationship between medicines, health
promotion, and disease prevention.
Describe the difference between prescription and
over-the-counter medicines.
Analyze the influence of laws, policies, and practices on
health-related issues including those related to the safe
use of medicines for disease prevention.
What precautions do you take when you are about to use a medicine?
On a separate sheet of paper, write three types of medicines with which you are familiar,
tell why each is taken, and explain what you know about proper use of that medicine.
586 Chapter 23 Medicines and Drugs
VOCABULARY
medicines
drugs
vaccine
analgesics
side effects
additive interaction
synergistic effect
antagonistic interaction
edicines are taken for many different reasons. A person may
Msustain a painful injury while playing a sport or perhaps
develop a chest cold accompanied by a hacking cough. To help pro-
mote health and to help prevent or treat disease, people often take
medicines.
Classification of Medicines
here are countless medicines that treat a wide range of health
Tproblems. are drugs that are used to treat or prevent
disease or other conditions. are substances other than food that
change the structure or function of the body or mind. All medicines are
drugs, but not all drugs are medicines. Medicines can be sorted into
four broad categories: medicines that
help prevent disease.
fight pathogens, or infectious agents that cause disease.
relieve pain.
help maintain or restore health and regulate the bodys systems.

Drugs
Medicines
Medicines are taken
to fight illness, promote
health, prevent disease,
and reduce pain. When
was the last time you
needed to use some
type of medication?
Medicines That Prevent Disease
One main purpose of medicines is to promote health by prevent-
ing diseases before they occur. There are two main types of preventive
medicines:
Vaccines. A is a preparation introduced into the body

to stimulate an immune response. These medicines contain
weakened or dead pathogens that stimulate your body to
produce specific antibodies against those pathogens. Once
the antibodies are produced, they give your body long-lasting
protection against these specific pathogens in the future.
Antitoxins. These extracts of blood fluids contain antibodies

and act more quickly than vaccines. They are produced by inocu-
lating animals, such as sheep, horses, or rabbits, with specific
toxins that stimulate the animals immune system to produce
antibodies. In humans the injection of antitoxins neutralizes the
effect of toxins such as those that cause tetanus and diphtheria.
Medicines That Fight Pathogens
Antibiotics are a class of chemical agents that destroy disease-
causing microorganisms while leaving the patient unharmed. Anti-
biotics work either by killing harmful bacteria in the body or by
preventing bacteria from reproducing. The chemical composition
of each antibiotic is effective against a particular range of bacteria.
In recent years strains of bacteria have emerged
that are resistant to penicillin and other antibi-
otics. This drug resistance occurs when a bacterial
strain undergoes a change in genetic structure as a
result of overexposure to an antibiotic, making the
bacterium immune to the medicine. For example,
a bacteria called pneumococcus that causes ear and
sinus infections and pneumonia is now resistant to
penicillin. The overuse of antibiotics and failure
to finish a prescription medication are two reasons
why bacteria develop resistance. A new generation
of broad-spectrum antibiotics has been developed
that kill a wide variety of bacteria, including some
penicillin-resistant strains.
ANTIVIRALS AND ANTIFUNGALS
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. However, a
new group of drugs called antivirals has been devel-
oped to treat some viral illnesses. Antiviral medi-
cines often only suppress the virus; they dont kill
it. Antifungals can cure or suppress infections such
as athletes foot and ringworm.
vaccine
587 Lesson 1 The Role of Medicines
antibodies For more informa-
tion on antibodies and vaccines,
see Chapter 24, page 633.
Athletes foot can be
controlled with antifungal
medicines. Why is it
important to use the
correct medicine for a
particular treatment?
Medicines That Relieve Pain
Probably the most common medicines are analgesics,
or pain relievers. Analgesics range from comparatively mild
medicines such as aspirin to strong narcotics such as the
opium-based morphine and codeine. Aspirin contains
acetylsalicylic (uh-SEE-tuhl-sal-uh-SIL-ik) acid. Aspirin is
used to relieve pain, to reduce fever, and to treat arthritis.
Because of its widespread use, many people dont realize
that aspirin can be dangerous. Even small amounts can
irritate the stomach, especially when its empty. Aspirin
can cause dizziness and ringing in the ears. Children
who take aspirin are at risk of developing Reyes syn-
drome, a potentially life-threatening illness of the brain
and liver. Aspirin, therefore, should not be given to any-
one under the age of 20 unless a health care professional
directs otherwise. Some people who are sensitive to aspirin
take acetaminophen (uh-see-tuh-MIH-nuh-fuhn) or
ibuprofen (eye-byoo-PRO-fuhn) instead. Acetaminophen
is the recommended analgesic for children.
Medicines That Promote Health
Medicines that maintain or restore health enable many
people with chronic disease to function at an increased
level of wellness. Such medicines include:
Allergy medicines. Many people rely on antihistamines and

other medications to reduce the sneezing, itchy or watery eyes,
and runny nose that often accompany allergies.
Body-regulating medicines. Some medicines maintain

health by regulating body chemistry. Insulin is used to treat
diabetes. Asthma sufferers use inhalers to relieve the swelling of
bronchial tubes. Cardiovascular medicines are taken to regulate
blood pressure, normalize irregular heartbeats, or regulate other
functions of the cardiovascular system.
Antidepressant and antipsychotic medicines. These

medicines help normalize brain chemistry. For example, mood
stabilizers are often used in the treatment of mood disorders,
depression, and schizophrenia. Proper medication can help
people with these problems live healthy, productive lives.
Cancer treatment medicines. These medicines reduce rapid

cell growth and help stop the spread of cancer cells. For instance,
chemotherapy is used to kill fast-growing cancer cells. This
medication, either applied to the skin or injected, results in
serious side effects that usually disappear after treatment stops.
Medicines help many
people with conditions
such as asthma and
diabetes live active,
normal lives. How are
these diseases kept
under control?
HS_HEALTH_U07_C23_L1 12/8/03 1:19 PM Page 588
Lesson 1 The Role of Medicines 589
Medicines and the Body
edicines can have a variety of effects on individuals, or
Mcan cause different reactions. A persons reaction to a
given medicine depends on how that medicine mixes with the
chemicals in his or her body. Most medicines cause
, reactions to medicine other than the one intended. Its
important to be aware of your reactions to medicines and
report these to your health care provider. Patients should
always tell their doctors about any medicines they are already
taking when a new medicine is prescribed.
When medicines are taken together or when a medication is
taken in combination with certain foods, the combination may
produce different effects. In some cases, physicians make use of
interactions to increase the effectiveness of a treatment. Other
interactions may be harmful.
occurs when medicines work together in

a positive way. For example, both an anti-inflammatory and a
muscle relaxant may be prescribed to treat joint pain.
is an interaction of two or more medicines

that results in a greater effect than when the medicines are taken
aloneone medicine increases the strength of the other. One
medicine may boost the rate of digestion, for example,
enabling a second medicine to be absorbed faster.
occurs when the effect of one

medicine is canceled or reduced when taken with another medicine.
For example, someone who receives an organ transplant must
take antirejection medicines. If the person is diabetic and
takes insulin, the antirejection medicine may decrease the
effectiveness of the insulin.
Other Problems
A person may experience other problems when taking medicines:
Tolerance is a condition in which the body becomes used to

the effect of a medicine. The body then requires increasingly
larger doses of the medicine to produce the same effect.
Sometimes a person will experience reverse tolerance. In
this condition, the body requires less of the substance to
produce the desired effect.
Withdrawal occurs when a person stops using a medicine

on which he or she has a chemical dependence. For example,
medicines containing codeine can lead to dependence. Symp-
toms of withdrawal, which include nervousness, insomnia, severe
headaches, vomiting, chills, and cramps, gradually ease over
time. Withdrawal sometimes requires medical intervention.
Antagonistic interaction
Synergistic effect
Additive interaction
effects
side
In addition to your health
care provider, your local
pharmacist is a person
who can answer questions
about medications. What
questions should you ask
your pharmacist before
taking a new medication?
Medicine Safety
o minimize risks to the public, the federal government has
Testablished laws and policies for testing and approving new
medicines. In the United States all medicines must meet standards
set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being
approved and made available for sale. The FDA requires manufac-
turers to supply information about a medicines chemical composi-
tion, intended use, effects, and possible side effects. One practice
of the FDA is to determine how medicine should be released to
the public.
Prescription medicines. The FDA has ruled that certain

medicines cannot be used without the written approval of a
licensed physician. These prescription medicines are available
only by means of a doctors written instructions and can be
dispensed only by a licensed pharmacist. Figure 23.1 shows
the information that must appear on every prescription
medicine label.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This group includes

a wide variety of medicines that you can buy without a
prescription. Although the FDA considers it safe to use these
ABC Pharmacy
500 Carter Road
Anytown, NY 78060
Rx 7531000
Dr. Fisher, MD
Marcus Smith
Take one tablet 4 times daily.
Finish all medication. Take with food.
Erythromycin Tab 500mg
Date filled: 01/20/04
Tel: (214) 555-8888

Refills: 0
ACS QTY: 24
Discard after 01/20/05
Name of
prescribing doctor
Pharmacy name, address, and phone number
Name of
patient
Directions
from the
doctor
Name of
medicine
Strength
Date prescription
was filled
Expiration
date
Number of tablets
in container
Number of
refills allowed
Prescription
number
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE LABEL
Prescription labels must carry certain information about the
medicine. In order to use a medicine safely, always read
the label carefully, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions.
Keep medicine in the

container in which it was
originally packaged.
Store medicines in a safe

place that is out of the reach
of children.
Never disable or replace the

child-resistant cap on a
medicine container.
Flush down the toilet any

medicines that have passed
their expiration date.
Guidelines for safe medicine use:
Safe Medicine Use
Reduce the risk of inappro-
priate use of medications by
following these tips.
medications without medical supervision, any drugs can be
harmful if not used properly.
When the FDA approves a medicine, it is saying that the medicine
is safe when used as directed. FDA approval also means that a med-
icine is effective in treating the condition for which it is prescribed.
Medicine Misuse
Medicines can promote health and prevent disease, but it is the
responsibility of individuals and families to use medicines and
supplements as they are prescribed or intended by law, policy, or
commonly accepted practice. All medicines are packaged with
instructions for use. Failing to follow these instructions can have
serious health consequences. Other types of medical misuse include:
giving a prescription medicine to a person for whom it was not

prescribed or taking another persons medicine.
taking too much or too little of a medicine or taking a

medicine for a longer or shorter period than prescribed.
discontinuing use of a medicine without informing the health

care professional.
mixing medicines.
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
1. What are the four broad categories of medicines?
2. What government organization tests and approves
all new medications?
3. List three specific examples of medicine misuse.
Thinking Critically
4. Synthesizing. Analyze the influence of laws,
policies, and practices on the public release of
medicine in the United States.
5. Evaluating. Analyze the relationship and use of
medicines that promote health and those that
prevent disease. Give two examples.
S P R E A D S H E E T S Use a spreadsheet to
organize information for your poster. See health.glencoe.com
for tips on how to use spreadsheets.
Lesson 1 The Role of Medicines
591
Applying Health Skills
Accessing Information. Using reliable
resources, research the known benefits and
risks of aspirin. Integrate the information
you have found into a poster about safe
aspirin use. Make sure your poster explains
why dosages vary for infants, children,
adults, and the elderly.
Ephedrine and creatine
are dietary supplements
sometimes misused by
athletes to enhance perfor-
mance. Ingredients in these
substances produce druglike
effects. Medical professionals
report that these compounds
may be related to increased
numbers of heatstroke deaths
since 1995. Ephedrine and
creatine can seriously affect
the heart and CNS. Side
effects raise core body tem-
perature to dangerous levels
and reduce the bodys ability
to dissipate heat, resulting
in heatstroke.
health.glencoe.com
Drug UseA High-Risk Behavior
YOU LL LEARN TO
Define substance abuse and recognize the health risks
involved.
Analyze the harmful effects of drugs on the fetus.
Analyze the harmful effects of drugs, such as physical,
mental, social, and legal consequences.
o one starts using drugs with the intention of causing a
Ndrug-related injury or getting hooked on the drug. Substance
abuse is a high-risk behavior. Recognizing the difference between
drug misuse and substance abuse will help you avoid the risks asso-
ciated with these potentially dangerous substances.
What Is Substance Abuse?
s you learned in Lesson 1, medicine misuse occurs when
Apeople use medicines carelessly or in an improper way.
However, some people misuse medicines intentionally to achieve a
high. This is , any unnecessary or improper use of
chemical substances for nonmedical purposes. Substance abuse includes
overuse or multiple use of a drug, use of an illegal drug, and use of
a drug in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
Not all abused substances are medicines. Many are
, or street drugs, chemical substances that people of any age may
not lawfully manufacture, possess, buy, or sell. People who use illegal
drugs are guilty of a crime called , the use or sale of
any substance that is illegal or otherwise not permitted. This includes
the selling of prescription drugs on the street.
illicit drug use
drugs
illegal
substance abuse
Substance abuse has effects both on individuals and on society as a whole.
List as many of the dangerous effects of drugs as you can think of that affect the user, the
users family and friends, and the rest of society.
592
VOCABULARY
substance abuse
illegal drugs
illicit drug use
overdose
psychological dependence
physiological dependence
addiction
Substance abuse harms
concentration and coor-
dination. You cannot do
your best if your body and
mind are not functioning
properly. How will you
protect your health
and avoid substance
abuse?
Factors That Influence Decisions About Drugs
All teens are faced with choices about drug abuse. Many factors
influence a teens response to the opportunities to experiment with
drugs, including the following:
Peer pressure is the influence that people your age may have
on you. Teens whose friends and acquaintances avoid drug use
can say no to drugs more easily than teens whose friends
accept and even encourage drug use.
Lesson 2 Drug UseA High-Risk Behavior
0
5
10
15
20
25
Youth Participation in Drug-Prevention Programs
Participated in a Problem-
Solving, Communication,
or Self-Esteem Group
Participated in a Drug-
Prevention Program
Outside of School
%

P
a
r
t
i
c
i
p
a
t
i
n
g
20.1
18.9
24.1
12.6
11.8
13.9
1999 2000 2001
In 2001, 24.1 percent of youths
surveyed participated in a
problem-solving, communica-
tion, or self-esteem group. The
percentage of students who had
participated in a drug-preven-
tion program outside of school
was 13.9 percent.
According to the results of this
survey, teens reporting an
increase in the use of illicit
drugs did not participate in
such a program. What does this
indicate about the influence
drug-prevention programs can
have on a teens decision to
avoid drugs?
Survey results also showed
55.9 percent of youths age
12 to 17 indicated that they had
talked with a parent in the past
year about the dangers of alcohol
and drug use. What effect do
you think support from parents
has on teens participation in
drug-prevention programs?
Write a newspaper article that describes factors that influence teens choices about whether to
use drugs. Include internal and external influences. How can teens benefit from participating in
drug-prevention programs and influence others in a positive and healthful way?
A C T I V I T Y
Analyzing Trends: Drug-Prevention Programs
According to findings by a National Household Survey on Drug
Abuse (NHSDA), more and more teens are getting involved in
drug-prevention programs. What effect do you think this has
on teens making the decision to avoid drug use?
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: NHSDA
Survey, 2001
593
Family members can help teens resist drugs.

Parents and other adults who avoid drug use and
who discourage drug experimentation influence
their teens to abstain from drugs.
Role models are people you admire and want to

imitate. Teens who look up to coaches, athletes,
actors, and professionals who avoid and discourage
drug use have an advantage in resisting drugs.
Media messages can influence your impression

of drug use. Messages from TV, digital media, film,
and music, for example, may be misleading about
the harmful effects of drugs.
Perceptions of societys drug behavior are often

inaccurate. According to the 2001 Youth Risk
Behavior Survey, nearly 70 percent of high school
students do not use drugs.
Health Consequences of Drug Use
llegal drugs have harmful side effects that can range from minor
Ito deadly. Unlike medicines, these substances are not monitored
for quality, purity, or strength. The effects of such drugs is unpre-
dictable. Drug abuse affects all sides of the health triangle.
Physical consequences. Once a drug enters the bloodstream,

it can harm a users brain, heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
A serious danger of drug abuse is the risk of overdosing. An
is a strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large
amount of a drug. Some drug use involves injecting substances
through a needle, which can increase the risk of contracting
diseases such as hepatitis B and HIV.
Mental/emotional consequences. Drugs cloud reasoning

and thinking, and users lose control of their behavior. As shown
in Figure 23.2 on page 595, the drug ecstasy alters the brains
structure and function. People who experiment with drugs
often lose sight of their values. While under the influence of
drugs, teens may no longer recall the positive beliefs, values,
and ideals they have used to guide their own conduct.
Social consequences. Even people who are just experi-

menting with drugs do and say things they later regret.
Substance abuse can have a negative effect on relationships
with friends and family members. It can cause teens to be
expelled from school or dropped from a school team, and it
often has legal consequences. Substance abuse is a major factor
in many crimes, suicides, and unintentional injuries.
overdose
hepatitis B and HIV For
more information on hepatitis
B and HIV, see Chapters 24 and
25, pages 638 and 662.
A strong, supportive
system of family and
friends can help a teen
make the healthful
decision to avoid drugs.
What other factors help
you remain drug free?
DRUG USE AND THE BRAIN
Ecstasy, a stimulant drug that speeds up the nervous system, affects
parts of the brain controlling thinking, mood, memory, and perception.
595 Lesson 2 Drug UseA High-Risk Behavior
addiction For more infor-
mation on addiction, see
Chapter 22, page 578.
Understanding the Addiction Cycle
Teens who experiment with drugs will experience side effects, or
unwanted reactions. The side effects can range from nausea and
headaches to a loss of consciousness and even death, and can occur
with a teens first use of a drug. What may begin as a seemingly
harmless pastime can result in serious consequences, including:
Tolerance. The body of the substance abuser needs more and

more of the drug to get the same effect.
Psychological dependence. A condition in which a person

believes that a drug is needed in order to feel good or to function
normally, develops over time.
The user has a continuing desire to take the drug for its effect.
Physiological dependence. A person who experiences the

severe effects of withdrawal when he or she stops taking a drug
has a , a condition in which the user
has a chemical need for the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal can
include nervousness, insomnia, severe nausea, headaches,
vomiting, chills, and cramps. In some cases, death can result.
Addiction. Anyone who takes drugs risks one of the most

frightening side effects: , a physiological or psychologi-
cal dependence on a drug. Addiction causes persistent, compulsive
use of a substance known by the user to be harmful. People who
are addicted to a substance have great difficulty in stopping
without professional intervention.
addiction
psychological dependence
neocortex
hypothalamus
basal ganglia
amygdala
hippocampus
Other Consequences of Drug Use
n addition to the physical risks to a persons health, substance
Iabuse can damage a teens performance in school, and in sports,
and his or her relationships with friends and family. The abuse of
drugs adds pressure and stress to a period of life that is already filled
with both.
Consequences for the Individual
Drug use affects all aspects of a persons health. Mental and physi-
cal health suffer as tolerance, dependence, and addiction develop.
The effects of drug use also influence emotional health. People who
experiment with drugs tend to lose control more readily than those
who do not. This tendency can lead to violence. Substance abuse is
also a major factor in violent crimes, suicides, and both unintentional
and intentional deaths. Drug use can lead to a relaxing of inhibitions.
As a result, drug users are at risk for engaging in sexual activity, which
can lead to unintended pregnancy and exposure to STDs.
LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
Teens possessing, using, manufacturing, or selling drugs are com-
mitting the crime of illicit drug use. Being arrested leads to court fines
and legal fees. Some states automatically suspend the driving privileges
of minors convicted of a drug offense. Suspension from school, jail
time, and probation also are consequences of arrest and conviction.
Consequences for Family and Friends
Some people believe that their decision about drug use is their
business and doesnt involve anyone else. That is not true. When
an individual chooses to abuse drugs, the decision affects everyone
in the users life. Teens who become involved with drugs lose their
interest in healthy activities and have little time for friends who
value a drug-free lifestyle. Family members have a responsibility to
be aware of the warning signs of drug use and to encourage the
individual to seek professional help.
Consequences for Babies and Children
Substance abuse can cause considerable harm to developing
fetuses, infants, and children of drug users. A pregnant female who
uses drugs passes the drug through the placenta to her unborn child.
The baby may be spontaneously aborted or born with birth defects,
behavioral problems, or an addiction. If either parent is using injected
drugs, the baby may be born with HIV caused by the sharing of
infected needles by one or both parents. A nursing mother who uses
drugs passes these substances through breast milk to her child.
Babies born to mothers who used depressants or other drugs dur-
ing pregnancy may be physically dependent on drugs and show
severe withdrawal symptoms at birth.
Experimenting even once
with a drug can quickly
lead to a harmful and
damaging addiction. What
consequences of drug use
affect family and friends?
Courage. When you resist the
pressure to use drugs, you demon-
strate that you are responsible and
that you have the courage to do
the right thing. Join with friends
to visit elementary schools.
Share with younger students the
positive behaviors and actions
you use to stay drug free.
STDs For more information
about STDs, see Chapter 25,
page 646.
Children of drug users are often neglected and abused because
their addicted parents cannot properly care for them. These chil-
dren may suffer a lifetime of physical and emotional problems and
may need to seek help from health professionals later in life.
Costs to Society
Drug abuse has consequences beyond the individual and family.
One of the biggest burdens placed on society is a rise in drug-related
crime and violence because the use of drugs decreases inhibitions,
increases aggressiveness, and clouds judgment. Driving under the
influence of an illegal substance can result in vehicle collisions and
cause countless injuries and deaths.
Drug abuse also affects the nations economy.
According to a recent study by the Office of National
Drug Control Policy, illegal drugs cost the American
economy $160 billion per year. The costs result from
lost work hours and productivity caused by
drug-related illnesses, jail time, accidents, and deaths;
health costs and legal fees resulting from illegal drug
use; and law enforcement costs and insurance costs
from drug-related damages, injuries, and deaths.
The consequences of drug abusephysical, mental/
emotional, social, and legalare 100 percent pre-
ventable. By choosing a drug-free lifestyle, you avoid
these consequences.
Advocacy. With classmates, analyze the
physical, mental/emotional, social, and
legal consequences of drug use. Put your
ideas in the form of a video or public
service announcement to advocate a
drug-free lifestyle.
1. What are substance abuse and illegal drugs?
2. What are the factors that influence a teens
decision about substance abuse?
3. Analyze and explain the harmful effects of drugs
on the fetus.
Thinking Critically
4. Synthesizing. List three costs of drug use to
society, and give examples of how each of these
costs might affect you.
5. Evaluating. What are some of the reasons that
a substance abuser may have difficulties in
achieving long-term goals?
P R E S E N T A T I O N S O F T W A R E
Presentation software can help give your antidrug
message a professional look. Find help in using
presentation software at health.glencoe.com.
Lesson 2 Drug UseA High-Risk Behavior
597
These teens recognize that
using illegal drugs results
in suspension or expulsion
from school as well as
legal consequences. How
can these consequences
interfere with a teens
goals?
health.glencoe.com
VOCABULARY
marijuana
paranoia
inhalants
anabolic-androgenic
steroids
Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids
YOU LL LEARN TO
Analyze the harmful effects of marijuana, inhalants, steroids, and other
substances, such as physical, mental, social, and legal consequences.
Analyze and apply strategies for avoiding the use of marijuana,
inhalants, and steroids.
Explain the relationship between alcohol and other drugs and
other substances used by adolescents.
uppose that someone dared you to go into your schools chem-
Sistry lab and swallow a mixture of unfamiliar chemicals. Youd
think the idea was pretty crazy, wouldnt you? Yet this is exactly
what people do when they experiment with illegal drugs and other
substances. No government agency inspects these substances, as is
done with medicines, to make sure theyre safe and pure. People
who take illegal drugs are gambling with their lives.
Marijuana
M
, the common name for the Indian hemp plant
cannabis, is a plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are usually
smoked for their intoxicating effects. It is one of the most widely used
illegal drugs and is also known as grass, weed, and pot. It is often the
first drug teens experiment with after alcohol. Hashish, or hash, is a
stronger form of marijuana. Studies have shown that an individual
who uses marijuana is 17 times more likely to use cocaine than one
who has never used marijuana. Contrary to popular opinion, this
drug is not harmless. All forms of marijuana are mind altering and
can damage the users health. When combined with other drugs and
other substances, such as alcohol, marijuana can be deadly.
arijuana
Marijuana is an illegal
drug. It affects your
memory, concentration,
coordination, and reaction
time. What strategies do
you have for avoiding
marijuana use?
Knowing the risks of substance abuse can help you stay drug free.
Write three reasons for saying no to drugs. Then modify these reasons into effective
refusal statements that you could use if someone offered you drugs.
THE HEALTH RISKS OF MARIJUANA
The effects of marijuana use vary from person to person and can
be influenced by an individuals mood and surroundings. In all
cases, however, marijuana poses serious health risks.
Marijuana and Addiction
As with other mood-altering drugs, marijuana raises levels of a
brain chemical called dopamine. This chemical produces a pleasur-
able feeling. In some users the drug triggers the release of so much
dopamine that a feeling of intense well-being or elation is reached.
When the drug wears off, however, the pleasure sensation stops,
often dramatically. This abrupt letdown is called a crash. Marijuana
contains more cancer-causing chemicals than tobacco smoke and
carries the same health risks as smoking tobacco. Marijuana also
interferes with the immune system, so the user becomes more sus-
ceptible to infections. Many of the physical effects of marijuana use
are summarized in Figure 23.3.
599 Lesson 3 Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids
Marijuana contains 421
different chemicals, including
d-alpha-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC), the main psychoactive
ingredient in marijuana. THC
is stored in body fat, and
traces of it can be present
in the blood for as long as a
month. It has a lasting effect
on the brain. This means that
a marijuana user can fail a
drug test weeks after using
the drug.
Hallucinations and paranoia
Impaired short-term memory, reaction
time, concentration, and coordination
Distorted sense of time, sight, touch,
and sound
Decreased initiative and ambition
Bloodshot eyes
Dry mouth
Lung irritation, coughing
Heart and lung damage
Increased risk of lung cancer
Weakened immunity; increased susceptibility
to colds, flu, and viral infections
Increased appetite, leading to weight gain
In pregnant females, increased risk of
stillbirths and birth defects
Changed hormone levels, affecting normal
body development in teens
In females, increased testosterone levels and
risk of infertility
In males, lowered sperm count and
testosterone levels
Mental/Emotional Health Consequences
Marijuana users experience slow mental reflexes and may suffer
sudden feelings of anxiety and , an irrational suspiciousness
or distrust of others. The user may feel dizzy, have trouble walking,
and have difficulty remembering events that just happened.
Because short-term memory is adversely affected, problems at
school and at work may develop. Users often experience distorted
perception, loss of coordination, and trouble with thinking and
problem solving.
Physical Consequences
For teens, marijuana poses physical risks to the reproductive
organs. In males, regular use interferes with sperm production and
lowers levels of testosterone, the hormone responsible for the
development of adult male characteristics such as voice change,
growth of body hair, and broadened shoulders. Females experience
the opposite effectan increase in testosterone levels. This may
result in unwanted facial hair and can lead
to infertility.
Risks and Consequences of
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of marijuana can
be as dangerous as driving under the influence of
alcohol because marijuana interferes with depth
perception, impairs judgment, and slows reflexes.
The penalties and legal consequences of driving
under the influence of any drug, including
marijuana, are strict. These include suspension
of a drivers license, a fine, and often a jail term.
Insurance premiums are increased when the
drivers license is restored. If injury or death
results from a drug-related accident, the impaired
driver may face serious legal prosecution.
Inhalants
I
are substances whose fumes are sniffed and inhaled to
achieve a mind-altering effect. Most inhalants go immediately to
the brain, causing damage and actually killing brain cells that will
never be replaced. Inhalants include solvents and aerosols such as
glues, spray paints, gasoline, and varnishes. They also include
nitrates and nitrous oxides, which have medical uses. All inhalants
are extremely dangerous, and many are labeled as poisons. These
substances were never designed to be taken into the body, and they
cause permanent nervous system and brain damage.
nhalants
paranoia
reproductive organs For
more information on keeping
the reproductive organs
healthy, see Chapter 18,
pages 470 and 475.
Driving under the influence
of marijuana can be
dangerous. What are
some effects of marijuana
use that could impair
a persons ability to
drive safely?
What Would You Do?
Write your own dialogue for this
situation. Analyze and apply at
least four refusal strategies for
avoiding drugs.
Successful Refusal Techniques:
1. Say no in a firm voice.
2. Explain why you are refusing.
3. Suggest alternatives.
4. Back up your words by using body
language.
5. Leave if necessary.
Refusal Skills: No Means No!
At a recent wrestling competition, Chris lost to an
opponent he had beaten several times before.
Afterward, his teammate Josh pulled him aside
and said, You know, that guy has been getting help
to build muscles. You need steroids to make State.
Josh held out a pill. Chris shook his head.
No way!
Youll definitely take home the title if you just
help yourself to a few of these pills, Josh said.
Chris repeated, I said no and I mean no.
Josh persisted, If you dont, you wont make State.
The title is not so important that I should risk my
health, Chris reasoned.
It would just be for this season, Josh continued.
Chris changed the subject, Hey, look. Jasons
match is on. Im going to check it out. Then Chris
walked away.
Most inhalants depress the central nervous system and produce
effects that include a glassy stare, slurred speech, and impaired
judgment. Inhalant use or huffing, inhaling the fumes from aerosol
cans, can cause sudden death by increasing heart rate, resulting in
cardiac arrest, or it can cause death by suffocation.
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
A
are synthetic substances that
are similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. Anabolic refers
to muscle building, and androgenic refers to increased male charac-
teristics. When used under a doctors guidance, these substances
help build muscles in patients with chronic diseases. Steroid use
nabolic-androgenic steroids
601 Lesson 3 Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids
can cause mood swings; impaired judgment resulting from feelings
of invincibility; and paranoia.
Legal and Social Consequences of Steroid Use
All steroid use other than that prescribed by a licensed physician is
illegal and dangerous. Although steroids can increase muscle
strength, the associated tendons and ligaments dont get stronger.
This discrepancy can result in injuries that take a long time to heal
and can end an athletes career. In addition to causing health prob-
lems, steroid users often turn to other illegal, addictive drugs to
combat the side effects of steroids. Abusers may take anabolic steroids
as pills or by injection. If needles are shared or contaminated,
steroid users run the risk of exposure to disease-causing
bacteria and viruses, including HIV.
Serious health risks are not the only consequences
of steroid use. According to the Anabolic Steroids
Control Act of 1990, the nonmedical use of steroids is
illegal for people of all ages in the United States. As
drug testing for athletes becomes more prevalent, ath-
letes who fail a drug test for steroids can face exclu-
sion from an event, expulsion from the team,
monetary fines, and jail time.
Practicing Healthful Behaviors. Write a
short story in which a teen is being pres-
sured to use one of the drugs discussed
in this lesson. Your story should show how
the teen effectively analyzes and applies
strategies to avoid the dangers associated
with drug use.
1. Explain the relationship between marijuana use,
alcohol use, and the use of other drugs and
substances.
2. How does marijuana interfere with driving ability?
3. Analyze and examine the harmful effects of
inhalants and steroids on body systems.
Thinking Critically
4. Analyzing. Analyze the harmful effects of
marijuana and other substances, such as the
physical, mental, social, and legal consequences
of using marijuana.
5. Synthesizing. Why are younger students
especially at risk for inhalant use? What can
you do to help prevent younger students from
trying inhalants?
P R E S E N T A T I O N S O F T W A R E You can
use presentation software to incorporate appropriate art
and graphics to illustrate your story. Find help in using
presentation software at health.glencoe.com.
602
Chapter 23 Medicines and Drugs
Improving athletic
performance through hard
work and practice shows
that you are a healthy,
responsible person.
How could use of steroids
harm rather than help an
athletes career?
health.glencoe.com
VOCABULARY
psychoactive drugs
stimulants
euphoria
depressants
narcotics
hallucinogens
designer drugs
Psychoactive Drugs
YOU LL LEARN TO
Examine the harmful effects of psychoactive drugs on body systems.
Explain the role psychoactive drugs and other substances play in
unsafe situations such as HIV, STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and
motor vehicle accidents.
Analyze the importance of alternatives to drug and
substance use.
Analyze and apply strategies for avoiding drugs.
he central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and
Tthe spinal cord, is an amazingly complex part of the body.
Every form of activity, from bending a finger to solving abstract
problems, involves the central nervous system.
, chemicals that affect the central nervous system and alter activ-
ity in the brain, change the functioning of the CNS.
Classification of Psychoactive Drugs
here are four main groups of psychoactive drugs: stimulants,
Tdepressants, narcotics, and hallucinogens (huh-LOO-suhn-uh-
juhnz). Some of these drugs have medicinal value when properly
used. However, even under a doctors supervision, they carry risks.
When psychoactive drugs are misused or abused, a persons health
and the proper function of all body systems are seriously affected.
Figure 23.4 on page 604 shows the health risks of these drugs on
body systems. The effects on the developing brain and body of a
teen can be especially damaging.
drugs
Psychoactive
Teens have the opportunity to live healthy livesto be the healthiest they
can be. The best way to make the most of that opportunity is to make wise choices that
have a positive effect on your health. On a sheet of paper, write three ways you can
safeguard your health and avoid the harmful effects of drug use.
603 Lesson 4 Psychoactive Drugs
Your decision to stay
healthy and drug free
will help you succeed
in school.
Consequences for Your Health Types of Drugs
Nausea, abdominal pain, malnutrition
Chest pain, respiratory failure
Headache, stroke, seizure, heart attack, death
Exposure to HIV through contaminated needles, addiction
Extreme addiction, with the same effects as pure cocaine
Rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure can cause death
Decreased appetite, weight loss, malnutrition
High blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, heart failure, death
Loss of muscle coordination, delirium, panic
Aggressiveness, increased tolerance, addiction
Memory loss, heart and nerve damage
Increased tolerance, addiction
Reduced heart rate and blood pressure
Fatigue, confusion, impaired muscle coordination
Impaired memory, loss of judgment
Reduced respiratory function, respiratory arrest, death
Depression, unusual excitement, fever, irritability
Loss of judgment, dizziness
Confusion, inability to remember what happened
Decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, gastrointestinal disturbances
Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness
Impaired breathing, coma, death
Nausea, constipation
Rapid onset of tolerance, addiction
Confusion, sedation, unconsciousness, coma
Reduced respiratory function, respiratory arrest, death
Exposure to HIV through contaminated needles
Loss of appetite, depression
Panic, aggression, violent actions
Increased heart and respiratory function
Delusions, illusions, hallucinations, flashbacks, convulsions, coma, death
Confusion, depression, paranoia, muscle breakdown
Kidney and cardiovascular system failure, death
Memory loss, numbness, impaired motor function
Nausea, high blood pressure, fatal respiratory reaction
Cocaine
Crack
Amphetamines
Methamphetamine
Barbiturates
Tranquilizers
Rohypnol
GHB
Opium
Morphine
Heroin
Codeine
PCP
LSD
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ketamine
HEALTH RISKS OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
Health Risks of Stimulants
S
are drugs that speed up the central nervous system.
Some foods, such as coffee, tea, and cola, contain small amounts
of a stimulant called caffeine. The nicotine in tobacco products is
also a stimulant. Sometimes stimulants are prescribed for specific
medical conditions, for example, the medication used to treat
hyperactivity. Although some stimulants have medical uses, many
of these substances are used illegally. The most dangerous of the
illegal stimulants are cocaine, amphetamines (am-FE-tuh-meenz),
and methamphetamine (me-tham-FE-tuh-meen).
Cocaine
Cocaine is a rapid-acting, powerful, highly addictive stimulant
that interrupts normal functioning of the central nervous system.
The purchase and possession of cocaine is illegal everywhere in the
United States. Cocaine is a white powder extracted from the leaves
of the coca plant. Cocaine users can experience a surge of self-
confidence and , a feeling of intense well-being or elation.
Effects of cocaine use can last from 20 minutes to several hours.
The feeling of confidence induced by cocaine use is followed by
an emotional letdown. Regular use can lead to depression, fatigue,
paranoia, and physiological dependence. Cocaine use can cause
malnutrition and, especially among teens, cardiac problems. When
cocaine is snorted, it shrinks the tiny blood vessels in the nose.
Repeated use can lead to collapse of the nasal septum, the wall
dividing the two halves of the nose. When users inject cocaine,
they risk contracting HIV or hepatitis B from infected needles.
Overdosing can result in cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, seizures,
and death.
Crack
An even more dangerous form of
cocaine is crack. Also known as crack
cocaine, rock, or freebase rock, crack is
one of the most deadly drugs available.
It is a very pure form of cocaine that
reaches the brain seconds after being
smoked or injected. Once in the blood,
it causes heart rate and blood pressure
to soar to dangerous levels. Death may
result from cardiac or respiratory fail-
ure. Mixing cocaine and alcohol is
extremely dangerous. These substances
are combined in the liver, increasing
the risk of death from liver failure.
euphoria
timulants
nicotine For more informa-
tion on nicotine and tobacco
products, see Chapter 21,
page 540.
Crack cocaine is a concen-
trated form of cocaine that
can cause death. What
are the dangers of mixing
cocaine with other drugs
such as alcohol?
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulants used in prescription medicines to
reduce fatigue and drowsiness and to suppress the appetite. However,
some people use amphetamines illegally to stay awake and alert, to
improve athletic performance, and to lose weight. The easily devel-
oped tolerance to amphetamines causes a user to ingest more of the
substance. Regular use of amphetamines can result in twitching,
irregular heartbeat, paranoia, and heart and blood vessel damage.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a stimulant used in treating
certain diseases, including Parkinsons disease and obesity. It is a
white, odorless powder that easily dissolves in alcohol or water.
Because it is produced in makeshift labs, the drug is readily available,
but its quality is uncertain. In recent years, this drug has been iden-
tified as one of the many dangerous and illegal substances called
club drugs, drugs associated with concerts and all-night parties called
raves. Meth may provide a short-
term feeling of euphoria. Often the
use of this drug results in depres-
sion, paranoia, damage to the
central nervous system, increased
heart rate and blood pressure, and
damage to brain cells. It can also
cause death.
Health Risks
of Depressants
D
, or sedatives, are
drugs that tend to slow down the
central nervous system. Depressant
drugs relax muscles, relieve feelings
of tension and worry, and cause drowsiness. They can be dangerous
because they slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure
to dangerous levels, and interrupt the normal rate of breathing.
One of the most commonly used depressants is alcohol. Two types
of sedative medications are barbiturates (bar-BICH-uh-ruhts) and
tranquilizers. Other widely used depressants include Rohypnol
and GHB. Combining depressants, even in small amounts, pro-
duces a synergistic effect. For example, a user combining alcohol
and tranquilizers can overdose, causing shallow breathing, weak
and rapid pulse, coma, and even death.
epressants
TOPIC Dangerous Drugs
Go to health.glencoe.com
for links to more informa-
tion about the dangers of
drug use.
ACTIVITY Using the infor-
mation provided at these
links, create a chart listing
the drugs identified on
those sites and three facts
about each drug.
Source: National Institute on
Drug Abuse
The red areas in the
normal brain scan (top)
show memory and motor
skill control. The brain
scan on the bottom,
taken one month after
the subjects use of
methamphetamine,
indicates loss of memory
and of motor control.
health.glencoe.com
Barbiturates
Barbiturates belong to a family of sedative-hypnotic drugs, or
drugs that induce sleepiness. Barbiturate use can result in mood
changes, sleeping more than normal, and coma. Barbiturates are
rarely used for medical purposes. They are used illegally to produce
a feeling of intoxication and to counteract the effects of stimulants.
Combining barbiturates with alcohol can be fatal.
Tranquilizers
Tranquilizers are depressants that reduce muscular activity, coor-
dination, and attention span. Tranquilizers are prescribed to relieve
anxiety, muscle spasms, sleeplessness, and nervousness. However,
when tranquilizers are overused, physiological and psychological
dependence occurs. Withdrawal from tranquilizers causes severe
shaking. In extreme cases, coma or death can result.
Refusing Drugs
Learning to say no to drugs is an important
component in maintaining a drug-free life. By
practicing refusal skills, you will find it easier
to uphold your commitment to a substance-
free lifestyle. In this activity you will practice
effective ways to say no to drugs.
pencil and paper
one classmate
1. Divide a sheet of paper into two
columns. In the left column, list five
pressure lines someone might use
to persuade you to use drugs.
2. Trade your paper with a classmate.
Read your partners list. In the right
column, write an effective refusal
statement responding to each
pressure line. Possibilities include:
No thanks, I dont do drugs;
Im on medication; or That stuff
makes me sick.
3. Working with your partner, review
your lists and role-play some of the
most realistic scenarios. Take turns
practicing refusal skills.
4. Which refusal statements did you find
to be most effective? Remember and
practice them to be prepared when
someone tries to offer you drugs.
With your partner, plan a public service
announcement that emphasizes the
importance of refusal skills. Your
announcement should demonstrate
how to say no to drugs effectively.
What Youll Need
What Youll Do
Apply and Conclude
What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is a prescription
drug that contains oxycodone,
a strong narcotic. When used
properly under a doctors
supervision, it helps relieve
moderate to severe chronic
pain. When used illegally
and in combination with
alcohol or other depressants,
however, OxyContin can be
deadly. A side effect of this
drug is suppression of the
respiratory system, which
can cause death from
respiratory failure.
Rohypnol
Rohypnol is a widely available club drug. This depressant, which
is ten times as strong as tranquilizers, is better known as the date
rape drug, used in crimes of dating violence. Rohypnol comes in
tablet form and looks like ordinary aspirin. The drugs harmless
appearance has made it a dangerously effective drug in date-rape
crimes. The victims may be given the tablets without their knowl-
edge. Rohypnol dissolves in carbonated beverages and may easily
be slipped into a soft drink. The victim wakes up much later with
no recollection of what may have happened during the last several
hours. Unplanned pregnancies and exposure to HIV and STDs can
result from such unsafe situations.
GHB
Another club drug is gammahydroxy butyric acid (GHB). Like
Rohypnol, it has been in used in date-rape crimes. GHB is available
as a clear liquid, a white powder, and in a variety of tablets and
capsules. A person can easily overdose on GHB. The drug leaves
the blood relatively quickly, making it hard for emergency room
personnel to determine that an overdose has occurred.
Narcotics
N
are specific drugs that are obtainable only by prescrip-
tion and are used to relieve pain. Morphine, OxyContin, and
codeine are examples of narcotics. Morphine is sometimes pre-
scribed by medical professionals, and codeine is an ingredient in
some cough medications. These drugs relieve pain by blocking pain
messengers in the brain. Narcotic use can cause euphoria, drowsi-
ness, constipation, pinpoint pupils, slow and shallow breathing,
convulsions, coma, and death. Abuse of narcotics can cause addic-
tion. Because narcotics are so addictive, pharmacists are required to
keep records of all sales of these drugs.
Heroin
Heroin, a highly addictive narcotic, is a processed form of mor-
phine that is injected, snorted, or smoked. Heroin depresses the
central nervous system and slows breathing and pulse rate. Heroin
abuse can cause infection of the heart lining and valves, as well as
liver disease. Infectious diseases such as pneumonia, HIV, and
hepatitis B can result from the use of infected needles. Large doses
may result in coma or death. Users easily develop tolerance,
prompting increased usage. Withdrawal can be very painful. Fetal
death may occur if the user is pregnant.
arcotics
date-rape crimes For more
information about protecting
yourself from date rape, see
Chapter 13, page 350.
Hallucinogens
H
are drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and sense
perceptions including vision, hearing, smell, and touch. These
drugs have no medical use. Phencyclidine (PCP), lysergic acid
diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, and ecstasy are examples of power-
ful and dangerous hallucinogens. These drugs overload the sensory
controls in the brain. The brain then confuses and intensi-
fies sensations and hallucinates. Hallucinogens also impair
judgment and reasoning and increase heart and respiratory
rates. The altered mental states caused by hallucinogens can
last for several hours or several days. The effects are
extremely unpredictable, and users sometimes harm them-
selves physically or demonstrate other violent behaviors.
PCP
PCP is considered one of the most dangerous of all drugs,
and its effects vary greatly from user to user. Users report
distorted sense of time and space, increased muscle
strength, and inability to feel pain. Overdoses of PCP can
cause death, but most PCP-related deaths are caused by the
destructive behavior that the drug produces. PCP users have
died in fires because they became disoriented and had no
sensitivity to the pain of burning. Flashbacks can occur at
any time, causing panic, confusion, and lack of control.
LSD
LSD is an extremely strong hallucinogen. Even a tiny amount can
cause hallucinations and severe distorted perceptions of sound and
color. Higher doses increase the risk of convulsions, coma, heart
and lung failure, and death. Because LSD affects the brains emo-
tional center and distorts reality, users may experience emotions
ranging from extreme euphoria to panic to deep depression.
Flashbacks can involve a frightening range of emotions long after
actual use of the drug.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic used for medical purposes, mostly in
treating animals. Misused as a club drug, ketamine is often sold as
a white powder to be snorted, like cocaine, or injected. The drug is
also smoked with marijuana or tobacco. Ketamine causes halluci-
nations and dreamlike states. Its use may result in death by respi-
ratory failure. The misuse of ketamine and the use of all other
hallucinogens is illegal.
allucinogens
Illegal drugs can affect
the human body in unpre-
dictable ways. What are
some of the life-threatening
effects of hallucinogens?
Accessing Information. Choose one of
the drugs you learned about in this lesson.
Research to evaluate its medical uses
(if any), possible effects, and damage to
body systems. Organize your findings in a
chart similar to Figure 23.4. Share the
chart with your class.
1. Examine and identify the body systems most
affected by psychoactive and designer drugs.
2. Examine and explain the harmful effects of
stimulants and hallucinogens on the central
nervous system.
3. What are the health risks of narcotic abuse?
Thinking Critically
4. Synthesizing. Analyze the importance of alternatives
to drug and substance use. Develop and explain
your strategy for preventing the use of addictive
substances and for avoiding psychoactive drugs.
5. Analyzing. Explain the role psychoactive drugs and
other substances play in unsafe situations, such as
HIV, STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and motor
vehicle accidents.
I N T E R N E T R E S O U R C E S You may want
to use the Internet for your research. Be sure to use
reliable sources when accessing information on the Web.
See health.glencoe.com for Internet resources.
610
Chapter 23 Medicines and Drugs
Ecstasy and Other Dangerous Drugs
D
are synthetic substances meant to imitate the
effects of hallucinogens and other dangerous drugs. Designer drugs
vary greatly in potency and strength and can be several hundred
times stronger than the drugs they are meant to imitate. One of the
most recognized designer drugs is ecstasy, or MDMA. A combination
stimulant and hallucinogen, ecstasy may give a short-term feeling
of euphoria but often causes confusion, depression, paranoia, psy-
chosis, and even long-term damage to brain cells. Overdoses are
common. Use can also result in uncontrollable tremors, paralysis,
and irreversible brain damage.
Consequences of Drug Use
Illegal drugs and other substances play a role in unsafe situa-
tions and negative consequences, including health problems,
addiction, and difficulties in school. Furthermore, drug use often
leads to poor judgment, which may put teens at risk for uninten-
tional injuries, motor vehicle accidents, violence, STDs, unplanned
pregnancies, and suicide. The best way to avoid these consequences
is to refuse to use drugs and to avoid places where they are used. If
you find yourself in a situation where drugs are present, leave.
Choosing a drug-free life is one of the most important decisions
you can make to protect your health.
esigner drugs
The use of ecstasy among
teens appears to be increas-
ing, probably because teens
are being led to think that no
significant risks are involved
in the use of this drug. How-
ever, ecstasy is extremely
dangerous. Over 4,500 visits
to emergency rooms for
ecstasy-related incidents
were reported in one year.
Ecstasy can cause
dramatic increases in body
temperature and may lead to
muscle breakdown, kidney
failure, and cardiovascular
system damage.
health.glencoe.com
VOCABULARY
drug-free school zones
drug watches
Living Drug Free
YOU LL LEARN TO
Analyze and develop strategies for preventing use of drugs and
other addictive substances.
Examine school and community efforts to curb drug use.
Identify and assess health-related services in the commu-
nity that relate to disease prevention, particularly drug
addiction and abuse.
Analyze the importance of alternatives to drug and
substance use.
ublic opinion polls and national surveys clearly show that
Pmost Americanschildren, teens, and adultshave taken a
stand against illegal drugs. By working together, you and your fam-
ily, peers, and community can stop the effects of drug abuse. Your
attitudes and decisions about drugs and how you live your life make
a statement to others. By deciding not to use drugs, you promote
your own health and influence others to do the same.
Resisting Pressure to Use Drugs
eer pressure can be intense during the teen years,
Pparticularly in settings where using alcohol
and other drugs may seem the norm. You may
be told that everybodys doing it, but the
fact is that illegal drugs never become a part
of most teens lives. In this country almost 58
percent of high school students have never
tried marijuana, and more than 90 percent
have never tried cocaine. So the claim that
everybodys doing it is simply not true.
Make a word web with statements you can use to refuse drugs. Write
and circle the words Refusal Skills in the middle of a sheet of paper. Then write refusal
statements around the paper, and connect these to the circle with lines.
Let others know your
reasons for living drug
free. What can you do
to share your opinion
with others?
611 Lesson 5 Living Drug Free
Choose friends who share

your commitment to staying
drug free.
Maintain your self-respect

and be confident about
your abilities.
Take pride in your

accomplishments.
Use physical activity and

relaxation techniques to
handle stress.
Stay involved in healthy

activities and interests.
Be aware of your surroundings,

know what you are drinking,
and cover drinks at parties.
Never ride with people who
are using drugs.
Stay away from parties and

places where drugs are
present.
Be firm in saying that youre

not interested.
Keep it simple. Say No

thanks, or I dont need drugs.
If the pressure continues,

walk away.
If youre offered a drug:
Strategies for
Avoiding the Dangers
of Substance Abuse
Protect yourself against risks:
Commitment to Be Drug Free
The first step in staying drug free is to make a firm and deliberate
decision. The only way to avoid the pitfalls and dangers of substance
abuse is to be fully committed to refusing them before drugs are
offered. In many cases it also means steering clear of people who use
drugs and of places where drugs are likely to be used or offered.
Protective factors present in a teens life can provide the support
needed to live a drug-free life.
Making the commitment to abstain from drugs is a life-enhancing
decision. It does not mean that you will be deprived of friends or
fun. Quite the opposite is truebeing drug free means being able
to enjoy life and deal with its challenges and problems in healthful
ways. It also shows the strength of your values and demonstrates
good character and respect for yourself and others.
REFUSAL SKILLS
To honor your commitment to living drug free, you can practice
refusal skills. These are techniques that you can use to say no when
others pressure you to use drugs. Consider all the harmful effects of
drug use and all the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle. Doing so will
help you stand up for what you believe without apologizing for or
compromising your convictions.
Strategies for Preventing Use of Drugs
ndividuals are only part of the key to curbing substance abuse.
ISchools and communities are working together on strategies for
preventing use of drugs and other addictive substances.
School Efforts
All over the United States, have been
established. These are areas within 1,000 feet of schools and desig-
nated by signs, within which people caught selling drugs receive espe-
cially severe penalties. Efforts in and around schools to cut down on
drug use include drug education classes, zero-tolerance policies,
and expulsion of students found using drugs. In some areas police
officers are assigned to patrol campuses. Security guards and locker
searches also help protect teens from the dangers of drug abuse.
Community Efforts
Communities across the nation are taking positive action to stop
drug abuse. are organized community efforts by
neighborhood residents to patrol, monitor, report, and otherwise try to
stop drug deals and drug abuse. Becoming involved in antidrug pro-
grams in your community is a good way to protect your family and
friends from the dangers and violence associated with drug abuse.
Drug watches
drug-free school zones
Spending time with a
parent or trusted adult
can reinforce a teens
decision to live drug free.
The Importance of Alternatives to Drug
and Substance Use
There are healthier ways to cope with day-to-day problems than
turning to drugs. You can find many ways to feel good about your-
self without depending on harmful substances. Getting involved in
school or community activities and choosing friends who value a
drug-free lifestyle can give teens the focus they need to follow
through on a commitment toward a more healthful life.
Becoming Drug Free
or those teens already in trouble with drugs, it is never too
Flate to get help. Admitting that there is a problem is the first
step, and getting help is the essential next step in overcoming that
problem. Teens may turn to individual counseling, support groups,
or drug treatment centers for help. Support from parents,
guardians, school counselors, or family doctors can guide teens to
get help. Figure 23.5 lists some warning signs of drug abuse. If you
know someone who shows these signs, encourage him or her to
seek help. The following steps can guide you in offering help to a
friend or family member who is using alcohol or other drugs.
Identify specific sources of help in your communitydrug

counselors, treatment centers, and support groups.
Talk to the person when he or she is sober. Express your

affection and concern for the person, and describe his or her
behavior without being judgmental.
Listen to the persons response. Be prepared for anger and denial.
Discuss the sources of help you have found. Offer to go with

your friend or family member to a counselor or support group.
WARNING SIGNS OF DRUG USE
Be alert to these signs that a person may have a drug problem.
Gets drunk or high regularly, is often hung over
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, such as school
administrators and police
Seems withdrawn, depressed, tired, and cares
less about personal grooming and appearance
Has red-rimmed eyes and runny nose not related
to cold or allergies
Has blackouts and forgets what he or she did
while under the influence
Has difficulty concentrating
Lesson 5 Living Drug Free 613
Drug Testing: Yes or No?
It is estimated that substance abuse costs employers $60 billion a year in decreased productivity,
absenteeism, and unintentional injuries. In the interest of health, safety, and economics, many
companies are testing employees for illicit drug use. This has triggered a debate over whether
people should be tested, who should do the testing, and whether the results are reliable.
Viewpoint 1: Walker J., age 16
Drug testing protects all of us. I wouldnt want a firefighter or police officer who used drugs
showing up if there were an emergency. Its not just emergency personnel, either. I wouldnt
want a drug user as my mechanic, lawyer, doctor, or anything else. Everyones job affects others.
Viewpoint 2: Mackenzie P., age 17
I think drug testing should be restricted to people who are in jobs where public safety is
involvedsuch as pilots or bus driversor to cases where there is reason to suspect substance
abuse, such as after a workplace accident.
1. Who, if anyone, do you think should be tested for drugs in the workplace? Why? In what
situations?
2. When people test positive for drugs, what should be done about it? Why?
Getting Help
rug abuse is a treatable condition. Support groups, counseling
Dservices, and treatment centers are available in most commu-
nities. For teens, the first step in getting help is talking to a parent,
teacher, school counselor, health care provider, or another trusted
adult. If an adult is unable to recommend a treatment option, teens
can call a toll-free hotline or a drug treatment center.
Treatment Centers
For the most serious addictions, drug users attend treatment cen-
ters, facilities that provide medical supervision while a person goes
through withdrawal and detoxification, or the removal of drugs
from the users body. Many of these centers provide medications to
help with the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal.
Chapter 23 Medicines and Drugs 614
Refusal Skills. Analyze and develop
strategies for preventing the use of drugs.
Prepare an insert on drug-refusal strategies
for your school newspaper. Explain the dangers
of drug abuse, and include examples of
appropriate and effective refusal skills to
avoid unsafe situations.
1. Identify some strategies that schools and
communities have taken to decrease the
availability of drugs.
2. List five signs of substance abuse.
3. How do support groups help substance abusers?
Thinking Critically
4. Analyzing. Analyze the importance of healthy
alternatives to drug and substance use.
5. Synthesizing. Develop a list of strategies
for preventing use of addictive substances
in your school. Write these in a formal list,
and submit your ideas to the school principal
or school board.
W O R D P R O C E S S I N G Using a word-processing
program can help give your work a personalized look. See
health.glencoe.com for tips on word processing.
Lesson 5 Living Drug Free
615
Types of drug treatment centers include these:
Outpatient Drug-Free Treatment. These

programs usually do not include medications and
often consist of individual or group counseling.
Short-Term Treatment. These centers can include

residential, medication, and outpatient therapies.
Maintenance Therapy. Intended for heroin addicts,

this treatment usually includes medication therapy.
Therapeutic Communities. These are residences

for people with a long history of drug abuse. The
centers include highly structured programs that
usually last from 6 to 12 months.
For people who have less serious addictions, or for those who are
released from a treatment center, drug counseling is usually recom-
mended. In either a private or a group setting, drug counselors help
people adjust to life without drugs. In conjunction with counseling,
many recovering drug users attend support groups. These meetings
are gatherings of people who share a common problem and who
work together to help one another cope and recover. Support groups
are confidential and are usually free. Support groups are a popular
strategy for treating addiction because they provide the long-term
moral support that the recovering user needs to remain drug free.
Drug counseling and
treatment can help a drug
user break the cycle of
addiction. Identify health-
related services in the
community that relate
to the prevention and
treatment of addiction.
health.glencoe.com
H E A L T H
...And Then
Destroying Them
4. Building the Bombs
After they encounter antigens in the blood,
some B cells retreat to the lymph nodes, where
they become plasma cells and churn out anti-
bodies that can bind to the antigens.
5. Going in for the Kill
Killer T cells must recognize antigens. Then
they mature quickly to perform their second
functiondestroying pathogens. Killer T cells
attach to a pathogen and douse it with a lethal
toxin. Then they detach and go off to kill again,
leaving the infected cell to die.
6. Bringing in the Big Guns
Natural killer cells are unspecialized fighters.
They flood infected cells with toxins and
destructive enzymes, but dont need to have
the antigens exposed by APCs.
Searching for
the Bad Bugs
1. Spotting the Enemy
Formed in bone marrow, B lymphocytes are the
only immune cells that can make antibodies
the first line of immune defense. Antibodies
are proteins that detect and bind themselves
to pathogens in the blood to neutralize them.
2. Exposing the Bad Guys
Often pathogens camouflage themselves
against detection by antibodies with proteins
called antigens. Antigen-presenting cells
(APCs) chop up the proteins. This exposes the
pathogens to destruction.
3. Sounding the Alarm
Helper T cells recognize and bind to bugs
exposed by APCs. Once activated, helper Ts
secrete hormones called cytokines. These sig-
nal the immune system to send more
macrophages, B cells, and T cells to destroy
the invaders, as well as more white blood cells
containing enzymes that digest antigens.
Vaccine:
The Battle Within
To create better vaccines,
scientists must study the
immune systems complex
network of cellular guards.
To create better vaccines,
scientists must study the
immune systems complex
network of cellular guards.
About
Vaccines
Every year nearly 2 million children worldwide die
from diseases that vaccination could have prevented.
Use the Internet or your schools media center to
learn what diseases cause the most deaths among
unvaccinated children. Why are these children not
being vaccinated? Report your findings to the class.
Pathogen
is exposed.
2. Antigen-
presenting
cell uncovers
pathogens.
3. Helper
T cell
sounds
alarm.
1. B lymphocytes
seek specic
pathogens.
Identifies
target
pathogen.
4. B lymphocyte
plasma cell
releases antibody
designed
to kill specic
pathogen.
5. Killer T cell
binds and destroys
its target pathogen.
6. Natural killer cell
kills any invading
bug in its path.
Pathogen
Pathogen
is exposed.
HS_HEALTH_U07_C23_CR 12/8/03 5:19 PM Page 616
617 Chapter 23 Review
Medical Records Technician
Do you enjoy managing information? Do you have strong organizational
skills and an eye for detail? If you can keep track of a variety of important
data, consider a career as a medical records technician. These professionals
maintain medical records of patients in hospitals, clinics, and doctors
offices. They track prescription medicines and other health information to
ensure that the right treatments and medications are given to patients.
Medical records technicians are required to have an Associates degree in
information management from a community college or vocational/technical
school. Find out more about this and other health careers by clicking on
Career Corner at health.glencoe.com.
1. Accessing Information. Research and analyze laws regulating the information
that is required to be on all over-the-counter (OTC) medicine labels. Why does
the FDA require this information to appear? (LESSON 1)
2. Communication Skills. Write a skit in which a teen expresses concern for a
friends drug problem. The teen should use effective communication skills to
discuss the dangers of drug use and to encourage the friend to seek help.
(LESSON 2)
3. Refusal Skills. Imagine that you are at a party and someone you know
suddenly offers you marijuana. Analyze and explain the refusal strategies
you could apply. (LESSON 3)
4. Stress Management. Derek, who has been under a lot of stress, confides
in you that he wants to take depressants to relax. What would you say to
persuade him not to do so? What healthy alternatives for managing stress
would you recommend? (LESSON 4)
5. Goal Setting. Make a goal to live drug free. Use the goal-setting steps to
develop an action plan for honoring your commitment. (LESSON 5)
health.glencoe.com
Use the notes you have taken in your Foldable to review what you have learned. On the
back of your Foldable, write a descriptive paragraph about the effects medicines have
on the human body.
After You Read
Chapter 23 Review
1. Analyze and describe two types of medicines that
fight diseases.
2. What is the difference between an additive
interaction and an antagonistic interaction?
3. Compare and contrast OTC and prescription
medicines.
4. Why are illegal drugs dangerous to the user?
5. List three legal consequences of drug use for teens.
RECALLING THE FACTS Use complete
sentences to answer the following questions.
EXPLORING HEALTH TERMS Answer the
following questions on a sheet of paper.
Fill in the blanks with the correct term.
substance abuse illegal drugs
illicit drug use overdose
psychological dependence addiction
When a person uses (_5_), he or she is committing the
crime of (_6_). In addition to legal problems, using drugs
carries the risk of (_7_), which can be fatal. (_8_), a
condition in which the body develops a chemical need
for a drug, is another health risk of drug use.
Match each definition with
the correct term.
euphoria designer drugs
stimulants narcotics
hallucinogens psychoactive drugs
depressants
12. Pain-relieving drugs legally obtainable only
by prescription.
13. Drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and sense
perceptions, including vision, hearing, smell,
and touch.
14. Synthetic substances made to imitate the effects
of hallucinogens and other dangerous drugs.
the correct term.
anabolic-androgenic steroids paranoia
marijuana inhalants
9. An irrational suspicion or distrust of others.
10. Substances whose fumes are sniffed to give a
mind-altering effect.
11. Synthetic substances that are similar to male
sex hormones.
the correct term.
analgesics antagonistic interaction
additive interaction vaccines
side effects synergistic effect
drugs medicines
1. Drugs that are used to treat or prevent disease or
other conditions.
2. Pain relievers.
3. Reactions to medicine other than the one intended.
4. An interaction of two or more medicines that
results in a greater effect than when each medicine
is taken separately.
Identify each statement as True or
False. If false, replace the underlined
term with the correct term.
drug-free school zones drug watches
15. Drug-free school zones are/is organized community
efforts by neighborhood residents to patrol, monitor,
report, and try to stop drug deals and drug abuse.
16. Drug watches are/is a designated area surrounding
schools within which people caught selling drugs
receive especially severe penalties.
Test Practice
Test Practice
Read the paragraph below, look
at the table, and then answer the
questions.
Nonmedical use of the type of steroid known as
an anabolic steroid is abuse of the substance. The
table shows the abuse of anabolic steroids in a
study that involved more than 45,000 students from
both public and private schools.
1. If 14,000 of the students were seniors, how many
of them have not used anabolic steroids in the past
month?
13,888 1350
1238 11.120
2. If 16,000 of the students were eighth graders, how
many of them have not ever used anabolic steroids?
15,520 10,352
13,272 480
3. Look at the table entries for eighth and twelfth gra-
ders. Used in past year shows the same percent for
both grades, but a higher percentage of eighth graders
have, at some time, used anabolic steroids. What does
this data show about recent increase in usage by
eighth graders compared to usage by twelfth graders?
Grade 8
th
10
th
12
th
Ever used 3.0% 3.5% 2.5%
Used in past year 1.7% 2.2% 1.7%
Used in past month 0.8% 1.0% 0.8%
Chapter 23 Review
6. Analyze and explain the harmful effects of drugs
on a fetus.
7. Marijuana raises the level of dopamine in the
brain. What effect does this have on the body?
8. Examine and describe the physical consequences
of inhalant use.
9. What can happen if an athlete uses steroids?
10. How does a stimulant affect the central nervous
system?
11. What are the symptoms of a hallucinogen overdose?
12. List five harmful effects of club drugs.
13. List and analyze three strategies you can apply
for avoiding drugs.
14. How are communities helping in the effort to
promote health by stopping drug use?
15. List three types of centers in which drug users
can be treated.
THINKING CRITICALLY
1. Evaluating. The FDA regulates what manufacturers
can say in advertisements for both prescription and
OTC medicines. Do you think that such regulation is
necessary? Support your answer.
2. Analyzing. What is the relationship between drug
use and harmful situations such as violent crimes,
HIV and STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and motor
vehicle collisions?
3. Evaluating. Marijuana use lowers the level of
testosterone in males. How might this fact affect
a teen males development?
4. Synthesizing. In what ways are stimulants and
depressants different? In what ways are they similar?
5. Summarizing. The commitment to be drug free can
help in achieving personal goals. Make a list of your
personal goals. Analyze the importance of alterna-
tives to drug use to help you reach your goals.
TAKS

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584

Medicines and Drugs

help prevent disease.

fight pathogens, or infectious agents that cause disease.

help maintain or restore health and regulate the bodys systems.

Vaccines. A is a preparation introduced into the body

Antitoxins. These extracts of blood fluids contain antibodies

Allergy medicines. Many people rely on antihistamines and

Body-regulating medicines. Some medicines maintain

Antidepressant and antipsychotic medicines. These

Cancer treatment medicines. These medicines reduce rapid

occurs when medicines work together in

is an interaction of two or more medicines

occurs when the effect of one

Tolerance is a condition in which the body becomes used to

Withdrawal occurs when a person stops using a medicine

Prescription medicines. The FDA has ruled that certain

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This group includes

Tel: (214) 555-8888

Keep medicine in the

Store medicines in a safe

Never disable or replace the

Flush down the toilet any

giving a prescription medicine to a person for whom it was not

taking too much or too little of a medicine or taking a

discontinuing use of a medicine without informing the health

Family members can help teens resist drugs.

Role models are people you admire and want to

Media messages can influence your impression

Perceptions of societys drug behavior are often

Physical consequences. Once a drug enters the bloodstream,

Mental/emotional consequences. Drugs cloud reasoning

Social consequences. Even people who are just experi-

Tolerance. The body of the substance abuser needs more and

Psychological dependence. A condition in which a person

Physiological dependence. A person who experiences the

Addiction. Anyone who takes drugs risks one of the most

Choose friends who share

Maintain your self-respect

Take pride in your

Use physical activity and

Stay involved in healthy

Be aware of your surroundings,

Stay away from parties and

Be firm in saying that youre

Keep it simple. Say No

If the pressure continues,

Identify specific sources of help in your communitydrug

Talk to the person when he or she is sober. Express your

Listen to the persons response. Be prepared for anger and denial.

Discuss the sources of help you have found. Offer to go with

Outpatient Drug-Free Treatment. These

Short-Term Treatment. These centers can include

Maintenance Therapy. Intended for heroin addicts,

Therapeutic Communities. These are residences

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