1. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The Facts

2. SUBSTANSE ABUSE
(sub-stuns a-byoo-s)-noun
: long-term, pathological use of
alcohol or drugs, characterized by
daily intoxication, inability to
reduce consumption, and
impairment in social or
occupational functioning; broadly,
alcohol or drug addiction.

3. WHAT IS AN ADDICTION?
An addiction is a complex brain disease
causing physical and mental dependence of
drugs, harmful chronic symptoms both
physical and mental, and making it hard for
the addict to stop. Prolonged use of a drug
causes the brain to change it’s structure and
communication method causing the addiction
and effects. Though drug addictions can be
treated with long grueling rehab sessions,
relapses and chronic diseases will remain.

4. WHAT IS AN ADDICT AND WHAT
MAKES ONE AN ADDICT?
ENVIRONMENT
• Family and friends influences
• Social and economic status
• Sexual abuse
• Peer pressure
• Stress
BIOLOGY(in addition to environment create
vulnerability)
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Presence of other mental issues
DEVELOPMENT
• Adolescents are more likely to become addicts
due to the developmental stage of the brain.
• Increased risk of trying the drug.
An addict is any one
that is addicted
(dependent and has a
high tolerance) to a
drug or other substance.
Many factors come into
play when it comes to the
causes of drug addiction.

5. DANGERS
Each drug has its
own effects, both
short-term and
long-term.

6. EFFECT OF
CANNABIS
(MARAJUANA)
SHORT-TERM
• Euphoria
• Lethargy
• Increased heart rate
• Increased awareness of sensation
• Paranoia
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Ataxia (lack of coordination)
• Altered state of consciousness
LONG-TERM
• Lowers testosterone levels
• Impairs sperm production
• Disrupts periods in females
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Anger
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Irritability

7. EFFECT OF
COCAINE
SHORT-TERM
• Restlessness
• Increased blood pressure
• Euphoria
• Increased heart rate
• Paranoia
• Impotence
• Twitching
LONG-TERM
• Seizures
• Increased heart rate
• Hallucinations
• Heart arrhythmia
OVERDOSE
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Respiratory failure
• Cerebral hemorrhage

8. EFFECT OF
HEROIN
SHORT-TERM
• Euphoria
• Altered mind state
• Slowed breathing
• Weakness in muscles
• Dry mouth
• Warm and flushed skin
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Possibility of blood borne infections
if injected
LONG-TERM
• Decreased liver function
• Addiction
• Possibility of blood borne infections
if injected
• Possibility of death if mixed with
cocaine(“speedballs”)
• Physical dependence
• Collapsed veins
• Heart infection
• Pneumonia
• Growth of abscesses

9. EFFECTS OF
LSD
(ACID)
EFFECTS
• Elevated blood sugar
• Increased heart rate
• Tremors
• Pupil dilation
• Hallucinations
CHARACTERISTICS OF A “TRIP”
LEVEL 1
• Stoned effect
• Seeing of dull brilliant colors
LEVEL 2
• Seeing of brighter colors and 2D patterns when
eyes are closed
• Confusion
LEVEL 3
• 2D hallucinations become 3D
• Curved and warped patterns on walls and faces
• Confusion within senses(seeing sound)
LEVEL 4
• Objects morphing into other objects
• Loss of reality
• Out of body experiences
LEVEL 5
• Feeling of merging with space and time
• Blending of the senses
• Total loss of reality

10. EFFECTS OF
METHAMPHETAMINE
(METH OR CRYSTAL METH)
SHORT-TERM
• dry mouth
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Euphoria
• Increased alertness
• Anxiety
• Dilated pupils
LONG-TERM
• Anorexia
• Insomnia
• Convulsions
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Low resting heart rate (under 60
BPM)
• Abnormal beating of the heart
• Death

11. If you or someone you know is or
may be addicted to a drug or alcohol,
tell them to seek help and call a local
drug helpline. Drug addictions are
very serious and should be dealt with
at the first sign before its too late.

12. The End.
Created by
Jana 