Risk Factors, Effects on the brain,Symptoms, Warning signs and treatment. Drugs and substances such as marijuana, cocaine and heroine are not the only substances that can be abused. Alcohol, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, inhalant and solvents, sedatives, coffee and cigarettes.

1. DRUGS
&
SUBSTANCE
ABUSE

2. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Substance abuse can simply be defined
as a pattern of harmful use of any
substance for mood-altering purposes.

3. Drug Abuse…
…according to the Medline's Medical
Encyclopedia is "the use of illicit drugs or the
abuse of prescription or over-the-counter
drugs for purposes other than those for
which they are indicated or in a manner or in
quantities other than directed."

4. Are you worried that someone you love
is doing drugs or addicted?

5. Are you struggling with substance
abuse or drug addiction?

6. Substance Abuse
does not discriminate; it affects
people from all walks of life,
socioeconomic background and
educational level.

7. Illegal drugs such as marijuana,
cocaine and heroine are not the
only substances that can be
abused. Alcohol, prescription
drugs and over-the-counter
medications, inhalant and
solvents, sedatives, coffee and
cigarettes, can all be used to
harmful excess.

8. Some Reasons for Drug Use
Some individuals experiment with drugs, Some try
drugs out of curiosity, others to have a good time,
because friends are doing it. Some in an effort to
improve athletic performance or ease stress,
anxiety, or depression.
The Use of it doesn’t automatically lead to abuse.
drug use moves from casual to problematic
depending on the individual.

9. Drug abuse and Addiction is less about
the amount of substance consumed or the
frequency, and more to do with the
consequences of drug use.
if your drug use is causing problems in
your life—at work, school, home, or in
your relationships—you likely have a
drug abuse or addiction problem.

10. 5 C’s of Addiction
Chronic
Loss of Control
Compulsion
Use despite negative CONSEQUENCES
Cravings.

11. Risk Factors
Your genes, mental health, family and social
environment increases your vulnerability include.
• Family history of addiction
• Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in
childhood
• Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
• Early use of drugs

12. Effect on the Brain
Taking a recreational drug causes a surge in levels of
dopamine in your brain, which trigger feelings of pleasure.
Your brain remembers these feelings and wants them
repeated.
Changes in your brain interfere with your ability to think
clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and
feel normal without drugs.
Changes in your brain interfere with your ability to think
clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and
feel normal without drugs.

15. Common signs
and
symptoms
of
drug abuse

16. • You’re neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home (e.g.
flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of
your drug use.
• You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while
high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having
unprotected sex.
• Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for
disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support
a drug habit.
• Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as
fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the
loss of old friends.

17. Common signs
and
symptoms
of
drug abuse
(Cont’d)

18. You’ve built up a drug tolerance. A greater quantity of the drug has to be used to get a
similar high.
You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. You cannot stay too long
without the drug, experiences withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, restlessness,
insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
You’ve lost control over your drug use. You cannot control your drug cravings, you feel
powerless to stop using, you become dependent and feel that you’re unable to
function without it.
Your life revolves around drug use. You are consume by thoughts of the drugs and how to
get it.
You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy. You isolate yourself and avoid socializing
in order to use drugs.
You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. You are experiencing
serious health and harmful problems but continues despite of them- infections, mood
swings, depression, paranoia.

19. Drug abusers often try to conceal their
symptoms.
look for the following warning signs:

20. Warning Signs

21. Physical warning signs of drug abuse
• Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight
loss or weight gain
• Deterioration of physical appearance, personal
grooming habits
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

23. Behavioral signs
of
drug abuse

24. • Poor work or school attendance and
decline in performance.
• Spike in spending and urgency for money
or financial problems.
• Secretive, suspicious unusual behaviors
• Sudden change in friends and associates.
• Accident or trouble prone (fights,
accidents, illegal activities)

25. Behavioral signs
of
drug abuse
(Cont’d)

26. • Personality Change
(sudden mood swings, irritability,
or angry outbursts)
• hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness
• Lack of motivation and withdrawn
• Unexplained Anxiety or paranoia

27. Commonly
abused drugs

28. Marijuana:
Glassy, red eyes; loud talking, inappropriate laughter followed by
sleepiness; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.
Depressants (including Xanax, Valium, GHB):
Contracted pupils; drunk-like; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor
judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness.
Stimulants (including amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth):
Dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking
followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long
periods of time without eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

29. Commonly
abused drugs
(cont’d)

30. Inhalants (glues, aerosols, vapors) :
Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the
nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea;
appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in
appetite; anxiety; irritability; lots of cans/aerosols in the trash.
Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP) :
Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia,
aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people;
absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.
Heroin :
Contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping
at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching;
loss of appetite.

31. TYPES OF TREATMENT
• Medical
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Family Therapy
• 12 Step Programs
• Detoxification
• In Patient Rehabilitation
• Therapeutic Counselling& Groups

32. reference
• www.about.com
• www.umm.edu
• www.helpguide.org
• www.drugabuse.gov
• www.alcoholism.about.com

33. Don’t do drugs!
Group Members:
Nadia O. Richards
Jamilla Marcelle
Thanks for watching!