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Drug and alcohol abuse is one of the fastest growing
problems in the country. It affects our families, schools,
businesses and industry. Socially, the effects can be
devastating. Traffic accidents, family disputes, violent
crime, and medical problems are all societal concerns
related to abuse.
There are many drugs that affect the mind or behavior, and
are either legal or illegal. Legal drugs are those that
have been approved for sale either by prescription or over
the counter. Alcohol, which is legally available in
beverages to anyone over the legal drinking age, is a
drug. Illegal drugs are those substances whose
manufacture, sale, purchase for sale, or possession is
prohibited by law. These include such drugs as marijuana,
cocaine, PCP, opiates and amphetamines, or those drugs
approved, but obtained by illegal means or used for
illicit purposes.
Knowledge is a powerful weapon against drugs. The
information contained in the following links represent a
good start in your educational efforts.
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Alcohol |
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Alcohol is a socially acceptable
drug that has been consumed throughout the world for
centuries. It is considered a recreational beverage when
consumed in moderation for enjoyment and relaxation during
social gatherings. However, when consumed primarily for its
physical mood altering effects, it is a substance of abuse. As
a depressant, it slows down physical responses and
progressively impairs mental functions.
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Amphetamines |
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Amphetamines
are central nervous system stimulants that speed up the mind
and body. Although widely prescribed at one time for weight
reduction and mood elevation, the legal use of amphetamines is
now limited to a very narrow range of medical conditions.
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Cocaine |
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Cocaine is
used medically as a local anesthetic. It is abused as a
powerful physical and mental stimulant. The entire central
nervous system is energized. Muscles are more tense, the heart
beats faster and stronger, and the body burns more energy. The
brain experiences an exhilaration caused by a large release of
neurohormones associated with mood elevation.
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Marijuana (Cannabinoids) |
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Contrary to many
beliefs, marijuana is a harmful drug, especially since
the potency of the marijuana now available has increased more
than 275 percent over the last decade.
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Opiates (Narcotics) |
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Opiates,
also called narcotics, are drugs that alleviate pain, depress
body functions and reactions, and when taken in large doses,
cause a strong euphoric feeling.
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Phencyclidine (PCP) |
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PCP is a
hallucinogenic drug; a drug that alerts sensation, mood and
consciousness and that may distort hearing, touch, smell or
taste, as well as visual sensation. It is legitimately used as
an anesthetic for animals. When used by humans, PCP induces a
profound departure from reality, which leaves the user capable
of bizarre behavior and severe disorientation.
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The Federal
government has compiled a great deal of information about the
effects of alcohol abuse and other drug use and the successful
strategies that can be used to combat these problems. More
information and free materials may be obtained from the
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and
Drug Information website. |
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