# Drugs and Addictions ## Introduction Drugs are substances that affect the body or mind. This material will introduce the basic classification of drugs, their effects, examples, and principles of prevention and treatment. The goal is to provide clear and practical information for high school students. > Definition: A drug is any substance (other than food) whose frequent use changes the body or mind and can lead to addiction. ## Classification of Drugs ### Legal vs. Illegal - **Legal Drugs**: alcohol, tobacco, some medications - **Illegal Drugs**: heroin, hashish, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, marijuana (in some countries) ### By Effect (Overview) | Category | Examples | Main Effect | |---|---:|---| | Depressants ("downers") | alcohol, sedatives, some sleeping pills | slow down the central nervous system | | Stimulants | caffeine, cocaine, methamphetamine | speed up the central nervous system | | Opioids / Narcotics | heroin, morphine, opium | reduce pain, induce euphoria | | Hallucinogens | LSD, mushrooms, peyote | distort visual and auditory perception | | Inhalants | glues, thinners, aerosol sprays | rapid onset of effect, risk of sudden death | | Cannabinoids | marijuana, hashish | combination of depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogenic effects | | Anabolic Steroids | synthetic hormones | increase muscle mass, abused in sports | > Definition: Depressants are substances that slow down the activity of the central nervous system. ## Origin of Substances - **Natural Drugs**: marijuana, magic mushrooms, cacti, some frog secretions - **Chemical (Synthetic) Drugs**: LSD, ecstasy, heroin (often processed), cocaine (chemically modified), medications Did you know that inhalants can cause "sudden sniffing death" – a sudden death that can occur upon the first or repeated inhalation of toxic fumes? ## Special Groups and Risks ### Inhalants - Used by sniffing or huffing - Very rapid effects, but high risk of heart and brain damage and sudden death ### Steroids - Prescribed for medical purposes orally or by injection - Illegal misuse in sports to enhance performance (potential for disqualification) ### Prescription Medications - Used for treatment, but can be misused when taken excessively ## Signs of Potential Addiction (Symptoms) - reddened or dilated pupils - skipping classes, decline in school performance - loss of money or valuables, disappearance of medications - isolation, irritability, depression - changing social circles, loss of interest in old hobbies - demanding more privacy, locking doors, avoiding eye contact Fun fact: Using certain drugs can lead to changes in appetite and overall nutritional deterioration, which makes the body more susceptible to illness. ## Prevention (Primary and Secondary) 1. Education at school and home: clear information about risks 2. Strengthening social skills: resilience to peer pressure 3. Safe environment: reducing the availability of addictive substances 4. Early intervention: help at the first signs of problems > Definition: Primary prevention refers to a set of steps designed to prevent the onset of drug use; secondary prevention specifically intervenes when a problem is just emerging. ## Treatment and Tertiary Prevention 1. **Detoxification**: carried out in a medical facility, helps overcome withdrawal symptoms 2. **Resocialization**: learning to live without the drug in communities (e.g., sheltered housing, K-centers) 3. **Drop-in centers**: accepting existing users and mitigating consequences 4. **Substitution therapy**: replacing dangerous opioids with a less risky substance (e.g., methadone, Subutex) > Definition: Substitution therapy means the replacement of a dangerous opioid drug with a less dangerous medication under medical supervision.