Teen Health Course 3

Introduction

Drugs are chemicals that cause a specific reaction in the body.  Legal drugs are used for medical purposes and carefully supervised by a doctor.  Illegal drugs, however, can cause dangerous side effects and contain poisonous substances.  And, because they are not monitored by doctors, users run the risk of damaging their bodies or dying.  On the Web site below, you will learn about some of the most common illegal drugs and why they are so dangerous.

Link to explore: NIDA for Teens:
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/mom/index.asp

Directions

• Start at the NIDA for Teens Web site.
• Click on the “Hallucinogens” and “Inhalants” sections.
• Take notes as you read.  When you are done reading, answer the questions below.
• Finally, using the information from the link, create a one-line slogan (for example: You Lose if You Choose to Use) that can be made into a bumper sticker, flyer, or poster that states your stand against drugs.

1.			How can long-term inhalant use affect the functions of the brain?
2.			What happens to the heart when butane gas is inhaled?
3.			How does the brain respond to hallucinogens?
4.			How does LSD cause its effects?
5.			What is Ecstasy and what are its physical effects?