Page 106 - Keys to College Success

KEY 3.5 Drugs have potent effects on the user. (Continued)

POTENTIAL SHORT-TERM AND DANGER OF
DRUG DRUG CATEGORY USERS MAY FEEL . . . LONG-TERM PHYSICAL EFFECTS DEPENDENCE
Methamphetamine Stimulant Euphoric, confident, Seizures, heart attack, strokes, vein Strong, especially
(also called meth, alert, energetic damage (if injected), sleeplessness, if taken by smoking
speed, crank) hallucinations, high blood pressure,
paranoia, psychoses, depression,
anxiety, loss of appetite, severe
dental decay

Nicotine (also called Stimulant and Causes a release of adrena- Lung cancer, emphysema, asthma, High
smokes, cigs) depressant line, speeding up breathing stroke, heart attack, miscarriage,
and heartrate; also causes ear infections and respiratory
the release of dopamine problems (in children exposed to
into the brain, resulting in secondhand smoke)
feelings of pleasure and
well-being. Heroin and
“crack” have the same
effects on the brain.
OxyContin (also called Analgesic Relaxed, detached, without Overdose death can result when Moderate, with long-
Oxy, OC, legal heroin) (containing opiate) pain or anxiety users ingest or inhale crushed term use
time-release pills, or take them
in conjunction with alcohol or
narcotics

Source: Most information from “I Am a Parent.” Drug Policy Alliance, 2011. Accessed on October 28, 2011, from http://www.safety1st.org/drugfacts.html; nicotine
information from “NIDA InfoFacts: Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products.” National Institute of on Drug Abuse, September, 2010. Accessed on October 25, 2011,
from http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/tobacco.html

Use the self-test to assess your relationship with drugs. If you believe you have a
problem, read the following section on steps that can help you get your life back on track.

Facing Addiction

Because substances often cause physical changes and psychological dependence, quit-
ting may involve a painful withdrawal. Asking for help isn’t a failure, but a risk calcu-
lated to earn you the reward of reclaiming your life. If you think you may be addicted,
seek help. Even one “yes” answer on the self-test may indicate a need to evaluate
alcohol or drug use and monitor it more carefully. If you answered “yes” to three or
more questions, you may benefit from talking to a professional about your substance
use and the problems it may be causing.
Working through substance-abuse problems can lead to restored health and self-respect.
Helpful resources can help you generate options and develop practical plans for recovery.
■ Counseling and medical care. You can find help from school-based, private,
government-sponsored, or workplace-sponsored resources. Ask your school’s coun-
seling or health center, your personal physician, or a local hospital for a referral.
■ Detoxification (“detox”) centers. If you have a severe addiction, you may need a
controlled environment where you can separate yourself completely from drugs
or alcohol, including the people and places associated with it.
■ Support groups. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has led to other support groups for Emotional and Physical Wellness
addicts such as Overeaters Anonymous (OA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
These groups are free, effective, anonymous, and meet in almost every city of the
United States, almost every day of the week.

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