Cocaine and LSD: review activity and resources.What Are the Facts? What is the difference between a fact and an opinion? A fact is something that is definitely true and can be proved. An opinion can't be proved since it conveys feelings, beliefs, or judgments. After you've read "Big White Lies" and "I'm Losing My Mind," look at the following statements about stimulants, hallucinogens, and dissociative drugs. If you think the statement is a fact, write F in the space provided. If you think the statement is an opinion, write O in the space provided. -- 1. Cocaine can cause fatal heart attacks and strokes. -- 2. Ecstasy has both hallucinogenic hal·lu·ci·no·gen n. A substance that induces hallucination. [hallucin(ation) + -gen.] hal·lu and stimulant properties. -- 3. The most serious side effect of cocaine use is addiction. -- 4. Stimulants narrow blood vessels Blood vessels Tubular channels for blood transport, of which there are three principal types: arteries, capillaries, and veins. Only the larger arteries and veins in the body bear distinct names. and reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. -- 5. Inhaling cocaine through the nostrils is disgusting. -- 6. Cocaine interferes with the brain's normal handling of the neurotransmitter neurotransmitter, chemical that transmits information across the junction (synapse) that separates one nerve cell (neuron) from another nerve cell or a muscle. Neurotransmitters are stored in the nerve cell's bulbous end (axon). dopamine dopamine (dōp`əmēn), one of the intermediate substances in the biosynthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine. See catecholamine. dopamine One of the catecholamines, widely distributed in the central nervous system. . -- 7. LSD LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide (lī'sûr`jĭk, dī'ĕth`ələmĭd, dī'ĕthəlăm`ĭd), alkaloid synthesized from lysergic acid, which is found in the fungus ergot ( is also called acid. -- 8. The most disturbing side effect of LSD use is synesthesia synesthesia /syn·es·the·sia/ (sin?es-the´zhah) 1. a secondary sensation accompanying an actual perception. 2. , or the blending of senses. -- 9. Hallucinogen hallucinogen Substance that produces psychological effects normally associated only with dreams, schizophrenia, or religious visions. It produces changes in perception (ranging from distortions in what is sensed to perceptions of objects where there are none), thought, and persistent perception disorder (HPPD Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) The recurrence of LSD effects after the drug experience has ended. Mentioned in: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ) is a disorder that involves ongoing perception problems, like seeing trails of light that aren't really there. -- 10. LSD binds to and activates a specific receptor for the neurotransmitter serotonin. -- 11. Using hallucinogens is scarier than using dissociative drugs. -- 12. The number of teens using LSD is insignificant. Now, find two additional facts about hallucinogens, dissociative drugs, or stimulants from the articles. Then, give an opinion of your own on Miguel's or Amanda's experiences with drugs. Use the space provided below. Fact: -- Fact: -- Opinion: -- ANSWERS 1. Fact 2. Fact 3, Opinion 4. Fact 5. Opinion 6. Fact 7. Fact 8. Opinion 9. Fact 10. Fact 11. Opinion 12. Opinion Resources For more information and useful links, go to www.scholastic.com/headsup On Scholastic's Heads Up site, you'll find more true stories about teens in recovery, plus more information and activities about drugs of abuse. www.drugabuse.gov NIDA's information-packed Web site. www.BacktoSchool.drugabuse.gov NIDA's new site for science-based information on drugs of abuse is for teachers and students in all grades--and for parents, too. www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Cocaine/Cocaine.html Visit this page to read NIDA's research report on cocaine abuse and addiction. www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/ Hallucinogens/Hallucinogens.html NIDA's research report on hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. www.drugabuse.gov/MOM/MOMIndex.html Check out NIDA's magazine series for teens. You can click on issues focusing on stimulants, hallucinogens, and more. www.clubdrugs.org NIDA's comprehensive site on drugs associated with the young adult rave scene. Friend in Need If you are concerned that someone you know is abusing cocaine, LSD, or other drugs, talk to a trusted adult (a teacher, parent, guidance counselor guidance counselor Child psychology A school worker trained to screen, evaluate and advise students on career and academic matters , etc.) for advice, or, if your friend is ready to seek help, you may wish to offer the following resource: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov or 1-800-662-HELP. |
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