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Chapter 22: Illegal Drugs
Lesson 1 — Marijuana
Marijuana (cannabis) is the most commonly used illegal drug among teens. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound that creates its effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Short-Term EffectsEuphoria, impaired memory, slowed reaction time, increased appetite, anxiety
Long-Term EffectsMemory/learning impairment, lung damage (if smoked), risk of Cannabis Use Disorder
Teen Brain RiskTHC disrupts normal brain development; linked to lower IQ and mental health problems
Vaping/EdiblesConcentrated forms increase overdose risk; edibles have delayed effects
Quick Check: Why is marijuana use particularly risky for teenagers compared to adults?
Lesson 2 — Stimulants & Cocaine
Stimulant drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and Adderall (when misused) dramatically increase dopamine in the brain's reward system, creating intense pleasure — and severe crashes.
Meth & the Brain
Methamphetamine releases 3x more dopamine than cocaine. It destroys dopamine receptors over time, leaving users unable to feel pleasure from normal activities — a condition called anhedonia.
Methamphetamine releases 3x more dopamine than cocaine. It destroys dopamine receptors over time, leaving users unable to feel pleasure from normal activities — a condition called anhedonia.
- Cocaine: short-lived high, intense crash, high addiction potential; can cause cardiac arrest
- Meth: cheap, long-lasting, devastatingly addictive; causes severe dental decay and skin sores
- Adderall misuse: not "safer" because it's a prescription — still carries addiction and cardiac risk
Quick Check: What is anhedonia, and why does meth cause it?
Lesson 3 — Opioids & Heroin
The opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug crisis in U.S. history, killing over 80,000 Americans per year. Many opioid addictions start with legally prescribed painkillers.
Fentanyl Crisis
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl — 50x stronger than heroin — is now found in counterfeit pills and other drugs. A dose the size of a few grains of salt can be fatal. There is no safe "recreational" opioid use.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl — 50x stronger than heroin — is now found in counterfeit pills and other drugs. A dose the size of a few grains of salt can be fatal. There is no safe "recreational" opioid use.
- Opioids bind to brain receptors, blocking pain and creating euphoria
- Respiratory depression (breathing stops) is the mechanism of overdose death
- Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an overdose — available without prescription in most states
- Medication-assisted treatment (buprenorphine, methadone) saves lives
Quick Check: Why is fentanyl especially dangerous compared to other opioids?
Lesson 4 — Inhalants, Club Drugs & Prevention
Some of the most dangerous substances are legal products misused for their psychoactive effects. Inhalants are particularly common among younger teens due to easy access.
InhalantsHuffing glue, paint, aerosols; can cause sudden death (SDS) even on first use
MDMA (Ecstasy)Damages serotonin neurons; causes dehydration, overheating, cardiac risk
Ketamine/GHBDissociative drugs; used as date rape drugs; dangerous combinations with alcohol
PreventionEducation, strong family bonds, healthy coping, refusal skills, community programs
Quick Check: What makes inhalants especially dangerous compared to other drugs?
Chapter Vocabulary
THCTetrahydrocannabinol — the psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces its effects.
DopamineA neurotransmitter in the brain's reward system; many addictive drugs trigger massive dopamine release.
MethamphetamineA highly addictive stimulant that causes intense euphoria followed by severe physical and mental damage.
OpioidA class of drugs — including heroin, morphine, and fentanyl — that bind to pain receptors and cause euphoria.
FentanylA synthetic opioid 50x stronger than heroin; now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.
NaloxoneA medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose; available as Narcan nasal spray.
InhalantsVolatile substances inhaled to produce psychoactive effects; can cause sudden death on first use.
MDMA3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy/Molly) — a stimulant/hallucinogen that damages serotonin neurons.
AnhedoniaThe inability to feel pleasure from normally enjoyable activities, often caused by drug-induced receptor damage.
Gateway drugA substance (like alcohol or marijuana) whose early use is associated with higher likelihood of using harder drugs later.