Alcohol Myths & Misinformation

Training supports your company’s Drug-Free Workplace Program

Programs help companies and workers Safer, healthier, more productive Employees learn facts about alcohol

Welcome!

Course deals with alcohol and drug abuse Most harmful drug in workplace and in our

communities Course provides facts and dispels myths Help you make smarter decisions

Why This Course Matters to You

When you complete this course, you’ll be able to discuss with co-workers, friends, and family:

How alcohol misuse affects all of us Common misconceptions about alcohol Important facts about drinking

Course Objectives

Alcoholic drinks basically contain:

◦ Ethanol, a form of alcohol◦ Flavorings of different kinds◦ Water

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol, or ethanol, is a drug Misuse damages the body and brain Alcohol is also addictive Seems like a stimulant

◦ But really a sedative

Impairs reasoning, judgment, memory Alcohol poisoning can kill

Alcohol is a Drug

Drinking is legal and common for adults Don’t always recognize problems Alcohol is nation’s top drug problem

Affects everyone – even non-drinkers◦ About 43% if US adults have (or had) a family

member with a drinking problem

Our Number One Drug Problem

Costs Americans about $185B annually Medical care and treatment

◦ Accidents, deaths Ultimately, we all pay the price

◦ Higher taxes, insurance premiums◦ Public safety risks◦ Stress in workplaces and families

The Cost of Misusing Alcohol

Alcohol is third leading cause of preventable death in the US◦ Over 100,000 each year

Of people admitted to hospitals, ¼ have alcohol problems or are being treated for consequences of undiagnosed alcohol dependence

Alcohol and the Community

Traffic accidents leading cause of accidental deaths in the US

41% of traffic deaths involve alcohol

People with alcohol dependence are FIVE times more likely to die in a traffic accident

On the Road

In a national survey, more than 60% of adults knew people who had gone to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol

47% of work injuries and up to 40% of workplace fatalities involve alcohol

Injuries at Work

How the Body Processes Alcohol

The body doesn’t process alcohol like food

Food is broken down by digestion

But alcohol is not food◦ Enters bloodstream unchanged like a sponge

soaking up water

Processing Alcohol

Alcohol absorption starts immediately◦ Mouth, throat, stomach

The small intestine absorbs most of the alcohol◦ Alcohol passes into bloodstream

Eating slows down absorption, but it won’t keep you sober

It’s how much, how fast you drink

The Effect of Food

Liver turns alcohol into waste◦ Only ½ ounce per hour

First hour doesn’t count◦ Time for alcohol to reach liver

When you get drunk◦ More alcohol than liver can remove

Reason drinking fast is risky

Metabolism

There are no shortcuts to getting sober◦ Not coffee, exercise, cold shower

Time is the only remedy

Liver removes alcohol from blood

Time

You’ve seen how alcohol misuse affects all

Dispelled common misconceptions

Learned important facts

Can keep workplace, community safer

Could save a life

Congratulations!

Drug Education

Illegal drug use risks your health and safety

Against your company's policy ◦ Lose your job and benefits ◦ Land in court or jail

You feel the impact, even if you don't use ◦ Higher taxes◦ more crime

Someone you know likely has a problem ◦ Whether you realize it or not

Why This Course Matters to You

When you finish you'll be able to identify the major drugs of abuse and explain why they are misused.

Major types of drugs of abuse◦ Stimulants, or “uppers” ◦ Depressants, or “downers” ◦ Mixed effects (“all-arounders”)

Course Objectives

You see it everywhere ◦ News reports, articles about drugs ◦ Ads on radio and TV

Maybe you don't pay much attention ◦ Happens to someone else

Drug problem affects all of us ◦ Even if you don't use drugs

The Drug Problem

Drugs raise education costs 10 percent or $40 billion each year◦ Class disruption ◦ Violence ◦ Special education◦ Tutoring ◦ Property damage◦ Injury ◦ Counseling

The Drug Problem - Education

Drugs make roads less safe◦ Almost 11 million report driving Under influence of

illegal drug within past year

Roads

Drugs fuel crime◦ Over half adult male arrestees in 36 U.S. cities

tested positive for drugs

Crime

Many kids use illegal drugs

Among high school graduates◦ 48 percent used marijuana ◦ 30 percent used another illegal drug

Kids

What are these drugs of abuse?

Why are they so attractive?

More than Statistics

Three classes of frequently abused drugs◦ Stimulants, or “uppers” ◦ Depressants, or “downers” ◦ Mixed effects (“all-arounders”)

Each has different effects on mind, body

Types of Drug Abuse

Stimulants are called "uppers" Energize body's central nervous system

◦ Make people feel alert, awake◦ Speed up heart rate and breathing ◦ Raise body temperature

Stimulants

Depressants called "downers" Depress body's central nervous system

◦ Feel sluggish◦ Reduce coordination◦ Slow down

Heart rate Breathing Other vital signs

Depressants

Some drugs have mixed central nervous system effects

Also called “all-arounders” Have different effects

◦ Some cause hallucinations◦ Others raise your heart rate

While slowing down thinking Reducing coordination

Mixed Effects

Some from plants Some are "synthetic" Different intoxicating effects and health

risks

Differences among drugs of abuse

Effects vary with dosage and route of administration

In general, the more you take the more intoxicated you get

Some ways of taking drugs produce more rapid, intense effects ◦ Smoking or injection vs. swallowing pills

Common Characteristics

Many drugs of abuse are highly addictive Effects are not predictable

◦ Same drug can affect different people in different ways

◦ Same drug can affect one person differently at different times

Effects different when combined◦ Combinations can be more risky◦ Unintended, unexpected consequences

Common Characteristics

Common Uses◦ Reduce fatigue◦ Speed up metabolism

Reasons for abuse ◦ To stay awake ◦ Lose weight ◦ Exhilarating "high"

Despite unpleasant "crash" Some stimulants relatively mild Stronger stimulants used illegally Serious short- and long-term health risks

Stimulants

Most widely used stimulant Found in coffee beans and other plants Usually mild feelings of alertness

◦ A lot can cause nervousness, insomnia, dependence

Average U.S. coffee drinker has 1,000 cups/year

Also found in◦ Other beverages ◦ Chocolates ◦ Non-prescription medications

Caffeine

Found in tobacco products Second most widely used stimulant

◦ 30% of Americans 12 and older Largest cause of preventable U.S. deaths

◦ 400,000 each year ◦ One in every five deaths

More than combined deaths from:◦ Alcohol and all other drugs◦ Car crashes, murders, suicides, fires, etc.

Nicotine

Very addictive 35 million Americans each year seriously try

to quit◦ Fewer than 7 percent who try on their own stop

for more than a year◦ Most relapse within a few days

Nicotine

Smoking increases risks of:◦ Strokes◦ Heart attacks ◦ Other heart diseases

Nicotine replacements do not increase risk Nicotine doses are:

◦ Slower and lower ◦ Without toxins found in tobacco smoke

Effects of Smoking

Powerful, highly addictive stimulants Usually taken orally

◦ Injected by "speed freaks" ◦ Potent form, "ice," is smoked

60's abuse led to tighter controls

Psychosis-like symptoms can occur with chronic use

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are used in medicine ◦ Treat obesity, narcolepsy

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) ◦ Treatment of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder)

Increased abuse potential among kids

Uses of amphetamines

"Street" meth diverted from legal use ◦ Or made in secret labs

Meth labs” spring up quickly ◦ Homes, hotel rooms ◦ Shacks in the woods

Nightmare for law enforcement

Labs can explode, burn ◦ Extensive environmental damage

Methamphetamines

Made from leaves of coca tree ◦ Columbia, other S. American countries

Most powerful stimulant found in nature

Second most used illicit drug in U.S. ◦ 14 percent over age 12 have tried

Usually a white powder, sniffed

Crack is very potent, smokeable ◦ Looks like off-white slivers of soap

Cocaine

Crack considered relatively cheap high ◦ Dose typically $10 to $20

One reason dealers target kids

Large percentage of high-schoolers ◦ Say it's easy to get

Cocaine

Cocaine, crack both highly addictive Research shows crack may be more so

◦ Since it is smoked Almost immediate, very intense “high”

Cocaine high only lasts for minutes ◦ Not hours like amphetamines

Overdose can lead to ◦ Seizures, breathing/heart failure, stroke, death

No antidote

Cocaine

"Downers" slow down body's central nervous system

Some, like alcohol, are legal◦ Medicines for sleep, anxiety, pain

Others (heroin) have no medical uses

All have short/long-term health risks ◦ Many highly addictive◦ Overdosing on some can kill

Depressants

Sedatives, tranquilizers◦ Prescribed for stress, anxiety, convulsions ◦ Hypnotics treat insomnia

Made legally in laboratories ◦ Diverted for illegal sale

Many are addictive ◦ Withdrawal can be life threatening

Overdosing on some can be fatal

Depressants

Widely prescribed in early 1900's ◦ Until addiction risk became clear◦ Only handful still prescribed

Abused for "high", like alcohol ◦ Reduce coordination, alertness ◦ Driving hazardous, even next day

Seconal, Nembutal, Tuinal Mixing with alcohol dangerous Overdose can be fatal

Barbiturates

Developed in 60's to replace barbiturates◦ One of most widely prescribed meds

Large doses not usually fatal ◦ Unless mixed: alcohol, cocaine, heroin

Prolonged use can cause dependence Abused by adolescents, young adults

◦ Reduces inhibitions, impairs judgment

Benzodiazephines

Three other widely abused depressants◦ GHB (gamma hydroxy butyric acid) ◦ Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) ◦ Quaalude (methaqualone)

Other depressants

Also called narcotics Family of powerful, addictive drugs "Natural opiates" from poppy plants

◦ "Synthetic opiates" made in labs Morphine, codeine have medical uses

◦ Control diarrhea, suppress coughing ◦ Most effective painkillers

Heroine, others have no medical uses ◦ Highly addictive, frequently abused

Opiates

Morphine is a natural opiate

Highly effective for pain relief ◦ Especially during surgery

Abusers commonly inject it

Tolerance, dependence develop rapidly

Morphine

Heroin produced from morphine

Most widely abused, rapidly acting opiate

Highly addictive

No medical use

Heroin

Codeine is a natural opiate

Opiate most widely used in medicine

Relieves moderate pain ◦ Mixed with aspirin, Tylenol ◦ Used in prescription cough syrups

Codeine

Oxycodone similar to codeine◦ But more potent

Mixed with acetaminophen for Percocet ◦ With aspirin for Percodan

Rapid recent increase in abuse

Oxycodone

Products with breathable chemical vapors

1,000s of common home, workplace products

Intoxicating effects similar to alcohol ◦ Short but intense "high" ◦ Distorts perceptions of time, space ◦ Loss of inhibition ◦ Slurred speech, loss of coordination

Inhalants

Common industrial, household products ◦ Art and office products

Examples ◦ Correction/felt-tip-marker fluid ◦ Nail polish remover ◦ Lighter fluid, gasoline ◦ Paint and paint thinner ◦ Rubber glue, waxes, varnishes ◦ Degreasers and cleaning fluids

Inhalants - Solvents

Products with gases used as inhalants◦ Butane lighters, propane tanks ◦ Whipping cream dispensers ◦ Refrigerant gases ◦ Spray paints ◦ Hair and deodorant sprays ◦ Fabric protector sprays

Other Inhalants

Simple to get ◦ Cheap, legal ◦ Easy to hide

Often first substance kids abuse

Hard for parents, supervisors to detect

Inhalants

Inhalants are sniffed, huffed, bagged Huffing soak rags, hold to face Bagging concentrate vapors in paper bag

Some people put on hands, fingernails ◦ Shirtsleeves, wristbands ◦ For repeated use

How are inhalants taken?

Among junior, senior high students ◦ 15-20 percent have tried

Highest use among 10-12 year-olds

Few people abuse for long periods

How prevalent is abuse?

Lower breathing and blood pressure

Users can lose consciousness and die◦ Heart failure or suffocation

Long term use can cause◦ Kidney abnormalities◦ Impaired memory◦ Attention deficits◦ Hearing loss◦ Brain, liver, bone marrow damage

What harms do inhalants cause?

Uppers stimulate central nervous system

Downers depress central nervous system

"All-arounders" ◦ Have diverse, mixed effects

Three types: Cannabinoids, including marijuana Hallucinogens, or psychedelics Steroids

All-Arounders

Includes marijuana, hashish, hash oil From Cannabis sativa plant Smoked or eaten in foods Pot, grass, reefer, weed, sensimilla

Marijuana is controversial ◦ There is lots of misinformation

Cannabinoids

Marijuana now 2-3 times stronger than in the 1960’s and 70’s

Marijuana users can become dependent Long-term use causes:

◦ Respiratory diseases ◦ Possibly thinking impairments

Some states have medical marijuana laws◦ U.S. FDA hasn't approved medical uses

U.S. law supersedes state law

Marijuana

Found in many plants and fungi ◦ Such as mushrooms

More powerful ones created in labs ◦ Like LSD

Alters perceptions, thoughts, moods Abusers sometimes die from overdose Greatest risk is impaired judgment

◦ Leading to accidents, injuries

Hallucinogens

Don't always produce hallucinations Increase heart rate, blood pressure

◦ Dilate pupils

Distort perceptions of time, space ◦ Time may seem to stand still

Forms, colors change Seem to take on new meanings

Effects are unpredictable ◦ Pleasurable or terrifying ◦ Users can experience flashbacks

Hallucinogenic Drugs

LSD is the strongest hallucinogen Dose the size of a few grains of salt

◦ Produces intense effects

Sold in several forms ◦ Soaked paper (blotter acid) ◦ Tablets (microdots) ◦ Thin gelatin squares (window pane)

A “trip” lasts 10-12 hours

LSD

PCP (Phencyclidine) Ketamine (Special or Super K) Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) Mescaline (Peyote Buttons) Ectasy

Other Hallucinogens

Chemically like male hormone testosterone Effects more physical, less psychological Illegal use for muscle growth, endurance

◦ Increasingly younger male athletes ◦ Weight-lifting, cycling, track and field ◦ Jobs requiring physical strength

Disturbing side effects Raised blood pressure, cholesterol Severe acne, premature balding Reduced sexual function Long-term damage to heart, liver

Steroids

You should now be familiar with major drugs of abuse

Harmful short-/long-term effects Drug abuse affects all of us

Congratulations!