Test your IQ

http://www.funeducation.com/Tests/IQTest/TakeTest.aspx

Drugs and Behavior: Article Reviews

Read any two of the articles linked below and write a short assessment/review of each.  Each assessment should be at least 200 words long and be accompanied by at least one picture.  This assignment isdue by Sunday April 10th.

http://healthland.time.com/2011/04/06/why-pot-smokers-are-paranoid/

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/fashion/19pot.html

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1889021,00.html

http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101021104/tgood.html

Marijuana - Legal or Illegal

Marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere on the planet, but why?  During the past week we have discussed the upsides and downsides of this controversial drug.  What do you think and why?  Write a 300 word minimum essay explaining your position on the legalization of marijuana.  Should it be legalized in Honduras or other places?  If so, why? If not, why?  It's ok to explain the good and the bad, just take a side and make your arguement.  Include one relevant picture and have it done and posted on your blog by Sunday, March 27th.

http://documentaryheaven.com/marijuana-nation/

The Truth About Smoking Dope

Meth: The World's Most Dangerous Drug

Methamphetamine is not a new drug - it has been around for over 100 years - it was first used to help soldiers fight better and avoid fatigue.  Over the past couple of decades it has grown into a worldwide problem and it's use continues to spread.  Meth's ease of addiction, lack of cost and extended "rush" have given it increasing popularity but it remains an incredibly dangerous drug, not only for it's users but for society in general. 

After watching the documentary: The World's Most Dangerous Drug, write a 200 word response including what you learned from the video as well as your ideas and opinions regarding this topic.  This assignment is due by Sunday March 6th.

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-worlds-most-dangerous-drug/

Drugs and Behavior Test Material

Monday, February 28th is the first test on our topic: Drugs and Behavior.  The information listed below is what you should know THOROUGHLY for the test. 

Drugs and Behavior

3types of drugs

Depressants

Depressants are drugs that slow down the functions of the central nervous system. Depressant drugs do not necessarily make a person feel depressed.   Negative side effects include:  constricted pupils, shallow breathing, clammy skin. 

·         Alcohol

·         Cannabis ("pot")

·         Barbiturates - still used in general anesthesia, as well as for epilepsy - still widely used in surgical anesthesia, especially to induce anesthesia

·         Benzodiazepines - treatment of anxiety, for alcohol detoxification and useful for short-term treatment of insomnia

·         Opiates and opioids, including heroin , morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone - The analgesic (painkiller) effects of opioids are due to decreased perception of pain, decreased reaction to pain as well as increased pain tolerance.

·         Some solvents and inhalants

In small quantities, depressants can cause the user to feel more relaxed and less inhibited. In larger quantities they can cause unconsciousness, vomiting and even death. Depressants affect concentration and coordination.

Stimulants

Stimulants act on the central nervous system to speed up the messages to and from the brain. They can make the user feel more awake, alert or confident. Stimulants increase heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Other effects include reduced appetite, dilated pupils, talkativeness, agitation and sleep disturbance. Mild stimulants include:

·         Ephedrine used in medicines for bronchitis, hay fever and asthma

·         Caffeine in coffee, tea and cola drinks

·         Nicotine in tobacco.

Stronger stimulants include:

·         Amphetamines, ("speed", "crystal meth")

·         Cocaine

·         Ecstasy

Large quantities of stimulants can "over-stimulate" the user, causing anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens affect perception. People who have taken them may believe they see or hear things that aren't really there, or what they see may be distorted in some way. The effects of hallucinogens vary a great deal, so it is impossible to predict how they will affect a particular person at a particular time.

Hallucinogens include:

·         LSD

·         Magic mushrooms

·         Mescaline (peyote cactus)

·         PCP ('angel dust')

·         Cannabis is a hallucinogen as well as a depressant. Ecstasy can also have hallucinogenic qualities.

Some effects of hallucinogens include dilation of pupils, loss of appetite, increased activity, talking or laughing, emotional and psychological euphoria and wellbeing, jaw clenching, sweating, panic, paranoia, loss of contact with reality, irrational or bizarre behavior, stomach cramps and nausea.

Assignment for Thursday - February 3rd

To answer these questions will require a little internet research on your part - answers should be in your own wording and sources cited.    Include at least two pictures with each question.  Due date is Friday by the end of the day.

1. Name (identify) five examples of body language that you commonly see in other people and explain what each one means (or why people do each of them)

2. Identify and explain 10 examples of body language that are culturally different from your own.

3. Identify and explain 10 examples of body language which is different between genders (what do men and women do that is different?)