Module 6
Drugs in the News

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Summary

The dangers of drug abuse make headlines all over the world: from methamphetamine labs in rural homes to “club drugs” being used in parties and bars to world-class athletes abusing steroids. The goal of this module is to help students identify and understand different messages about drugs that are present in the media, and to increase their knowledge about the possible dangers, harmful effects, and consequences of all types of substance abuse.
This module will focus on illegal drugs that have made recent headlines:

• Steroids: Performance-enhancing drugs that are injected or taken orally by athletes to increase strength and endurance.
  
• Methamphetamine: Stimulants that are synthetically created, often in small home-based labs.
  
• GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, MDMA: These are some of the more popular “club drugs,” or drugs that can cause feelings of disorientation and memory loss.
  
  

Students will learn about the effect that each drug has on the brain and body, and how use of these drugs affects individuals and our society as a whole.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module:

• Students can explain the effects that methamphetamine, steroids, and many common “club drugs” can have on the brain and body.
  
• Students understand the relationship between the effects of these drugs on the brain and body and addiction.
  
• Students understand the dangers of these drugs and are aware of their presence in our society.
  
• Students can identify and critically analyze media information about methamphetamine, steroids, and “club drugs.”