This is a multi-week assignment asking students to research one of the drugs provided. Students can work individually or in groups. It is necessary for teachers to decide a reasonable time line for students. This has not been provided as every teacher will have different expectations.

Drug Research Expectations

Expectations:

All work is turned in on time

All work is neat

All work is done in complete sentences

All work is in pen or typed

If typed:

  • Use a 12 point, readable font
  • Double space
  • Check spelling/Grammar

You group will study all of the following classes of drugs. Each person needs to pick one drug from one of the following classes.

A. Alcohol

B. Cannabis

  1. Marijuana

C. Narcotics

  • Opium
  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Heroin
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Laughing gas

D. Depressants

  • Gamma hydroxybutyrate
  • GHB
  • GBL
  • Rohypenol
  • Roofies
  • Barbiturates

E. Stimulants

  • Cocaine
  • Anabolic Steroids

F. Hallucinogens

  • LSD
  • MDMA
  • Ecstasy
  • XTC
  • Ketamine
  • Special K
  • Psilocybin Mushrooms
  • Angel Dust
  • PCP

Drug Research Assignment

You will research a drug that you choose with your group from the given list. You will turn in the following assignments on the following days. Please make sure that your paragraph responses include the bold-faced topic headings.

______Physiological effects (Effects on body)

Short term effects on organs/organ systems

Long term effects on organs/organ systems

______

______Psychological effects (Effects on brain and behavior)

Short term effects on brain and behavior

Long term effects on brain and behavior

______Classification

What type of drug are you studying? Does your drug fit into more than one category?

Possible categories include:

  • Depressants
  • Synthetics
  • Narcotics
  • Stimulants
  • Cannabis
  • Hallucinogens
  • Inhalants
  • Alcohol

Why do you think that it fits into this category? List characteristics, effects, etc.

What other drugs would fit into this category, if any? What are their similarities and/or differences?

______Personal narrative

It is important to understand that drug use is more than a series of facts and figures. It is about people’s lives and how drug/alcohol abuse negatively affects their lives. This account must reflect how drugs negatively impacted their lives and what choices led them down this road. This can be about the drug you are studying or another drug. Ms. Lowe has many stories for you to choose from.

______Bibliography

What sources did you use? This needs to be in formal bibliography format. (a minimum of one print and 2 online sources…from approved sites only)

______Personal reflection

What kinds of issues do you need to think about when faced with the choice of using alcohol and drugs?

What personal impact would drug use have on you? On your family? On others?

What have others done to positively impact their community around the issue of drug use and education? What ideas do you have around this issue of community involvement?

______Drug Research Reflection

Read four other papers that you have not yet read in your group. For each paper, please respond to the following questions, in complete sentences.

What drug was studied?

What are its physiological effects?

What are its psychological effects?

What are its social effects?

How would you categorize this drug? Why?

What question (at least one) do you still have about this drug?

Drug Research Websites

National Institute on Drug Abuse

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NIDA: Students and Young Adults

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National Families in Action: Drugs and the Brain

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The Global Youth Network: Youth and Drugs

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Drug Facts: Office of National Drug Control Policy

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US Department of Health and Human Services: Alcohol and Drug Information

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Drug Story.org

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