Red Ribbon Week

Mrs. Simpkins/2015

The Faces of Addictions

You will be shown several pictures depicting the effects that drugs have on

your appearance. We all know that drugs are bad for you; however, are you willing to take drugs and allow them to destroy your

appearance? Create a Compare and Contrast after each case and document

your findings.

The Background

Millions of Americans are trapped in a cycle of drug abuse and addiction: In 2013, over 24 million reported that they had abused illicit drugs or prescription medication in just the past month. More than 1.7 million were admitted to treatment programs for substance abuse in 2012. The pursuit of a drug habit can cost these people everything – their friends and family, their home and livelihood. Nowhere is that impact more evident than in the faces of addicts themselves.

Here, the potentially catastrophic health effects of drug abuse are plain to see, ranging from skin lesions to decayed and missing teeth. While meth is often seen as one of the more visibly destructive drugs, leading to facial wasting and open sores, various other illicit drugs, and even prescription medications can cause similarly severe symptoms when chronically abused.

Case #1: Meet Chelsea

Chelsea was arrested four times in the last two years. In her recent arrest, she was charged with possession of cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone.

Case #2: Meet Mylynda

Age: 32

Drug: Methamphetamine

Age: 39

Charges: Grand Theft, Credit Card Fraud, Trespassing, and possession of a controlled substance.

Case 3: Meet Carrie

Age: 25

Drug: Methamphetamine

Age: 31

Carrie lost 20 pounds between the years 2012 - 2014.

Case 4: Meet Leslie

Age: 20

Drug: Meth

Age: 22

Age: 33

Case 5: Meet Shari

Age: 45

Drug: Oxycodone

Charged with trafficking hydrocodone

Case 6: Meet EdwardAge: 34

Drug: Methamphetamine is often identified as one of the more visibly destructive drugs, leading to facial wasting and open sores.However, various other drugs including prescription medications can cause similarly severe symptoms when chronically abused.

Age: 40

Case 7: Meet Tom

Age: 41

Drug: Cocaine

Age: 45

More information can be found and the following link: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/meths-devastating-effects-before-and-after/22/

Can alcohol make you look as bad?

While alcohol is legal, its effects on long-term alcoholics' appearance are among the most severe. To see what you would look like as a long-term alcoholic, try out our interactive simulation titled Your Face as a Long-term Alcoholic.

The use of opioids like OxyContin or heroin can cause flushing and a widespread rash of red bumps on the skin, while cocaine abuse can result in significantly decreased appetite, dangerous malnutrition and weight loss. Ecstasy may cause grinding of teeth and dental erosion, and smoking cannabis releases carcinogens and other chemicals that can, over time, diminish skin collagen and produce an appearance of premature aging.