This document summarizes information about barbiturates including common street names, short-term and long-term effects, dangers of date rape, famous people who died from barbiturate use, and that barbiturate abuse has been rising among high school students over the last 10 years. It provides resources for more information and warns against abusing barbiturates with the message "Don't Taste The Rainbow".

1. Barbiturates!! By Dania Alvarado and Alex Adams!!

2. Street names!!! Reds Red Devil Yellow Jackets Blue Heavens Christmas Trees Rainbows

3. What they are Barbiturates are “downers.” They work by reducing the amount of activity in the brain. People who take them feel calm.

4. Short term effects! Relief of tension and anxiety Sleepiness Feeling of drunkenness/ intoxication Slurred speech Inability to control simple bodily functions Memory impair Emotional instability

5. Long term effects!!! Chronic tiredness General uncoordination Vision problems Dizziness Slowed reflexes Sexual dysfunction Menstrual irregularities Breathing disorders

6. Date rape:When mixed with any liquid: -dissolves instantly - with no taste. -colorless and odorless -virtually undetectable afterdissolving. -been used by rapists -in date rape situations.

7. People who died from it Elvis Presley Marilyn Monroe

8. Barbiturates are commonly used in suicide attempts. High school surveys suggest abuse has been rising over last 10 years. General facts

9. Don’t Taste The Rainbow

10. Resources http://www.emedicinehealth.com/barbiturate_abuse/page3_em.htm http://www.addiction-help-line.com/barbiturate_addiction.html