Drugs

Use, Misuse, and Abuse

© Lisa Michalek

Why do Drugs Work?

They resemble the chemicals produced naturally within the body. They tap into and interfere with the brain’s communication system, altering how nerve cells send, receive, and process information.

Example: Most addictive drugs trigger a release of dopamine “the feel good chemical” that causes the feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

Types of Drugs

PrescriptionA doctor’s prescription is

required to legally use/obtain

Over-the-counter (OTC)can be purchased at stores

RecreationalDrugs that contain chemicals used to help

people relax or socializeAlcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and chocolate

Types of Drugs

Herbal PreparationsHerbal teas and other products of plants that

are believed to have medicinal properties Illicit (illegal)

Generally recognized as harmfulAll of them are psychoactive

Commercial PreparationsCommonly used chemical substances,

including cosmetics, household cleaning products and industrial by-products.

Taking Drugs

Ingestionmost common but slowest route (eating)Produces effects within 20 minutes to 1 hourmucosal absorption (chewing tobacco, cocaine)

InjectionIntramuscular – into muscle tissueSubcutaneous – into fat directly beneath skinIntravenous - into veinProduces effects within 3 minutes

Taking Drugs Inhalation

Through the nostrils Only small amounts can be

absorbed and metabolized in the lungs Effects are often frequent, but do not last long

Mucosal absorption (suppositories) Absorbing the drug through the mucous membrane (i.e.

chewing tobacco or snorting cocaine) Inserted into rectum or vaginally (sometimes mixed w

wax) Topical administration

Through the skin (nicotine patch)

Misusing and Abusing Drugs

Drug MisuseThe use of a drug

for a purpose for which it was not intended.

Drug AbuseThe excessive use

of any drug

Addiction

The continued use of a drug or activity despite ongoing negative consequences.

Signs of addictionCompulsion and obsessionLoss of controlNegative consequences

• Physical damage, legal trouble, financial problems, academic failure, or family issues

Denial

Stimulants

Caffeine: It is the most popular mind-altering drug in the world. In its pure form, caffeine is a white crystalline powder that tastes very bitter. The effects start in less than 1 hr. and make users feel alert and energetic. Other side effects include… restlessness, anxiety, dehydration, and irritability, headaches, insomnia and abnormal heart rhythms. In large enough doses, caffeine can lead to death.

Definition: A class of drug that stimulates the function of the CNS causing acceleration of mental and physical processes in the body.

Stimulants continued

Nicotine: An alkaloid derived from the tobacco plant that is responsible for smoking’s psychoactive and addictive effects. Side effects

include… increased HR, shortness of breath, High BP, coughing, heightened alertness, bad breath, coronary heart disease, stroke, & cancer.

Stimulants continued

Cocaine: Derived from South American coca leaves. It triggers a dopamine release that causes a euphoric rush. Taken in small amounts is can make the user feel energetic and mentally alert. As a result, it can reduce the need to sleep or eat. Other side effects include… increased HR, increased BP, increased respiration, chest pain, blurred vision muscle spasms, and convulsions,

nausia, coma, & death.

Stimulants continued

Amphetamines: They have a chemical structure similar to adrenalin and noradrenalin (our bodies naturally occurring stimulant). Examples of these drugs would be Adderall, Ritalin. Some side effects may include the following… increased sense of alertness, decreased appetite, decreased need to sleep, enhancement in physical performance, sense of well-being and euphoria. Extreme reactions may lead to chest pains, convulsions, stroke, & heart attack.

Methamphetamines: Crystal meth

Stimulants continued

Methamphetamines: They are chemicals similar to amphetamines, but much more potent, longer lasting, and more harmful to the CNS. They can be prescribed for ADHD, extreme obesity, and narcolepsy. They can also be made illegally on the streets by “street chemists”. Crystal Meth is one example of an illegal form of methamphetamine. Some side effects include… rapid irregular Heart beat, elevated BP, reduced appetite, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, Tremors, memory loss, hallucinations, paranoia, homicidal & suicidal thoughts, cardiovascular collapse, & death.

Marijuana The most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. “Pot” is a dry shredded mixture of

the flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the plant. The active chemical ingredient in marijuana is THC. THC travels through the bloodstream and eventually alters the brain. Brain cells then release dopamine which creates sensations of pleasure and euphoria. Marijuana is also used medicinally as a pain reliever.

Other side effects to the body include, confusion, memory lapse, difficulty learning and solving problems, reduced action time, daily cough, phlegm production, bronchitis, lung damage, & increased risk of cancer.

Opiates / Narcotics

Derived from the drug opium made from the juice of the opium poppy

Include morphine, codeine, and heroin

Causes drowsiness, relieves pain and induces euphoria

Hallucinogens

Definition: Drugs that alter perception and

are capable of causing auditory and visual hallucinations.

Psilocybin (Shrooms): Within 20 minutes of ingestion, users can begin to hallucinate causing an inability to separate fantasy and reality. Panic attacks occur. Side effects include addiction, & psychosis.

Hallucinogens continued

LSD “acid”: lysergic acid diethylamide is one of the strongest mood altering chemicals. It is found in a fungus called ergot, which grows on rye and other grains. Effects take app. 30-90 minutes and the users emotions can continuously change. High doses can cause delusions and visual hallucinations. Other side effects include increased body temp, increase HR, sweating, sleeplessness, and tremors. Some users also experience flashbacks.

Hallucinogens continued

PCP (Phencyclidine): Otherwise know as angel dust. Originally developed in the 1950’s as an anesthetic (something used to reduce pain). It works by changing the distribution of a glutamate (like dopamine) in the brain. Glutamates are responsible, in part for a person’s memory and perception of pain.

Side effects can be feelings of increased strength, false perceptions of invulnerability, confusion, agitation, delirium, seizures, coma, & death

Designer Drugs (Club Drugs)

Definition: Illicit substances, including MDMA, (Ecstasy), Rohypnol, Ketamine, GHB, and LSD that are most commonly encountered at nightclubs and raves.

Ecstasy: also known as XTC or MDMA is a synthetic drug chemically similar to methamphetamine. Ingested is usually takes about 15 minutes to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. Ecstasy reduces inhibitions, giving feelings of self confidence, peacefulness, empathy and increased energy. Some negative side effects include confusion, sleep problems, anxiety, drug cravings, paranoia, nausea, blurred vision, chills, sweating, muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, faintness, increased HR, increased BP dehydration, and heatstroke

Club Drugs continued

GHB: It is often referred to as “the date

rape drug” because it is often slipped into

drinks in order to make victims unconscious

and vulnerable. It is ingested to give euphoric

effects for the perception of increased libido

and sociability. It is ingested usually in a liquid

form. GHB is colorless, tasteless, and odorless.

Side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vision problems, seizures, respiratory distress, and comas.

Club Drugs continued Rohypnol (Roofies) “not floories”: It is a sedative

similar to valium. Legally used in Latin America and Europe to treat insomnia. It is also considered “The date rape drug”.

Side effects: decreased BP,

drowsiness, visual

disturbances, dizziness,

confusion, partial amnesia,

& unconsciousness.

Club Drugs continued

Ketamine: commonly known as “Special K”. It is a rapid acting anesthetic most commonly used on animals (its used as a horse tranquilizer). Ketamine can cause a dream-like state and hallucinations.

Side effects: impaired attention,

learning, & memory, delirium,

amnesia, high BP, depression,

severe respiratory problems,

and death.

Inhalants Chemicals that produce

vapors that, when inhaled, can cause hallucinations and create intoxicating and euphoric effects.

Rubber cement, model glue, paint thinner, lighter fluid, varnish, ax, spot removers, and gasoline

Amyl Nitrite (poppers, rush) and Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

DepressantsSubstances that depress the activity of the CNS. This includes Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol

Barbiturates- A CNS depressant often

prescribed to induce sleep.

Benzodiazipines- Medications

commonly prescribed to treat anxiety

and panic attacks. Considered safer

and less addictive than barbiturates.

Side effects: clamness, muscle relaxation, slurred speech, impaired judgement, hinders motor coordination, memory loss, irritability, amnesia, respiratory distress, coma, death

Barbiturates continued

Alcohol- Most commonly used and abused Depressant in the world.

Steroids

Artificial forms of the male hormone testosterone that promotes muscle growth and strength.

Used to increase strength, power, bulk (weight), speed and athletic performance

Used to help aid in muscle/tissue recovery & repair.