Download Drug Use Misuse and Abuse

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

Prescription
A doctor’s prescription is
required to legally use/obtain
Over-the-counter (OTC)
 can be purchased at stores


Recreational
Drugs that contain chemicals used to help
people relax or socialize
 Alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and chocolate

Types of Drugs

Herbal Preparations


Herbal teas and other products of plants that
are believed to have medicinal properties
Illicit (illegal)
Generally recognized as harmful
 All of them are psychoactive


Commercial Preparations

Commonly used chemical substances,
including cosmetics, household cleaning
products and industrial by-products.
Taking Drugs

Ingestion
most common but slowest route (eating)
 Produces effects within 20 minutes to 1 hour
 mucosal absorption (chewing tobacco, cocaine)


Injection
Intramuscular – into muscle tissue
 Subcutaneous – into fat directly beneath skin
 Intravenous - into vein
 Produces effects within 3 minutes

Taking Drugs

Inhalation




Mucosal absorption (suppositories)



Through the nostrils
Only small amounts can be
absorbed and metabolized in the lungs
Effects are often frequent, but do not last long
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 Misuse


The use of a drug
for a purpose for
which it was not
intended.
Drug Abuse

The excessive use
of any drug
Addiction
The continued use of a drug
or activity despite ongoing
negative consequences.
 Signs of addiction

Compulsion and obsession
 Loss of control
 Negative consequences

• Physical damage, legal trouble, financial problems,
academic failure, or family issues

Denial
Stimulants
Definition: A class of drug that stimulates the
function of the CNS causing acceleration of
mental and physical processes in the body.
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.
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.
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)
Depressants
Substances 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.