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Caffeine: A Subtle Addiction
I have always declared myself a “caffeine addict”, but had no knowledge of the truth
behind this addiction. I find myself using extreme amounts of caffeine to get me through
stressful situations, to celebrate, and to keep me alert. When asked about an addictive
substance that was interesting to me caffeine was immediately my first pick. It is a
substance that can be found in multiple forms and is completely legal.
Caffeine has been around for centuries. Throughout history, the most common types
of caffeinated products were coffee, tea, and chocolate. The use of tea dates back to the
fourth and fifth centuries, where it was thought to be a healing agent by people from China
and Europe. In the sixth century, a new form of caffeine was produced by the Yemen people
called coffee. Many people were scared by coffee because of it’s ability to enhance endurance,
combat fatigue, and stimulate the mind. The United States developed a keen liking to coffee
after high taxes on tea were brought on by the British Stamp Act of 1765 and the Trade
Revenue Act of 1767. Coffee became the most popular caffeinated drink in the United States
by the 1940s. When soft drinks became popular in the 1990s, the use of coffee declined.
However, the use of coffee has drastically increased due to the growth of chain coffee shops
all over the United States. Lastly, one food that contains a large dosage of caffeine is
chocolate. A 4 oz bar of dark chocolate contains the same amount of caffeine as that in a cup
of percolator-brewed coffee, 80 milligrams. All of these forms of caffeine have many things
in common. One of the biggest similarities is the effect that they have on the body.
Caffeine effects (AFFECTS)_ many areas of the body including the brain, heart,
kidneys, digestive system, respiratory system, reproductive system, and the eyes. Before
beginning research on this topic, I had no idea the vast number of systems in our bodies that
caffeine effected. Caffeine is normally taken by mouth, and the majority of it is absorbed
once it reaches the small intestine. The majority of caffeine is absorbed by the small
intestine, but amounts vary based on the concentration of the caffeine and the amount of
food in the stomach and intestines. Although the effects of caffeine can be rapid, within
thirty to sixty minutes, the amount of time it takes caffeine to wear off is around three hours.
These long lasting effects cause systems to respond in a variety of ways.
In the brain, the caffeine produces activation of activity by limiting adenosine. If
adenosine is limited, the central nervous system is able to stay active. One of the most
interesting things is that caffeine dependence may have a large psychological component.
Caffeine: A Subtle Addiction
Due to the positive feelings associated with caffeine use, mainly alertness and mild euphoria,
people tend to rely on the enjoyment of caffeine. Similar to many other substances, caffeine
has been found to have an environmental component in the time of day and places people
chose to have caffeine. As a regular coffee drinker, I have a specific time that I like to drink
my coffee and also a place I choose to get it from. I can completely agree with the idea that
the environment plays a part in the use of caffeine.
People who consume a large amount of caffeine may notice that their heart rate and
their blood pressure increases with use. These effects are worse for people who are on
medications for high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. Patients are often urged to veer
away from caffeine use. Another group of people who are urged to stay away from caffeine
use is women who are expecting or trying to become pregnant. Some research has shown
that women who used large amounts of caffeine tended to have a harder time getting
pregnant, and tend to deliver under weight babies. I have heard of pregnant women being
told to limit their caffeine consumption to 8 oz per day. I think it is very interesting that
caffeine is now taken into consideration before expecting and while with child. This helps
support the case that caffeine is an addictive substance since doctors are having to limit their
patients use to ensure the health of unborn children.
All of my life I immediately reached for some form of caffeine when I would get
stressed. As an undergraduate, I would find myself making late night grocery store runs to
pick up a red bull or a 2 liter coke. In the chapter, it explained why caffeine does not lessen
the stress and may even make it worse. Caffeine increases the amount of adrenaline in the
body, which is already at a heighten state during stressful situations. I knew that blood
pressure would rise with an increased amount of stress, but I did not realize that consuming
caffeine could produce even higher blood pressure. This was very interesting to me, because
the effects that caffeine has on stress now makes sense.
Two positive uses for caffeine, if used correctly, are to prevent headaches and to
enhance physical performance. Many over the counter medicines contain caffeine. If used at
the onset of a headache, caffeine can constrict blood vessels and stop the headache. To
enhance performance, caffeine can be taken before working out. One of the adverse effects
to taking caffeine before working out is that it is similar to a diuretic and may cause
dehydration. Often times at the gym I see people drinking red bulls or monster drinks before
Caffeine: A Subtle Addiction
working out. I always found this odd until I read about how caffeine releases fats into the
blood for use as energy. Many gyms have energy drinks for sale at the counter. Personally,
after reading about the adverse effects caffeine has on the body it seems like an ignorant idea.
Caffeine comes in a variety of forms and there are many ways to take caffeine. The
first way is by drinking coffee, teas, sodas, or energy drinks. To achieve the maximum
amount of caffeine by drinking coffee you should order a Starbucks regular coffee which
contains 259.3 mg of caffeine in just 16 oz. The energy drink that contains the most caffeine
is Sobe No Fear, and the soda with the most caffeine is Mountain Dew Live Wire. The next
method of consuming caffeine is by taking an over the counter drug. These include cold
remedies, diuretics, pain relievers, and stimulants. I was glad to see that Excedrin was on the
list of pain relievers, because I can no longer take it after 8:00 p.m. or I will be awake for the
rest of the night. Lastly, chocolate is another way to consume caffeine. Although there are
small amounts off caffeine in all foods, chocolate has a higher concentration and dosage.
I chose to do the substance caffeine because it something that surrounds our lives. It
is very easily accessible, and the majority of individuals consume at least one form of it daily.
There are many positives and negatives to using caffeine, but overall caffeine is safe to take
with moderation.
Caffeine has addictive properties, yet I don’t see people’s lives ruined because of
caffeine. Is it how it is administered? If we snorted or smoked caffeine, or if it was in a
more purified form, would it become addictive like cocaine?
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that change a person’s thought processes, mood and
perceptions. A person’s “trip” while on a hallucinogen can vary greatly based on their
previous experiences and expectations as well as the dose of the drug. There are a few
common effects of hallucinogens which include nausea, jitteriness, and an increase in blood
pressure, heart rate and breathing. The user may feel a distortion of sensory perception as
well.
There are 3 main classes of hallucinogens. The first class is LSD and other drugs like
it such as psilocybin mushrooms and peyote cactus. Today, LSD doses are between 20-80
micrograms, whereas, during the 1960’s the doses ranged between 100 and 200 micrograms.
Many LSD users today will take multiple doses to compensate. The effects of LSD can last
between 4 and 6 hours. The next drug is psilocybin mushrooms and a typical dose is between
4-6 milligrams or 2-4 mushrooms. This drug is usually thought to be more mild and a little
shorter than LSD with symptoms of anything from relaxation and perceptual distortions to
nausea, sweating and anxiety. DMT is another hallucinogen that is similar to LSD but the
high is shorter lived and the side effects range from increased heart rate and blood pressure to
temporary paralysis. Peyote cactus (mescaline) is also in the same family as LSD, but it acts
more like an amphetamine with effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure and
dilated pupils. Mescaline has an interesting background because it was used a lot with Native
tribes in religious practices and still continues today in some tribes.
The second class is belladonna alkaloids. These drugs affect the central nervous
system and are produced by the Jimsonweed plant. This plant can be brewed in tea and
causes the user to feel like he is in a dream state. However, the down side is that is also
causes amnesia so that the user doesn’t remember as well as dilated pupils, increased heart
rate and body temperature. On an aside, if you’re visiting Colombia, be careful because
criminals have been drugging tourist with “burundunga” (a drug in the belladonna alkaloid
family) because it causes amnesia.
The third group is dissociative anesthetics such as PCP and ketamine. Both drugs
used to be given as general anesthetics that also caused hallucinations. Ketamine is still used
as an veterinary anesthetic. PCP can be taken many ways including snorted, smoke, injected
or in a pill and the effects last 4-6 hours. PCP can cause a person to feel like they are on an
amphetamine, intoxicated by alcohol and taking a hallucinogen all at the same time. PCP can
Hallucinogens
also make an individual less sensitive to pain and at very high doses dissociate. These effects
generally cause the person to end up in trouble with the law or in an emergency room.
How do all of these hallucinogens work in the brain? All of the drugs in the LSD
category appear to work by stimulating serotonin-2 receptors which may cause
hallucinations. The belladonna alkaloids work by preventing acetylcholine from acting at one
of its receptors. PCP and Ketamine seem to block the action of glutamate. The differences in
how all these drugs work in the brain explains why each class of drugs can affect an
individual so differently.
Finally, using hallucinogens can cause effects ranging from near harmless to death.
HOW does it cause death? It’s also nearly impossible to know exactly what drug you are
taking when you buy it and when you have to take the word of a drug dealer, that’s probably
not going to be a good day. There is also the issue of flashbacks when you take some of these
drugs. Flashbacks are when some aspects of the hallucinations come back long after the drug
has left your body. In my opinion, these hallucinogens are just not worth the risks, but then
again, I feel that way about most illegal drugs. I hear they are not addictive in the same way
cocaine and meth are addictive. They don’t seem to cause the bottom-out situations that are
associated with cocaine, heroin, alcohol, meth, or cigarettes.
Sedatives – Paper 1
In this paper, I will briefly examine the, pharmacodynamics, symptoms of withdrawal, and
etiology of abuse of sedatives.
Sedatives belong to a class of drugs known as hypnotics/anxiolytics and can be
divided into two sub-types; benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which act at the same
neurotransmitter receptors, GABA. In low doses, sedatives produce a general feeling of
relaxation and anxiety reduction. At higher doses, the patient may experience impairment of
motor function, lethargy, and extreme drowsiness. The latter of the symptoms makes certain
sedatives an excellent choice for surgical and medical procedures.
Sedatives can be ingested orally or intravenously and have either a fast or slow onset
with varying degrees of efficacy for their respective GABA binding sites. Upon
administration, Sedatives work their way quickly across the blood-brain barrier and begin
increasing the inhibitory function of GABA. This inhibition is what creates the drowsiness
and impairment seen with sedatives. However, there are certain areas of the brain that we do
not want to shut down, especially the neural networks of the brain stem, which are
responsible for critical life functions such as breathing and heart function. At the correct
dose, barbiturates and benzodiazepines can have an appropriate, therapeutic effect. At higher,
incorrect doses, they can cause fatal suppression of breathing and cardiac arrhythmia.
In general, neither barbiturates nor benzodiazepines have a true level of toxicity. In
fact, the average LD50 for these drug types comes from the aforementioned suppression of
critical functioning in laboratory animals, namely, respiration. Side effects such as prolonged
drowsiness and impaired motor function and coordination may also contribute to other risk
factors such as operating a motor vehicle and heavy machinery. Liver damage is also an issue
to consider, which may be caused by prolonged administration, especially at higher doses.
Tolerance and withdrawal to sedatives can develop if the drugs are used for prolonged
periods of time. Unlike withdrawal from alcohol or opiates, the main concern of sedative
withdrawal is the over excitation of the central nervous system which comes from the
sudden removal of the drug from the body’s adaptive system of functioning. This occurs
because the body has adapted to the presence of the drug and has been “pushing back” in the
direction of what it considers to be its equilibrium. Once the drug is removed, the central
nervous system is no longer inhibited and the body “red-lines” itself, creating a hyper-excited
Sedatives – Paper 1
state. Issues of psychological dependence may also be an issue, especially if the drug was
prescribed for anxiety, which reemerges after the removal of the drug.
In terms of abuse, it is safe to say that all sedative abuse comes from the
misappropriation or intentional misuse of clinically prescribed drugs. Sedative class drugs are
not easily manufactured outside of a laboratory, thus making their obtainment more difficult
without a prescription. Drug seekers may obtain these drugs by “doctor shopping”, theft, or
knowing someone with a prescription who is willing to sell them for profit. This is an
extremely dangerous form of substance abuse because of the nature of which these drugs
were intended to be administered, in a medical setting. Issues such as similar sounding drug
names that vary in potency, drug interactions, and over consumption can all lead to overdose
and death. Other sedatives that have no known medical use in the United States, such as
GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies), and methaqualone (Quaaludes) are also drugs of high value and
interest on the black market. These drugs produce an intoxicating effect similar to alcohol
and can even cause loss of motor control and retrograde amnesia, as is common in Rohypnol,
the “date rape drug”. GHB is manufactured easily and commonly found in night clubs. It can
be used recreationally for its alcohol like effects or slipped into an unsuspecting victim’s
drink for the purpose of taking advantage of them sexually.
In short, sedatives are an extremely useful pharmaceutical if administered under the
supervision of a medical professional. However, in the hands of an inexperienced or
malicious user, their effects can be deadly. Sedative class drugs, such as benzodiazepines and
barbiturates are amazing in their precise action on the body. They have the ability to bind to
the correct GABA receptors that suppress all the bad stuff (i.e.: anxiety, insomnia) and leave
the important ones (breathing, cardiac function) untouched. They are therapeutically
indicated in a variety of settings, such as surgery and psychiatry, and do their job with little
to no side effects or risk of toxicity. On the other hand, they are a powerful synthetic
substance that poses a real danger to recreational users. With that being said, it is important
for the clinical practitioner to be aware of the types of commonly and uncommonly abused
sedatives and the signs of their abuse. How do they use the drug? Probably should be aware
that people snort or bang the drugs
PCP
Phencyclidine, also commonly known as PCP is classified as a hallucinogen. Hallucinogens
cause its users to experience feelings of detachment from one’s surroundings, emotional
swings and an altered sense of space and time. The more intense effects include
hallucinations, pseduohallucinations and illusions. The hallmark of the hallucinogen
experience is a sensation of separation from one’s body. Users typically experience
jitteriness, racing heartbeat, nausea, chills and changes in coordination.
PCP was originally marketed as a general anesthetic. It was patented in 1952 under the
name Sernyl. Patients experienced hallucinations and delirium unless given a valium like
drug to minimize the effects. As a result of these many times unpleasant effects, PCP is no
longer used medically.
PCP works primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocking the activity of this
particular receptor and like many antiglutamatergic hallucinogens are significantly more
dangerous than other categories of hallucinogens. Another commonly used NMDA receptor
antagonist drug is Ketamine, which is currently used as a cat tranquilizer. PCP acts like
amphetamines due by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine. There is also a decrease in
the sensation of pain to a varying extent. This is likely caused by an indirect interaction with
the endogenous endorphin and enkephalin system. The primary psychoactive effects of the
drug commonly last for a few hours but total elimination from the body lasts around 8 days.
PCP is retained in the body’s fatty tissue and is broken down by the body’s metabolism.
PCP’s effects on brain activity are extremely complicated and produce states similar
to getting drunk, taking amphetamines and taking a hallucinogen simultaneously. Users
typically take PCP not for its hallucinogen like properties; rather they seek the amphetamine
like euphoria and stimulation it provides.
Recreationally, PCP is commonly found in either powder or liquid form. It can be
found in pills or capsules. In its pure form, PCP is a yellow oil. From the oil form it is
combined with hydrogen chloride gas or isopropyl alcohol saturated with hydrochloric acid.
This preparation results in white powder or crystals. In this form PCP is smoked and
inhaled. In its liquid form, cigarettes are usually dipped in the solution to be smoked. This
method of administration is called “getting wet” and dipped cigarettes usually range in the
price of $10 to $25 per cigarette. A common dose is around 5 to 10 miligrams. This dosage
typically lasts 4 to 6 hours in duration.
PCP
PCP has been known to alter mood states in an unpredictable fashion, causing some
users to become detached, while others experience a greater animation in behavior.
Individuals under the influence of PCP can act in very unpredictable ways, as they can be
greatly influenced by their delusions and/or hallucinations. PCP can induce feelings of great
power, strength and invulnerability. In some users this combination leads to them
committing in violent acts. Certain personality types are more prone to violent behavior
when under the influence of the drug, as they might demonstrate impulsive behavior in an
non-drugged state. Isolated incidents of bizarre violent behavior can also cause many to
believe that all users will experience the same effects, when in reality everyone is affected in
unique ways.
Managing PCP intoxication consists mostly of supportive care. This is the need to
monitor a user’s breathing, circulation and body temperature. In the early stages of PCP
intoxication it is important to treat the psychiatric symptoms. This is done by administering
Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam. This results in the control of motor agitation and
seizures.
The negative effects of long term PCP usage can include a dangerous increase in body
temperature, blood pressure rising to a level that causes stroke, a cessation of breathing, or a
prolonged period of seizure activity. Long term use can also produce effects on the brain that
mimic those found in individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.
For detailed user experiences, one can venture to erowid.org for personal accounts of
drug induced behavior and thoughts.
Why don’t we see people coming in to treatment for PCP addiction?
NEW WAYS TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS ARE GETTING HIGH
Teens have always been and continue to be creative when it comes to drugs and getting
high. The drugs that tend to be most popular are those that produce the best high, are readily
available, and are difficult for parents to track or identify. Therefore, herbal drugs are
popular choices among young people. They are supposed to be made from all natural plant
products. The problem with herbal drugs, however, is that they lack research as far as their
dangers and safe dosages are concerned, and mixing them with other drugs or alcohol can
prove fatal. In addition, many being sold on the market today are not pure, containing
harmful chemicals which may produce extreme side effects. These are most commonly
referred to as Designer Drugs, and are developed primarily to avoid being controlled by laws
against illegal drugs.
One such herbal drug is currently being marketed as fake bath salts and is sold on the
internet, on the streets, in head shops, in convenience stores, and in truck stops. This drug is
also being sold as fake fertilizer and fake insect repellent. All packages have warning labels
“Not for human consumption” as a means of protecting the producers legally. Never the
less, the use of this drug is an emerging health threat that many states are taking notice of.
It visually resembles therapeutic salts used in home tubs and spas. In powder form, it
looks like a sugar or a sweetener pack. The powder is sold under brand names such as Cloud
9, Ivory Wave, White Lightning, and Hurricane Charlie, and costs $40.00 for about 2
hundredths of an ounce. Typically, the drug is injected, snorted, or smoked and the main
ingredient is Mephedrone.
MDPV, as it is most often referred to, is actually a stimulant, synthetic drug that is very
dangerous. It has been called herbal ecstasy, mimics the effects of cocaine and LSD, and
produces severe cravings as seen in methamphetamines. Because of its easy access and also
because it will not show up on a drug test, the drug is gaining popularity despite its side
effects, which include paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts, and thoughts of
harming friends and family.
Unfortunately, states are looking to ban this drug too late, as several lives have already
been taken due to its use. A 21 year old young man committed suicide three days after taking
Cloud 9. He had not slept for three days and was extremely paranoid, which worsened as the
days went by. He shot himself and his parents found him. Other stories are of murders that
have taken place while under the influence of MDPV. Another man cut his own throat and
NEW WAYS TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS ARE GETTING HIGH
then shot himself to death. Still, another slashed his own face and stomach. The extreme
paranoia and psychotic ideations from MDPV produce worse side effects and behaviors than
the drugs it is meant to replace on the market. It is important to remember, however, that
although these events could have been contributed to the use of MDPV, other factors could
have been involved also. One thing is for sure though, the drug does have intense short term
effects and nothing is known about the long term effects of repeated use of MDPV.
Another popular herbal drug is sold most often under the brand names of Spice and K-2,
which is a psychoactive herbal and chemical synthetic form of cannabis or marijuana. The
drug is also marketed as herbal incense and under other names such as Voodoo spice and
Nitro. Teens can buy a 3 gram bag of this popular drug for about $30-$40. It produces a high
that is similar to marijuana, but individuals will not test positive on a drug test for cannabis
when using Spice. The drug, although marketed as natural, contains many harmful chemicals
which produce undesirable side effects giving it the nickname of “Scary Spice”. It is usually
smoked. Several states have pushed to make Spice illegal.
Nutmeg, which is readily found in the pantries of most kitchens, is another popular drug
teens are using to get high. When very large amounts are ingested, mind-altering effects such
as hallucinations and a sense of euphoria occur. Often, nutmeg is taken by snorting, smoking,
drinking, or eating it. The most common side effects are convulsions, nausea, and vomiting.
Although, the next two forms of getting high are not related to herbal or natural drugs,
they are creative at the very least and I thought were worth mentioning. A recent popular
trend for teens is to soak tampons in vodka and insert them into the vagina or the rectum.
The unprotected membranes allow alcohol to enter into the bloodstream faster. Also, alcohol
in this way obviously will not be smelled on the breath, which makes for ease of use since
parents are less likely to know alcohol is still being consumed.
Finally, Digital Drugs seems to be the new craze all over You Tube these days. Digital
drugs are audio files designed to induce drug like effects, and are being marketed directly to
teens. Free downloads are given, and for teens that can’t seem to resist wanting more, they
may I-Dose anything from Acid to Crystal Meth, to Cocaine, or even Alcohol. Evidently,
teens put on headphones and binaural beats alter brain waves and mental state, producing a
state of ecstasy. I am not in complete understanding of how it works, but You Tube has
many live videos of teens trying to get their high through I-Dosing on Digital Drugs.
NEW WAYS TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS ARE GETTING HIGH
For those individuals marketing the Digital Drugs, they claim it is harmless, but the
worry is that this may become yet another Gateway Drug that will lead teens to move from
digital to stronger, actual drugs. There is also concern as to whether or not teens can get
addicted to the Digital Drugs and if they have lasting effects on the brain as seen in other
forms of drug and alcohol abuse.
REFERENCES:
Www.examiner.com
Www.msnbc.msn.com
Www.wikipedia.org
Www.youtube.com
INHALANTS
There are three types of inhalants: nitrates, anesthetics, and solvents; the reason that these
three types of drugs are combined is because they are all inhaled. They have very different
effects on the body although they all produce some type of euphoria in the user. The book
states that the youngest users of drug use inhalants due to their wide availability and that
these drugs are also the most toxic.
Examples of nitrites are amyl and butyl nitrite and nitroglycerin. Some nitrites are
made for human use and side effects include dilation of the blood vessels which can cause a
person to lose consciousness if they move to rapidly and a person’s bowels may let loose. The
medicinal reason to use these drugs is for pain from blocked blood vessels, therefore cardiac
patients are diagnosed these drugs. People are known to abuse nitrites for both the
psychological and physical effects. Amyl nitrite and nitroglycerin are approved for human
use; although all of these drugs if ingested can produce death similar to the way cyanide does
which is keeping oxygen from being able to bind to red blood cells. The feelings that abusers
get from the drug are as follows: warmth sensations and giddy feelings. Nitrites are also
known to cause visual problems in the form of a bright yellow spot with purple radiations.
Anesthetics include nitrous oxide and gaseous anesthesia that is used for surgery
(halothane and ether). Anesthetics are unique in this category of drugs as they were invented
for human consumption. This group includes the drugs given to patients to put them to sleep
for operations. These drugs only need to be used in small amounts for their purpose which
makes them very bad for people that abuse them. Anesthesia can cause problems in
breathing, blood pressure, and heart contractions. Do you know the easy way to get nitrous
oxide?
People typically abuse anesthetics for pain relief and to lose consciousness. Nitrous oxide has
very little harm on people that abuse it to get high as it has fewer repercussions for survival
body systems (e.g. respiration, blood flow, and gastrointestinal tract). This particular drug
has fewer toxicity side effects, although it may cause a B-12 deficiency and can keep the brain
from getting oxygen that it needs; these effects are more frequently seen when the user
makes a bag or mask mechanism to deliver the drug. Other potential harmful effects: lungs
“explode” from expanding gas, complications due to B-12 deficiency which causes nerve
damage (has been documented in dentists that frequently administer this drug). What is B12
also known as?
INHALANTS
The final category of inhalants known as solvents include: paints, sprays, fuels,
essentially industrial chemicals. Solvents are incredibly harmful; the book states “if there
were ever a drug to ‘just say no’ to [these are] it.” These drugs have the potential to be just as
bad for a first time user as a habitual user. Solvents tend to elicit feelings of being under the
influence of alcohol and/or anesthetics followed by depression. The most common method
of delivery is through rags soaked in these chemicals and it is known as huffing. Frequently
the most harmful side effect of solvents is that the taker is frequently involved in a physical
trauma; 26% of solvent related deaths are due to traumas associated with impaired
functioning while 28% are from suicide while high. The research that has been done on
chronic users is not very generalizable as people that participated in the studies were already
ill, although it appears that there may be cerebellum damage and also memory, attention and
concentration problems arise. When using coolants, propellants and fuel gases “sudden
sniffing death” may occur, this obviously is just sudden death.
The NIDA website breaks down these drugs into more categories. It is very confusing
as to which chemical belongs in which category, but again all that is important is the delivery
method as to why these are in the same group. Highs from these chemicals normally only
last a few minutes, so abusers may continue to inhale over extended periods of time, however
the user may have lasting feelings of drowsiness for a few hours. Addiction does not often
occur; about .01 percent of people in treatment for substances are there because of an inhalant
problem. Interest in these drugs normally lessens as a person ages.
STEROIDS
There are many different types of steroids, and only one specific type (anabolic
steroids) is abused. Steroids occur naturally in the human body, and include estrogen,
progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone. Of these, testosterone is the only anabolic steroid;
cortisol is actually a catabolic steroid. An anabolic steroid is one that contributes to the
growth and development of muscle, while a catabolic steroid breaks down muscle mass.
Man-made anabolic steroids have been synthesized and used medically for various reasons,
such as to promote muscle growth in individuals with AIDS and cancer and to induce
puberty in males. However, anabolic steroids are also frequently abused by both men and
women (athletes and non-athletes) in an attempt to gain muscle mass and enhance their
athletic performance and attractiveness.
Anabolic steroids were first used to try to enhance athletic performance by Eastern
European countries in the 1950s and 60s. By the 1960s, use of anabolic steroids was common.
In 1976, anabolic steroids were banned from the Olympics. Other athletic arenas quickly
followed suit in banning the performance enhancing drugs and using testing to determine if
athletes were complying. Steroids were not banned in baseball until 1991, and a testing
schedule was not implemented until 2003, causing some controversy. Many athletic records
have come into question due to steroid use. Some athletes will use anabolic steroids and try
to get off of them long enough before a test that they come up negative. In addition, athletes
will sometimes try products that are touted to have similar effects to anabolic steroids
without being detected by drug tests. An example of this would be nutritional supplements
which contain “andro” (androstenedione), which is a precursor to testosterone. The theory is
that once it is in the body, andro is converted to testosterone and will enhance performance.
However, nutritional supplements containing andro cause only a small increase in the
amount of testosterone in the body, not nearly enough to cause any kind of significant
muscle growth or performance enhancement.
When anabolic steroids were first synthesized, scientists performed experiments in
an attempt to determine if man-made anabolic steroids could enhance athletic performance –
their initial conclusion was that they could not. Contrary to their conclusions, the abuse of
anabolic steroids in an attempt to build muscle mass does seem to be successful. Researchers
have postulated that this is because individuals who abuse anabolic steroids take such large
doses, frequently ten to a hundred times more than is used medically or has been used in
STEROIDS
research studies. Anabolic steroids promote the synthesis of protein, and in large doses it is
believe that they also may interfere with the functioning of catabolic steroids, preventing
muscle from being broken down and resulting in an overall gain of muscle mass. Steroids are
administered through three routes: oral administration, injection (typically into the muscle,
not the vein), or skin patches. Most individuals who abuse steroids use a “stacking” regimen,
in which several different types of anabolic steroids are taken and the amount of the anabolic
steroids taken is increased over a period of four to eighteen weeks before quitting the drug for
a few weeks.
Anabolic steroids are unlike other drugs in that they do not have an immediate “buzz”
like that of heroin or cocaine. Generally, steroids don’t take effect for several hours after
they are administered. The draw to take steroids is not so much to get a “high” as it is to
enhance muscles and appearance. Users who have been taking steroids for several weeks do
report feeling energetic, euphoric, and more competitive, and some report feelings of
depression once they stop taking the drug. Anabolic steroids do not appear to be as addictive
as some other drugs and do not affect the brain in the same ways that drugs like heroin and
cocaine do. However, they are reinforcing to users, and users will continue taking them
despite negative consequences. Withdrawal does not appear to be deadly or dangerous, and
generally consists of fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, insomnia, and headaches. The most
worrisome aspect of withdrawal is depression, which can lead to suicide attempts.
Taking large doses of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health consequences. In
both sexes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart problems may develop. Men may
develop breast tissue and may experience decreased sperm production. Women who abuse
anabolic steroids are likely to develop masculine characteristics, such as a deeper voice,
coarse/dark body hair, and more muscle mass. The physiological changes in women are
irreversible. If males take steroids before puberty or before they have finished puberty,
anabolic steroids can halt their growth. There is some controversy over whether or not
steroids may cause “roid rage” or aggressive behaviors. Controlled studies in humans have
not provided any conclusive evidence one way or the other, so it is hard to determine if
steroids do cause aggression. Individuals have reported that their subjective experience is
that they are more impulsive and aggressive when taking steroids, so until studies can be
STEROIDS
conducted it may be best to assume that steroids have the potential to create
combativeness/aggressiveness.
Abuse of Methylphenidate and other ADHD Medications among Teens
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system. It is a chemical
cousin to cocaine, but not as strong. No one is sure how methylphenidate works. American
doctors are currently prescribing methylphenidate to over five million children with
attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. Although it is a stimulant, methylphenidate has an
opposite effect on hyperactive children and somehow calms them down, although no one is
sure how it does that either
Common Misconception: Methylphenidate is a safe, mild drug because so many children are
taking it.
Fact: Methylphenidate is highly addictive.
 Classified as Schedule II, along with cocaine and morphine. (Note: Manufacturers of
Ritalin are lobbying Congress and seeking parents’ support to have the drug
reclassified as Schedule 3, even though it is highly addictive.)
Side Effects:
 Nervousness
 Insomnia
 Loss of Appetite
 Increased heart rate and blood pressure
 Headaches
 Irritability
 Visual disturbances
 Dizziness
Other Effects:
 Aggression
 Hostility
 Seizures
 Psychosis
 Thought disorders
More Severe Effects:
 Heart attack
 Stroke
 Sudden death
Common brands of methylphenidate:
Ritalin
Methylin
Ritalina
Penid
Rilatine,
Rubifen
Attenta
Abuse of Methylphenidate and other ADHD Medications among Teens
Sustained Release Tablets:
Concerta
Metadate CD
Ritalin LA
Ritalin-SR
Focalin
Patch:
Daytrana (Small, light blue patch)
Other commonly abused ADHD Medications:
Adderall is commonly prescribed for ADHD; however, it is not methylphenidate, but
contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
What about Strattera?
Strattera (Atomoxetine) is not a stimulant and therefore doesn’t have the same abuse
potential
Prescribed Use:
 ADHD
 Narcolepsy
Non-Medical Use:
 Strong stimulant effect
 Increases norepinephrine and dopamine
Pleasure
Self-confidence
Sense of well-being
Sense of invincibility
 People do things they normally fear, such as climbing mountains.
 They can go without sleep for days.
Teen Abuse
 Older teenagers and college students are the ones most likely to abuse this drug,
(DEA).
To lose weight
To enhance academic performance
To stay awake when driving long distances
 Some college students try Methylphenidate while studying for exams, and continue
taking it afterward.
Recreational use
Crush pills, mix with water and inject. Causes an adrenaline "rush"
or “slam" that users describe as euphoric and powerful, like bungee
jumping.
Abuse of Methylphenidate and other ADHD Medications among Teens
What to look for
 High achievers who push themselves as hard as possible.
 Want to be smarter, more popular, and more accomplished than they already are.
 Want an edge in the form of extra energy and instant self-confidence that this drug
can provide.
 Want to lose weight
 Have problems with self-acceptance and limitations
 Become uncharacteristically irritable or hostile
 Overly responsive to noise and other minor annoyances
 Inappropriate anger
 Overly emotional, or nervous
 Suddenly become suicidal
 Suddenly experience insomnia or weight loss
 Suddenly develop grandiose ideas about their own capabilities
 Boils, rashes, or infections around injection sites
 “Losing” clothing or personal items
 Missing household items
 Missing money
 Running up balances on parents’credit cards
Teens often buy from younger children, not dealers
Children and teens sell their prescribed methylphenidate to their peers.
Risks
 Users often suffer from non-diagnosed depression. Once they build up a tolerance to
methylphenidate, their depression often worsens.
 Teens build up a tolerance to methylphenidate and then move on to stronger
stimulants. For this reason, methylphenidate can be a "gateway drug" to cocaine and
methamphetamine.
 Risks for damage to internal organs (heart and kidneys).
Overdose Symptoms
Vomiting
Hallucinations
Sweating
Delirium
Flushing
Agitation
Euphoria
May look like a psychotic reaction, not drunkenness. Need to be taken to the Emergency
Room.
Withdrawal Symptoms
 Depression
 Fatigue
Abuse of Methylphenidate and other ADHD Medications among Teens





Anhedonia
Insomnia
Delusions
Suicidal ideation
Suicide attempts
Treatment
 Detoxification
 Treatment for depression
Counseling
Drug therapy
Note:
 Nearly 19% of American teens abuse some prescription drug.
 While Pharm Parties are rumored to be happening among teens and young adults,
there is little evidence that they are actually occurring (Jack Shafer, "Down on the
Pharm, Again: Debunking 'Pharm Parties' for the Third Time", Slate Magazine, March
25, 2008)
References
www.drugabuse.gov
www.teenoverthecounterdrugabuse.com
Abuse of Methylphenidate and other ADHD Medications among Teens
Abuse of Methylphenidate and other ADHD Medications among Teens