Forms of Substance Use and Abuse
What does substance misuse mean?
Substance misuse refers to using a substance in ways that are illegal or not recommended medically.
What is a stimulant drug used to speed up the central nervous system?
Cocaine, crack, amphetamines, nicotine, or caffeine
Answer to: The drug enters the bloodstream by way of the rich supply of blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Inhaled
What is a non-user?
Someone who chooses not to use tobacco, alcohol, or any other illegal substances.
What is a risk of substance use?
Serious health problems: liver/kidney disease, alcohol poisoning, addiction, cognitive problems, overdose etc.
What is the primary effect of depressant drugs on the central nervous system?
They slow down the functions of the central nervous system.
How does a drug taken by mouth enter the bloodstream?
It passes through the walls of the intestines and then into the bloodstream.
What type of drug user involves moderate, ongoing consumption, usually in social settings.
Social User
What is the main characteristic of substance abuse?
Continued excessive use of a substance despite the negative consequences it causes.
What drug can be classified as both a hallucinogen and a stimulant?
Marijuana
When a drug is smoked, where does it pass from in the lungs before entering the bloodstream?
The alveoli (sac) in the lungs to the capillaries/bloodstream.
What motivates an experimental user to try drugs, and what is the risk involved?
Motivated by curiosity and may use drugs once or a few times.
What does physical dependence mean
It means/occurs when the body undergoes withdrawal symptoms without the drug.
What are the potential long-term effects of using inhalants?
Brain damage and severe memory loss
What is the timeline for smoking to enter the bloodstream and begin to take effect?
Seconds to 2 minutes
How would you classify a binge user?
Taking large amounts of a substance in a short period of time
What is drug dependence also known as?
Substance Use Disorder
LSD (or acid) is the most common hallucinogens. What is the window of effect for this drug after ingestion?
Effects can be felt 30-45 minutes after taken and last for up to 12 hours.
Name 1 of the 3 types of injection options and explain how they would enter the bloodstream.
Skin popping - the drug is injected under the skin
Intramuscular Injection - the drug is injected into a muscle
Mainlining - the drug is injected directly into a vein
What defines a dependent user, and what are the risks involved?
Addict/ compulsively uses drugs despite severe problems in their life. They no longer use drugs to get high, but to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The risk of lasting harm is very high, and the drug becomes central to their life.