Drug definition and its effects
What is a Drug?
Natural or synthetic substance that is used to produce physiological or psychological effects in humans or other higher-order animals.
What is analgesics ?
relieve pain by a depressing action on the central nervous system
What are Depressants ?
- Substances used to depress the functions of the central nervous system.
- Calm irritability and anxiety and may induce sleep.
- Examples: alcohol (ethanol), barbiturates, anti anxiety drugs, substance that can be sniffed ( such as airplane glue, model cement, aerosol gas propellants, freon)
What are stimulants ?
substances used to increase alertness or activity followed by a decrease in fatigue and a loss of appetite.
What effects do Hallucinogens have?
causes marked changes in normal thought processes, perceptions, and moods
What are the 2 different aspects of human behavior of the nature of a drug experience?
Psychological dependence and Physical Dependence
What is heroin?
opioid drug made from morphine (natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, Colombia.
What is the main depressant?
Alcohol
- enters the body through the blood steam and travels to the brain where is suppresses the brains control of though processes and muscle coordination
- 3 million deaths (5.3% of all deaths)
What is Huffing?
sniffing materials contains volatile solvents, have immediate effects such as exhilaration, but impairs oddment and may cause liver, heart, and brain damage, or even death.
What is the most widely used hallucinogen?
Marijuana
What is Psychological Dependence
-characterizes all types of repeated drug use is the creation of psychological dependence for continued used of the drug
- Emotional factors that play a part in drug dependence
the users personal characteristics of the user, his/her expectations about the drug experience, Society's attitude and possible responses, the settings in which the drug is used.
What is Fentanyl ?
synthetic opioid similar to morphine, 50-100 times more potent
recent overdoses is made in labs
sold illegally as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or made into pills that look like other prescription opioids.
What are downers?
Barbiturates- central nervous system depressants (BENZOS)
- taken orally to create a feeling of well being and relax the body and produce sleep
medications slow brain activity made for treating anxiety and sleep problems
used as date rape drugs
combination with alcohol slows heart rate, and breathing and can lead to death
Amphetamines (uppers/speed) and cocaine (crack) are taken how?
swallowed, smoked, snorted, or injected intravenously causing an "initial" rush followed by an intense feeling of pleasure.
This is followed by a period of exhaustion and a prolonged period of severe depression.
high dosage= high body temp and irregular heartbeat; heart disease; seizures
Which parts of the flower for THC contains the most content?
1) Resin
2) Flowers
3) Leaves
4) Stems, roots, seeds
What is Physical Dependence?
- physiological need for a drug that has been brought about by its regular use.
- The desire to avoid withdrawal sickness or abstinence syndrome, ultimately causes physical dependence or addiction.
marijuana, LSC, Cocaine - doesn't lead to physical dependence
Withdrawal symptoms include: chills, fever, muscle twitching, nausea, cramps, vomiting
What are Medications for opioid use disorder ?
they are safe, effective, and save lives. They interact with the same receptors in the brain on which heroin acts, but they do not produce the same effects.
Methadone- agonist, to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Buprenorphine- agonist, attaches to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Naltrexone, antagonist that prevents heroin from attaching to opioid receptors, thus blocking its effects.
What are Anti-Anxiety Drugs
produce a relaxing tranquility without impairment of high thinking faculties or inducing sleep
What is Captagon?
prescribed as a treatment for ADD, narcolepsy and as a central nervous system stimulant
Captain tablets contain fenteylline (synthetic drugs of the phenethylamine family to which amphetamine belongs to)
What is Hashish? and legal hemp % of THC?
rich resin from the cannabis plant, must contain less than .3% or THC or less
What are some withdrawal symptoms?
chills, fever, muscle, twitching, nausea, cramps, vomiting
What are synthetic opioids not derived from opium?
Codeine is also present in opium but it is usually prepared synthetically from morphine.
OxyContin not derived from opium/ morphine but has the same physiological effects on the body as opium narcotics.
Oxycontin is prescribed to millions for treatment of chronic pain.
Examples of Anti-Anxiety Drugs
Valium, Xanax
Rohypnol- has been used to commit sexual assaults because of its strong sedation effects. (Benzodiazepine)
How is Cocaine utilized as a stimulant ?
Research- cocaine powerful addictive substance and can alter brain structure and function if used repeatedly.
Crack is cocaine mixed with baking soda and water, then heated.
Crack- smoked in glass pipes, like cocaine, simulates the brains pleasure center.
What are the risks associated with Marijuana?
Brain Health: IQ loss
Mental Health: depression, anxiety, suicide planning, psychotic episodes
Athletic Performance: timing, movement, decreased coordination
Driving: slower reactions, lane weaving, decreased coordination
Baby's Health and Development: fetal growth restriction, stillborn, premature birth
Daily Life: relationship problems, lower career achievements, and reduced life satisfaction.