(c) 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter Seven: Making Decisions about Drug Use

Preventing Drug Usage Primary – targets first time users (education) Primary – targets first time users (education) Secondary – targets beginners who are starting to experiment (drug testing) Secondary – targets beginners who are starting to experiment (drug testing) Tertiary – targets dependent users of drugs (rehabilitation) Tertiary – targets dependent users of drugs (rehabilitation)

The CNS Function (Brain/Spinal Cord) Stimuli converted into electrical impulses Stimuli converted into electrical impulses Signals are converted into neurotransmitters Signals are converted into neurotransmitters Messages are sent between neurons (nerve cell) Messages are sent between neurons (nerve cell) Synapses are the result of message sent Synapses are the result of message sent Psychoactive drug can change or enhance reactions of the cell site Psychoactive drug can change or enhance reactions of the cell site See Figure 7-1 See Figure 7-1

The Process of Addiction Addictive behavior has 3 common aspects Addictive behavior has 3 common aspects Exposure: introduced to the drug that is considered pleasurable Exposure: introduced to the drug that is considered pleasurable Compulsion: time, energy, and money are spent to pursue the behavior. Normal behavior has already degenerated Compulsion: time, energy, and money are spent to pursue the behavior. Normal behavior has already degenerated Loss of Control: addicted people lose the ability to control their behavior and results in addiction to more than one drug or behavior Loss of Control: addicted people lose the ability to control their behavior and results in addiction to more than one drug or behavior

Codependence Applies to those who are close to the individual who is addicted to something Applies to those who are close to the individual who is addicted to something Focused upon protecting or coping with the addict Focused upon protecting or coping with the addict Lose their sense of identity due to becoming unaware of their own feelings Lose their sense of identity due to becoming unaware of their own feelings

What is a Drug? Substance, other than food, that alters structure or function in a living organism Substance, other than food, that alters structure or function in a living organism psychoactive drug – alters the mind (feelings, behaviors, mood) psychoactive drug – alters the mind (feelings, behaviors, mood)

Other Drug Terminology Dependence: refers to the need to continue using a drug for psychological or physical reasons Dependence: refers to the need to continue using a drug for psychological or physical reasons Withdrawal illness: toxic response of the body as it attempts to regain control (abstinence syndrome) Withdrawal illness: toxic response of the body as it attempts to regain control (abstinence syndrome) Tolerance: acquired reaction to a drug in which the continued intake has diminished effect Tolerance: acquired reaction to a drug in which the continued intake has diminished effect

Drug Misuse andAbuse Drug misuse – unintended results obtained by this behavior Drug misuse – unintended results obtained by this behavior Drug abuse – intentional results obtained by this behavior Drug abuse – intentional results obtained by this behavior

Dynamics of Drug Abuse Individual factors (genetics, personality) Individual factors (genetics, personality) Environmental factors (family, school, peers) Environmental factors (family, school, peers) Societal factors (modeling, culture, ads) Societal factors (modeling, culture, ads)

Understanding Combination Effects of Drugs Synergisic effect – greater than the sum added together (i.e., tranquilizer/alcohol) Synergisic effect – greater than the sum added together (i.e., tranquilizer/alcohol) Potentiated effect – intensifies actions of second drug Potentiated effect – intensifies actions of second drug Additive effect – total effect of both drugs combined Additive effect – total effect of both drugs combined Antagonistic effect – inhibition or reduction of drugs taken Antagonistic effect – inhibition or reduction of drugs taken

Six Classifications of Psychoactive Drugs Stimulant Stimulant Depressant Depressant Hallucinogen Hallucinogen Cannabis Cannabis Narcotic Narcotic Inhalant Inhalant

Stimulants Function: elevates sensory function of the CNS Function: elevates sensory function of the CNS Examples: cocaine, amphetamine, caffeine, ritalin, ephedra Examples: cocaine, amphetamine, caffeine, ritalin, ephedra

Depressants Function: depresses the CNS and possibly causes drowsiness Function: depresses the CNS and possibly causes drowsiness Examples: barbiturates, rohypnol, alcohol, tranquilizers Examples: barbiturates, rohypnol, alcohol, tranquilizers

Hallucinogens Function: alters perception of the CNS Function: alters perception of the CNS Examples: LSD, PCP, peyote, designer drugs Examples: LSD, PCP, peyote, designer drugs

Cannabis Active ingredient: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Active ingredient: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Function: variety of psychoactive results Function: variety of psychoactive results Examples: hashish, marijuana Examples: hashish, marijuana

Narcotic Function: relieves pain, euphoria Function: relieves pain, euphoria Examples: opium, morphine, heroin Examples: opium, morphine, heroin

Inhalants Function: volatile chemicals producing drunk- like effects or aggression Function: volatile chemicals producing drunk- like effects or aggression Examples: gasoline, paint, aerosol cans Examples: gasoline, paint, aerosol cans

Societal Response to Drug Use Early prevention programs at pre-school stage Early prevention programs at pre-school stage Drug testing Drug testing Nationwide organizations to increase awareness Nationwide organizations to increase awareness

Treatment Programs College or University Health centers College or University Health centers Community programs Community programs Hospital facilities Hospital facilities Private facilities Private facilities

(c) 2005 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter Seven: Making Decisions about Drug Use