History Discovered: A.D. 600 – 900 Used in London – early 1600s In 17 th century it was condemned 1614 – used to ward off illness 1828 – use began to decline

History Until late 1800’s, cigarettes were rolled by hand – rolling machine patented Cost of 10 cigarettes used to be 5 cents Cost now? 20 for ~$6.00

Nicotine Tolerance and Dependence Initially one may experience dizziness, nausea, perspiration, vomiting Tolerance builds up quickly – leads to addiction Millions of people smoke cigarettes/day It is a highly reinforcing drug

Withdrawal Symptoms The more you smoke, the greater the symptoms It lowers your heart rate You get tremors You become aggressive You get hungry You have heart palpitations You get headaches You become stressed/anxious Your blood pressure decreases You can’t sleep You become tired

Pharmacology of Tobacco Nicotine has been used as an insecticide and is carcinogenic. Nicotine injected (by IV) is 5-10 times more reinforcing than cocaine injected. Releases neurotransmitter norepinephrine – which stimulates your heart. Speeds up blood flow to skeletal muscles. Absorbed almost immediately by lungs and reaches the brain in as little as 10 secs. Passes the placental barrier, and is found in breast milk. Stays in body for 8 to 12 hours

Non-smokers Environmental 2 nd hand smoke is linked to lung and urinary tract problems and to cancers of liver and pancreas. It also increases risk of breast cancer (my grandma). If you’re married to a smoker  3 times the rate of heart attacks  Lung cancer & emphysema rates higher In 1993 – secondhand smoke was declared a carcinogen.

How Can You Stop? Nicotine Gum Nicotine Patches Nicotine Inhalers Drug Therapy Hypnosis (Ravene) and Acupuncture

Usually takes several attempts to stop. ¼ of quitters who stay off for 3 months remain smoke-free Younger the person is when they quit, the greater the benefit. Stay away from activities that trigger smoking How Can You Stop?

Nicotine Gum and Patches Nicorette – available since 1996  It is absorbed more slowly, but does reduce withdrawal symptoms  Successful in 11% of people, if combined with a stop smoking program increase to 27% Dangerous if continue to smoke because high levels of nicotine

Marijuana

Introduction One of the oldest known drugs Was used to regulate muscle spasms, lessen pain, and combat indigestion Late 1800s, used for menstrual cramps, labor pains, and insomnia

Introduction Jamestown settlers planted it for fiber to make rope. Not used for euphoric effect until the 20 th century Use was banned after the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937.

Characteristics Derived from hemp plant Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Original hemp plants were used for rope and contained low amounts of THC Contains more than 500 chemicals

Characteristics Cannabinoids – chemicals in the plant Benzopyrene (a carcinogen) Marijuana smoke has 70% more benzopyrene and 50% more tar than tobacco smoke. Marijuana releases 5 times more tar into the lungs!

Pharmacology Usually smoked, most often in “joints” Can be brewed in tea or mixed in baked products Cannot be injected Mild hallucinogen, has some of alcohol’s depressant properties

Absorption Effects of smoking are generally felt within a few minutes and peak in minutes.  Half of THC is absorbed by the lungs. Effects of ingestion may not be felt for several hours and can last from 3-12 hours.  Less THC absorbed when you’re ‘full’  Stomach contents influence effects

Absorption Marijuana tends to linger in the body. However, you only feel the effects while the drug is circulating in the bloodstream.  THC is fat soluble  It accumulates in fatty tissues of lungs, liver, testes, and other organs.  Two days after smoking, one quarter of THC may still be retained  Can show up in tests 2-4 weeks later

Effects of Use Margin of safety is wide – it depends on which form of the drug you use (today’s THC is MUCH stronger than that used in the 1970’s). Impairs learning ability – limits ability to absorb and retain information Irreversible loss of intellectual capacity, damage to portions of the brain. Has been linked to causing schizophrenia

Psychological Effects Increases the release of dopamine Some report euphoria, relaxation, followed by sleepiness Effects are subject to interpretation

Amotivational Syndrome Heavy use resulting in inability to concentrate, unmotivated, apathetic, lacking ambition, and not achievement oriented.  Adolescents who smoke marijuana are less able to learn and often have problems at school and home.

Physical Effects Effects respiratory, cardiovascular, immune and reproductive systems. Much more likely to get lung cancer and other respiratory diseases/disorders at a younger age than a cigarette smoker Increase in appetite – “munchies” Bronchodilator: dilates bronchi Impairs flow of air into and out of lungs Tachycardia: irregular heart beat Reduces immunity Decreases testosterone, sperm count, and libido Inhibits ovulation Higher rates of miscarriage, lower birth weights

Effects on the Brain Hippocampus – part of brain that involves memory  Marijuana reduces acetylcholine Memory is impaired due to reduction of acetylcholine. Norepinephrine and dopamine alters mood, hence marijuana alters mood.

Effects of Use 1995 study of college students found-  Inability of heavy users to focus, sustain attention, and organize data persists for as long as 24 hours after last use. Adult users compared to non-users –  Memory impaired, lower math and verbal skills

Medically Can now be used in Canada to treat specific people with these problems:  Glaucoma  Nausea  Vomiting  Asthma