Drugs Chapter 5

What is a Drug? What makes a chemical a “drug”? Are drugs natural? Are they organic? What do we mean when we say “don’t do drugs”? What makes a drug dangerous? What makes a drug beneficial?

Types of Dependence Physical and psychological What is the difference? Can it be both? Is alcohol a drug? What type of dependence does it cause? Does its legality / social acceptance mean that it is “safe”?

Psychological Dependence Individuals have their reasons / excuses for use Common result is repeated use DEPENDENCE Is there a difference between a user and an addict?

Physical Dependence Addiction Abstinence syndrome or withdraw sickness Changes occur in your body / brain Abstinence syndrome or withdraw sickness Uncomfortable with not doing the drug Can have withdraw symptoms continuously Heroin must be taken every 6 – 8 hours to avoid symptoms of withdraw

Narcotics Narcotic relieves pain and induces sleep Analgesic – relieves pain Popular meaning is any drug with that is socially unacceptable Legally the definition is not consistent

Narcotics Opiates Synthetic opiates From “poppy” Morphine, heroin, codeine, Synthetic opiates Methadone Fentanyl (microgram active) OxyContin similar to heroin time release formula Abused pharmaceutical

Commonly Used Drugs Narcotics Psychological Physical Morphine High Yes Heroin High Yes Methadone High Yes Codeine Low Yes

Hallucinogens Hallucinogens are drugs that cause marked changes in normal thought processes, perceptions and moods.

Marijuana Cannabis Sativa THC – tetrahydocannabinol Heavy use associated with psychological dependence Synthetic Cannabinoids Analogs created in labs. Analogs are slightly modified structures creating new names and slight changes to properties and functions. Many untested and unknown effects.

Other Hallucinogens LSD – lysergic acid diethylamide Derived from fungus –ergot Very potent, emotions affected Mescaline and psilocybins Mushrooms and peyote (cactus) PCP – phencyclidine – angel dust Can have schizophrenic behavior days after use Tryptamines – natural and synthetic

Commonly Used Drugs Hallucinogens Psychological Physical Marijuana Low No LSD Low No PCP High No

Depressants Suppress brain’s control of thoughts and muscle coordination

Alcohol (ethyl alcohol) Low dose – inhibit mental process of judgment, memory and concentration. Moderate dose – reduces coordination substantially, inhibits orderly thought processes and speech patterns, and slows reaction time Higher Doses – highly irritable and emotional, displays of anger / crying not uncommon Extremely High Dose – lapse into unconsciousness, can lead to a fatal depression of circulatory and respiratory functions.

Barbiturates “Downers” Suppress the vital functions of central nervous system long acting – Phenobarbital (seizure or daytime sedative) Fast acting – Secobarbital (anesthesia)

Antianxiety (Benzodiazapine) Relax without affecting higher thinking capacity Valium (Diazapam) Xanax (Alprazolam) Klonipin (Clonazapam)

Huffing Solvents such as toluene, naphtha, methyl ethyl ketone, gasoline, trichoroehtylene Psychological issues Overdose can cause brain damage or death

Commonly Used Drugs Depressants Psychological Physical Barbiturates (short) High Yes Barbiturates (Long) Low Yes Alcohol High Yes Benzodiazapines Moderate Yes

Stimulants Speed up the central nervous system. Synthetic Cathinones Natural in Middle Eastern “Khat” plants. (chewed) Synthesized analogs – some scheduled Advertised as “Bath Salts” or “Plant Food” Many untested and unknown effects.

Amphetamines Speed or uppers Methamphetamine Provide a feeling of well being and alertness, followed by fatigue and loss of appetite. After use depression is a common side effect Methamphetamine High purity – “ice” Chronic users exhibit violent destructive behavior and acute psychosis. Strong physical dependence (sometimes after one use!)

Cocaine Source of “exhilaration and lasting euphoria” – Sigmund Freud Central nervous system stimulant Stimulates pleasure pathways far more than they can be normally Smokable form = crack Small percent of addicts are cured Strongest psychological addiction of street drugs Euphoria fades – depression, anxious and pleasure less

Caffeine Stimulant and diuretic Found in 60 plants an ergogenic Natural insecticide an ergogenic increases capacity for mental or physical labor.

Commonly Used Drugs Stimulants Psychological Physical Amphetamines High Yes Cocaine High No Caffeine Low No Nicotine High Yes

Club Drugs Ecstacy – MDMA - stimulant GHB – gamma hydroxybutyrate Brain damage to hypothalmus GHB – gamma hydroxybutyrate Rohypnol – depressant (potent Benzo) Date rape drug Ketamine – depressant (anesthetic)

Anabolic Steroids Synthetic steroids (hormones) that resemble testosterone Androgenic effects – secondary male characteristics – hair, aggressive behavior Anabolic effects – accelerates muscle growth Liver cancer and liver abnormalities Masculinizing females, infertility Reduced sex drive for males Teenagers premature halting of bone growth, mood effects including anger / depression / destructive behavior

Why does one person become an addict when another can be casual user? Personal predispositions Genetic Psychological