Drug Abuse Notes

Opioids
1. Also called Heroin (smack) is produced by the acetylation of morphine

2. Appearance: it is a white, crystalline compound that tastes bitter and is odourless.
3. Source: Morphine is extracted from the latex of the poppy plant Papaver somniferum
4. It is taken by snorting and injection
5. It is a depressant and slows down body functions
6. Mechanism of action: Opioids bind to specific opioid receptors present in our central
nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
1. Cannabinoids
2. also called as marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja
3. Source: The inflorescences of the plant Cannabis sativa such as the flower
tops, leaves and resin of cannabis
4. It is taken by inhalation and oral ingestion
5. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors present principally in the brain and
affects the cardiovascular system of the body
1. Cocaine (Coke/crack) Also known as coca alkaloid
2. Source: Coca plant (Erythroxylum coca), native to South America.
3. Taken by snorting
4. Effect: It interferes with the transport of the neurotransmitter dopamine and
has a stimulating action on the CNS.
5. It also produces a sense of euphoria and increased energy.
6. Excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations
1. Nicotine or tobacco
2. Source: Nicotiana tabacum
3. Taken by smoking, chewing, snuffing the tobacco
4. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release adrenaline
and nor-adrenaline, raises the BP, increases the heart
rate and decreases oxygen level.
5. It is also a carcinogen which capable of causing cancer.
1. Barbiturates, Amphetamines, Benzodiazepines

2. As medicine: mental illnesses like depression and
insomnia
3. Morphine is a very effective sedative and painkiller and
is very useful in patients who have undergone surgery
4. Atropa belladonna, Datura which causes hallucinations
1. The age between 10 to 18 years is typically considered as the
adolescent age, which is likewise known as Teenage.
2. Teens may also use a substance for lots of motives. They may do it
because:
3. They need to match in with pals or peer groups
4. They just like the way it makes them experience things
5. They think it makes them more grown-up
6. Teens generally tend to strive for new things and take risks, so they
will take pills or drink alcohol because it seems exciting
7. Teens with family members who’ve troubles with alcohol or other pills
are much more likely to have extreme substance use problems
8. Also, teenagers who experience that they’re no longer linked to or
valued by their parents are at greater risk
9. Teens with bad self-esteem or emotional or mental health troubles,
including depression, also are at expanded chance
- Excessive drug doses may lead to coma, respiratory failure, heart
failure, or cerebral haemorrhage.
- Combining drugs with alcohol can result in overdose and death.
- Common effects include academic decline, absenteeism, poor
hygiene, withdrawal, isolation, depression, fatigue,
aggressiveness, strained relationships, loss of interest in hobbies,
changes in sleep and eating habits, and health issues like STDs
and cirrhosis which is liver failure
1. Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects – such
as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being – associated
with drugs and alcohol.
2. These drive people to take them even when these are not
needed, or even when their use becomes self-destructive. With
repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the receptors
present in our body increases.
3. Consequently the receptors respond only to higher doses of
drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction.
However, it should be clearly borne in mind that use of these
drugs even once, can be a fore-runner to addiction
4. Dependence is the ability of the body to manifest the
characteristics and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular
dose of drug or alcohol is discontinued.
5. This is characterized by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating,
which may be relieved when use is resumed again.
6. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even
life threatening and the person may need medical supervision.
1. Prevention is better than cure, so it's important to identify
situations that may lead adolescents to drugs or alcohol and
take timely measures.
2. Parenting combining high nurturance and consistent discipline
lowers the risk of substance abuse.
3. Avoid undue peer pressure and respect a child's individual
choices and personality.
4. Education and counselling help adolescents to face problems,
accept disappointments, and channel energy into healthy
pursuits.
5. Education and counselling help adolescents to face problems,
accept disappointments, and channel energy into healthy
pursuits.
6. Seek help from parents, peers, and trusted friends. Look for
danger signs and seek professional and medical assistance if
needed.
Alcohol and drug abuse can become a
life habit, the results of which could
prove to be very difficult to handle. It
will not only affect the individual but
also their family and friends. One should
always shy away from alcohol and drug
use even occasionally as it may turn into
an addiction. But anyway, if someone
falls into addiction the next best step is
always to ask for help.

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Opioids

1. Also called Heroin (smack) is produced by the acetylation of morphine

1. Barbiturates, Amphetamines, Benzodiazepines

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