4 - Drug Abuse Flashcards
Which type of drugs are abused because they produce complete satiation of all drives in the body?
Opioids
What are the signs of acute opioid overdose?
- Fixed, pinpoint pupils (miosis)
- Depressed respiration
- Hypotension
- Shock
- Slow reflexes
- Drowsiness
- Coma
What are the signs of cocaine use?
- Nasal bleeding/necrosis
- Dilated pupils
- Hypertension - never give epinephrine within 24 hours
- Localized gingival recession, bleeding and alveolar bone necrosis in maxillary premolar area
What is the mechanism of action of methamphetamine?
- Triggers cascading release of norepinephrine and dopamine and serotinin when meth enters brain
What is formication?
The sensation of insects crawling beneath the skin - “crank bugs”
What are the clinical signs of methamphetamine use?
- Dilated pupils
- Hypertension/tachycardia
- Anorexia
- Increased sweating (diaphoresis)
- Moodiness
- Xerostomia
- Bruxism
What does prolonged methamphetamine use lead to?
- Anxiety
- Aggressiveness/violent behavior
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Stroke
What are the signs of acute overdose of CNS stimulants?
- Dilated pupils
- Hypertension
- Elevated pulse
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Extreme sweating
- Hyperthermia
- Hyperactive behavior
- Tremors
What are the characteristics and signs of nicotine?
- CNS stimulant
- Highly addictive (physical & psychological)
- Increases alertness
- Muscle relaxation
- Concentration/memory
- Decreased appetite
What are the harmful effects of nicotine?
- Irritability
- Hypertension
- Increased pulse
- Induces nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Coronary artery disease
- Lung/oral cancer
What are the characteristics of hallucinogens?
- Powerful CNS stimulants
- Adverse CNS effects
- Delusions, panic, paranoia
- Sympathomimetics
- Adverse cardiovascular effects - no epinephrine
- Dilated pupils
- Abnormal muscle movement and rigidity
What are the oral complications of marijuana?
- Xerostomia
- Gingivitis
- Leukoplakia
- Hyperkeratinized tissues
What is the most frequently abused drug?
Alcohol
What’s the most abused prescription drug abused by teenagers?
Hydrocodone with acetaminophen
What is the drug used to treat alcoholism?
- disulfiram (Antabuse) - causes vomiting with alcohol
