Drug Misuse 1 (definitions and trends) Flashcards
Tolerance
Reduction or loss of the normal response to a substance
Drug Abuse/ misuse
Persistent or sporadic excessive use inconsistent with or unrelated to acceptable medical practice
(WHO)
Psychological dependance
A feeling of satisfaction and psychic drive that requires periodic or continuous administration of the drug to produce pleasure or avoid discomfort
(A feeling someone has to take the drug or continue taking the drug)
Physical dependence
Intensive physical disturbances that occur when administration is suspended
Describe the patterns if drug misuse and discuss why some people seek to misuse drugs
Stage 1: experimentation
Stage 2: recreational use
Stage 3: problematic use
Stage 4: addiction
No evidence that one stage to lead to another
WHY?
- peer pressure
- revellion
- combat depression (stop feeling low)
- to overcome shyness, anxiety, lack of confidence
- to feel good, high, exhilarated, euphoria, rush
Describe factors which affect the desired effects (the high) and the addictive potential associated with the commonly misused drugs
The effects depend on route of administration so whether the drug js swallowed, injected, smoked, sniffed and also the type of drug misused
- injected is fastest to the blood and higher rate of concentration because it goes straight to the bloodstream, more drug to blood and faster compared to the others
Describe the differences between the main classes of drug misused
Psychoactive drugs
•stimulants - speed up CNS (euphoria and excitement)
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•depressants - slow down CNS (euphoria, contentment and well being)
• hallucinogens - alter perceptions (sights and sounds become distorted and fantastic)
Describe the methods used to measure the prevalence of drug misuse in the Uk and impact of treatment programmes
- Offences
- cautions, convictions for possession, supply etc - Surveys
Crime survey for England and Wales (CSEW) - Treatment
- The national drug treatment monitoring system
- NHS data
Stimulant cocaine
Eg cocaine ( two forms available , hydrochloride and free base)
Hydrochloride properties-
MP: 197oC
BP-395oC
Sol-1 in 0.5 of water
Freebase prop:
MP- 96-98oC
BP-187-188oC
sol- 1 in 1300 of water
Stimulant : Amphetamine
- originally used in an inhaler
- nasal decongestant
- non-medicinal use
- to counter fatigue in soldiers
Pharmacology: similar to neurotransmitter (noradrenaline/dopamine) , sinilar action to cocaine but has a longer half life
Desired effects:
- good cheer, optimistim, increased energy, self-confidence,perception reduced appetite, reduced need for sleep
Adverse effects following a binge:
- exhaustion, lethargy, anxiety, depression
- physical dependence is rare
Stimulants - methamphetamine
First synthesised in 1883 Effects similar to amphetamine Difference -more lipid soluble - easier to cross the blood barrier
Stimulants : Ecstasy
Ecstasy - two classes of user •young night clubbers • new age philosophers - limited evidence of dependence - adverse effects depend on use •hangover, lethargy, fluctuating emotions •dehydration
Depressants : opiates/opiods
- opiates - from opium poppy •morphine - opioids - synthetic • di-acetyl morphine (heroin Both cause psychological and physical dependence
Acts on opioid receptors
- three different types of opioid receptors
- natural peptides- endorphins act on these receptors
Depressants
Slow down CNS
Euphoria, contentment and well being
Depressants: benzodiazepines
-used to treat insomnia & anxiety
- temazepam
- diazepam (Valium)
- flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
Depressants Cannabis
- many different varieties
-many active ingredients
•THC is main active ingredient - marijuana (up to 5% THC)
- harshish (up to 15% THC)
- sinsemilla (up to 17% THC)
- oil (up to 30% THC)
Hallucinogens
- LSD
- magic mushrooms
• these substances produce profound changes in •sensory perception • patterns of thinking • emotion - without clouding the mind - psychedelic
Penalties
Depend on (a) the legal class of drug (b) which court hears the charge I. Magistrates court II. Crown court (c) whether the charge is ‘possession’, ‘possession with intent to supply’ or ‘suppling a controlled drug’
Drug class A
Ecstasy LSD Heroin Cocaine Crack Magic Mushrooms Amphetamines (if prepared for injection)
Drug Class B
Amphetamines
Cannabis
Methylphenidate (ritalin)
Pholcodine
Drug class C
Buprenorphine Tranquilisers Some painkillers Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Ketamine
Penalties
Maximum penalty for possession of Class A controlled drug at Magistates court:
£5000 and/or 6months imprisonment
Possession with intent to supply, class c at magistrates court = £2500 and/or 3months impr
Possession with intent to supply, class A at crown court = unlimited fine and/or life imprisonment
Offences
Criminal justices statistics
Cautions for drug offences in last 10years: fallen by two thirds
Number of defendants proceeded against magistrates courts for drug offences changed over last ten years = dropped by nearly half
Number of offenders found guilty of drug offences changed over last 10 years = dropped by nearly half
