Drugs Flashcards
Drug Abuse
WHO: any excessive drug use not approved by the medical profession. Some drugs in any quantity, others in large quantities.
Anabolic steroids
Synthetic derivatives of testosterone
Bad for liver, brain and repro organs
Heart disease if long use
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Steroid alternatives, bad side effects like nausea, seizures, coma
Toxicity
Any level of drug that is poisonous.
Liver detoxifies with enzymes
General, Local, Selective
Effect on body. General = entire body, Local = one area, Selective = much greater effect on one organ or system.
Prescription Drugs
FDA give permission for 20 new drugs a year. Most common mistakes: -over or under dosing -omitting labeling info -wrong dose form -allergic reactions
Psych problems w/presc drugs
Drugs most likely to cause psych probs:
- depression
- HBP
- epilepsy
- asthma
- insomnia
- arthritis
Older people more affected
Depression by lower blood pressure
Anxiety by overstim CNS
Drug Interaction
Additive: cumulative effects = sum total of each drug
Synergistic: = greater than total
Potentiating = one drug increases effect of another
Antagonistic = neutralize or stifle effects of one another
Addiction process
Beginning: intoxication is goal
Later: avoiding withdrawal symptoms is goal
Polyabuse: abusers take several drugs
Comorbidity: overlap between people with chemical
dependency and psych disorders.
Drug dependency
Crave pleasure
Escape anxiety
Dependency in order to function normally
Physical dependency = increased amount to achieve
desired effectAmphetamines
Intitially prescribed for weight control
Extremely addictive and dangerous
Benzedrine Dexedrine Methedrine Ritalin Cylert Preludin
Taken orally (may be smoked, injected, snorted)
Methamphetamine extremely addictive, lasts 12-14 hrs
Alert, full of energy, well being, confidence, perceived clear thinking (no research supports this)
Talkative and animated, restless
Large dose = confusion, incoherence, anxiety, heart palp
Short term: heart trouble, loose of coordination,anger, nausea, chills
Long term: malnutrition, skin disorders, insomnia, depression, vitamin deficiencies, brain damage affecting speech
Non-biological Addiction Factors
Lack self control No opposition to drugs Low self esteem Depression Poverty or isolation Association with drug users
Inhalants
“Huffing”
Momentary hallucinations and well being
Effects last only for seconds
Chronic use leads to kidney failure, hepatitis, respiratory probs, irreg HB, bone probs, heart failure.
Can die first time
Barbituates
Depress CNS, reduce physical and mental tension
Decrease alertness, cause drowsiness
Long term use can result in comatose condition
Overdose can immediately result in coma, stupor, death
PCP/Angel Dust (Phencyclidine)
One of most dangerous drugs Profound change in perception Hallucinations Delusions of strength Psychosis Flushing, increase HR, insensitivity to pain, impaired coordination and speech, stupor. Danger to others Immediate coma or death
Chronic drug use
Fatigue Weight loss Cough Body aches Blackouts Psych turmoil, paranoia Stress of maintaining habit
Caffeine
Most common psychotropic Relieves drowsiness Helps w/repetitive tasks Improves physical performance, endurance Extreme doses = seizure and reap failure No evidence birth defects
Cocaine and crack (treated to smoke, more intense high)
One of most addictive and deadly abused substance
Feeling of invulnerability, high energy
Short term: headaches, shaking, seizures, death
Long term: BP probs, sexual function, heart probs, brain
hemorrhage, hepatitis, malnutrition
Cannabis
Relaxes, affects mood, heightens senses
Speeds HR, dries mouth, lethargy, impairs reactions
Large dose = panic attack, hallucination
Long term = decreased motivation, laziness
Psych dependence, impaired memory and cognition, high BP, lung probs, infertility.
Ecstacy (MDMA)
Happiness, euphoria
Insomnia, nausea, fatigue, concentration prob, dehydration
Opioids
Narcotic family relaxes CNS, relieves pain, sense of wellness.
Restlessness, nausea, weight loss, sex, speech, sweating, drowsiness, impaired judgment, attention and memory
Extremely addictive, malnutrition, impaired immune system, infection of heart/lungs, hepatitis, tetanus, HIV, skin abcess. Can die from OD
