Drugs—illicit substance abuse Flashcards
1
Q
Amphetamines including methamphetamines (speed, base, ice)
A
Physical symptoms
- Aggressive or overactive behaviour
- giggling
- silliness
- euphoria
- rapid speech
- confused thinking
- no appetite
- extreme fatigue
- dry mouth
- anxiety shakiness
Dangers
- Hypertension
- death from overdose
- fatal arrhythmias hallucinations
- temporary psychosis
- cardiac arrest
2
Q
Ecstasy (MD-methamphetamine) dose may be unknown
A
Physical symptoms
- Anxiety
- panic
- sweating
- ‘loving’ feelings
- jaw clenching
- teeth grinding
- bizarre overactive behaviour
- hallucinations
- increased heart rate, BP and body temperature
- feelings of confidence
- happiness and love
Dangers
- Convulsions
- risk of death from heart attack
- cerebral haemorrhage
- hyperthermia
- fluid imbalance with dehydration and hyponatraemia
- acute kidney failure
- DIC
- liver toxicity
- depression
3
Q
Narcotics, opioids (e.g. heroin)
A
Physical symptoms
- Stupor/drowsiness
- marks on body
- watery eyes
- loss of appetite
- running nose
- narrowed pupils
- loss of sex drive
- agitation
Dangers
- Death from overdose
- mental deterioration
- coma
- destruction of brain and liver
- hepatitis
- embolisms
4
Q
Cocaine including ‘crack’
A
Physical symptoms
Similar effects to amphetamines—
- muscle pains
- irritability
- paranoia
- hyperactivity
- jerky movements
- euphoria
- dilated pupils
Dangers
- Hallucinations
- death from overdose—sudden death from:
- arrhythmias
- seizures
- mental disorders
- severe respiratory problems
5
Q
Fantasy (gamma hydroxybutyrate)
A
Physical symptoms
- Relaxation and drowsiness
- dizziness
- relaxed inhibition/euphoria
- increased sexual arousal
- impaired mobility and
- speech
Dangers
- Tremors and shaking
- amnesia
- coma
- convulsions
- death from high doses
6
Q
Solvents, e.g. glue sniffing
A
Physical symptoms
- Aggression and violence
- drunk appearance
- slurred speech
- dreamy or blank expression
Dangers
- Lung/brain/liver damage
- death through suffocation or choking.
- Fatal arrhythmias
7
Q
LSD
A
Physical symptoms
- Severe hallucinations, ‘trips’
- feelings of detachment
- incoherent speech
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- laughing and crying
Dangers
- Suicidal tendencies
- unpredictable behaviour
- chronic exposure causes brain damage
- LSD causes chromosomal breakdown
8
Q
Barbiturates
A
Physical symptoms
- Drowsiness
- stupor
- dullness
- slurred speech
- drunk appearance
- vomiting
Dangers
- Death from overdose or as a result of withdrawal
- addictions
- convulsions
9
Q
Cannabis/marijuana
A
Physical symptoms
- Initial euphoria
- floating feeling
- sleepiness
- lethargy
- wandering mind
- enlarged pupils
- lack of coordination
- craving for sweets
- changes of appetite
- memory difficulty
Dangers
- Inducement to take stronger narcotics
- prolonged usage causes cognitive defects
- Precipitates or exacerbates schizophrenia
