Drugs of Abuse Flashcards
Use disorder – DSM V
- Use more than planned- Worry about cutting back or unsuccessful - Lots of time using or recovering or getting- Craving- Life is affected - Continued to use even though life is affected - Risky behaviors - Tolerance- Withdrawal
Mild, moderate, severe substance disorder
- A mild substance use disorder is suggested by the presence of 2-3 symptoms- Moderate by 4-5 symptoms- Severe by 6 or more symptoms- No longer trying to sort out addiction (which is physical) from abuse, but defining much how it affects person’s life
Various drugs
- Stimulants- Benzodiazepines- Opioids- Hallucinogens- Dissociative drugs - Marijuana- Solvents/Inhalants- Alcohol
Stimulants
- Nicotine- Caffeine- Cocaine- Amphetamines
How stimulants work
- Release DA and NE
Stimulants route of administration
- Oral = Slow onset, low potency, no “rush”- Intranasal = Faster onset- Intravenous = Faster onset, “rush”- Smoking = Fastest onset, most addictive
Stimulant effects (low to moderate doses)
- Insomnia- Increased endurance- Increased activity- Euphoria and mood enhancing
Stimulant effects (high doses)
- Paranoia- Hallucinations- Suspiciousness- delusions- Picking- Pancreatitis/DM
Stimulant: Other negative effects
- Stroke- Seizures- MI- Psychotic Symptoms- Lung and Nasal problems
Cocaine
- Blow, coke, crack, rock, snow- Snort or rub on gums- Crack is heated and inhaled or injected
Biggest worry
- MI – 1% of all MIs – increases plaque formation and causes vasospasm- Don’t use Beta Blocker if concerned of cocaine use- Can cause issues with nose, lungs
Amphetamine (speed)
Methamphetamineo Added methyl to facilitate crossing the blood-brain barriero Ice or crystal meth is the crystalized formo Crank is made in home labsAmphetamineso Better oral absorption than cocaine and longer duration than cocaine
Snorting Adderall
- Pulmonary talcosis- Manufacturers use talc as a binder
Stimulants: Withdrawal and Dependence
3 stages of Abstinence:o 1-5 days: “crash” with intense craving, exhaustion, and intense depressiono 1-10 weeks: “withdrawal” depression, craving, hedonic state (relapse is strong)o Indefinite: occasional depression, moderate craving, loss of pleasureWithdrawal and dependence:o Depressiono Fatigueo Hungero Aches and paino Loss of pleasure
These help with stimulant withdrawal
- Benzos- SSRIs – need careful monitoring- Anti-psychotics
Smoking
- About 18% of the adult population now- Very fast acting (very addictive)- DA release- Also the physical habit
Why you don’t want your patient smoking?
- Increased risk of death- Increased risk of heart/lung issue- Anesthesia- Poor circulation means poor healing
Quitting smoking
- About ½ of smokers tried to quit for at least 1 day in previous year- 7 meds FDA approved to help (Chantix, Zyban, replacements)- Cold turkey about 4%- CBT- Trying 2 or more methods at once helpful
Benzodiazepines (benzos)
- Depressant effect on CNS by sitting on GABA receptor and stimulating GABA- Used to relieve anxiety, muscle relaxation and to treat seizures- Addictive- Will reset the “anxiety” level in the brain over time
BENZOS KNOW THIS
- Can be dangerous with ETOH- Fast withdrawal maybe fatal – weaning and close supervision if prolonged use and high doses.- Romazicon 0.2ml IV – use with caution and be prepared!!! Seizures possible
Opioid examples
Examples:- Heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, oxymorphone, tramadol (yes tramadol), Dilaudid and others- Morphine-like effects by binding to brain opioid receptors
Opioid effects
- Change in mood- Mental clouding- Slow breathing- Sleepiness- Analgesia- Constipation- Urinary retention- Withdrawal not life threatening
Opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Irritable, agitated, anxious- Pain- Sweaty- Nausea
Help with opioid withdrawal
- Can get them on “safer” opioid – methadone- Wean- Benzos- Zofran- Clonidine- Suboxone (mix of narcotic and naltrexone)
Opioid reversal agent
- IV – Narcan (they may come up swinging)- Oral – naltrexone – many other uses