Exam- Drug Use and Abuse Flashcards
Drug use
taking a drug as it was intended (intended purpose, correct manner)
drug misuse
- not following proper directions
- “Off label” drug use (prescribed for something and used for something else)
drug abuse
excessive use of a drug
- Not for medicinal purposes
individual responses to drugs
highly variable (based on an individual)
total internal environment when drug is taken
physical, emotional factors
- How much you’ve eaten
- Sleep
- Any other drugs
- tolerance
setting: total external environment
physical and social factors
- Where are you
- Who are you around
abuse of prescription drugs can lead to:
tolerance, withdrawal, physical and physiological issues
most common prescription drug abuse
opioids
illicit drugs
illegal to possess, produce or sell
- cocaine
- methamphetamines
- heroine
- psychedelics/hallucinogens
- anabolic steroids
- inhalants
active ingredient in marijuana
THC- variable potency
effects: within minutes of marijuana use
↓ HR, BP and respiration, red eyes, dry mouth, ↑ appetite
↓ coordination, ↓ reaction time
euphoria, calmness, anxiety, or paranoia
altered perceptions, cognitive impairment
possible risks of chronic use of marijuana
damage to tissues of respiratory system
↓ testosterone, sperm count, fetal abnormalities
↑ risk of cardiac arrest
dependence?
impaired cognitive function
Mental illness?
gateway drug?
what is medical marijuana used for
compassionate end-of-life care
severe pain, muscle spasm, anorexia, nausea
what date was the Cannabis Act in effect?
October 17th 2018
Cocaine
CNS stimulant
- white powder derived from leaves of coco shrubs
- snorted, injected or smoked
effects of cocaine within mins
rush of euphoria → energetic, alert, excited
effects mood, judgment, coordination, vision
dangers of cocaine
highly addictive, respiratory damage, irritability, aggression, ↑ risk MI, stroke, ↑ risk of miscarriage, congenital defects
Amphetamines
CNS stimulants (similar to cocaine)
small doses improve alertness, elevate mood
chronic use of amphetamines
physiological and psychological dependence
Methamphetamine
most broadly abused
- snorted, smokes, injection oral injection
effects of amphetamines within mins
rush of euphoria → excitation → agitation, anxiety
dangers of Amphetamines
severe dependence, irritability, aggression, severe cognitive impairment, weight loss, ↑ risk MI, stroke (inflammation of valves and cardiac tissue), leads to damage to face and teeth
Heroin Assisted Treatment
Long term users required to visit specialized clinics to receive injections
Evidence suggest decreased illicit drug use and overall crime activities in those receiving treatment
psychedelics, hallucinogens, deliriants
LSD (acid), magic mushrooms, PCP, ecstasy