Human Health and Disease 4 Flashcards
opioids
Opioids are the drugs, which bind to specific opioid receptors present
in our central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
Heroin
(Figure 7.7), commonly called smack is chemically diacetylmorphine which
is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound.
This is obtained by
acetylation of morphine (Figure 7.7), which is extracted from the latex of poppy plant Papaver somniferum (Figure 7.8).
Generally taken by snorting and injection, heroin is a depressant and slows down body functions.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals (Figure 7.9), which interact with cannabinoid receptors present principally in the brain.
Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescences of the plant Cannabis
sativa (Figure 7.10).
The flower tops, leaves and the resin of cannabis
plant are used in various combinations to produce marijuana, hashish,
charas and ganja.
Generally taken by inhalation and oral ingestion, these are known for their effects on cardiovascular system of the body.
These days cannabinoids are also
being abused by some sportspersons.
coca alkaloids
Coca alkaloid or cocaine is obtained from coca
plant Erythroxylum coca, native to South America.
It interferes with the transport of the neuro-transmitter dopamine.
Cocaine, commonly called coke or crack is
usually snorted.
It has a potent stimulating action on
central nervous system, producing a sense of euphoria and increased energy. Excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations.
Other well-known plants with
hallucinogenic properties are Atropa belladona and Datura (Figure 7.11).
barbiturates, amphetamines,
benzodiazepines
Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines,
benzodiazepines, and other similar drugs, that are
normally used as medicines to help patients cope with
mental illnesses like depression and insomnia, are often
abused.
Morphine is a very effective sedative and painkiller, and is very useful
in patients who have undergone surgery. Several plants, fruits and seeds
having hallucinogenic properties have been used for hundreds of years in
folk-medicine, religious ceremonies and rituals all over the globe
what is drug abuse
When these
are taken for a purpose other than medicinal use or in amounts/frequency
that impairs one’s physical, physiological or psychological functions, it
constitutes drug abuse.
harmful effects of smoking
Tobacco has been used
by human beings for more than 400 years. It is smoked, chewed or used
as a snuff. Tobacco contains a large number of chemical substances
including nicotine, an alkaloid. Nicotine stimulates adrenal gland to
release adrenaline and nor-adrenaline into blood circulation, both of
which raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. Smoking is associated
with increased incidence of cancers of lung, urinary bladder and throat,
bronchitis, emphysema, coronary heart disease, gastric ulcer, etc. Tobacco
chewing is associated with increased risk of cancer of the oral cavity.
Smoking increases carbon monoxide (CO) content in blood and reduces
the concentration of haembound oxygen. This causes oxygen deficiency
in the body.
alcohol
The use of alcohol during adolescence may also have long-term effects.
It could lead to heavy drinking in adulthood. The chronic use of drugs and
alcohol damages nervous system and liver (cirrhosis). The use of drugs
and alcohol during pregnancy is also known to adversely affect the foetus.
Harmful Effects-
* Hypoglycaemia
* Amnesia- Loss of memory
* Gastritis
* Reduced Resistance of body- IGg decreases
* Alcohol psychosis
misuse of anabolic steroids by
i) female
ii) male
Another misuse of drugs is what certain sportspersons do to enhance
their performance. They (mis)use narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids,
diuretics and certain hormones in sports to increase muscle strength and
bulk and to promote aggressiveness and as a result increase athletic
performance.
i)The side-effects of the use of anabolic steroids in females
include masculinisation (features like males), increased aggressiveness,
mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycles, excessive hair
growth on the face and body, enlargement of clitoris, deepening of voice.
ii)In males it includes acne, increased aggressiveness, mood swings,
depression, reduction of size of the testicles, decreased sperm production,
potential for kidney and liver dysfunction, breast enlargement, premature
baldness, enlargement of the prostate gland.
These effects may be
permanent with prolonged use. In the adolescent male or female, severe
facial and body acne, and premature closure of the growth centres of the
long bones may result in stunted growth.
- Period between “12-18” years
- Bridge linking childhood and adulthood
- Body growth increases
- Hormonal changes
- Vulnerable phase
Addiction and Dependence-
* Advertisement, excitement, adventure
* Curiosity- the first use of drugs or alcohol
may be out of curiosity or experimentation, but later the child starts
using these to escape facing problems.
- Feeling of independence- Of late, stress, from pressures to
excel in academics or examinations, has played a significant role in
persuading the youngsters to try alcohol and drugs. The perception
among youth that it is ‘cool’ or progressive to smoke, use drugs or
alcohol, is also in a way a major cause for youth to start these habits. - Undue Peer Pressure - unsupportive family structures
- television, newspaper, movies, internet also influences the adolscenets
What is addiction, and why do people become addicted to drugs and alcohol?
Addiction is a psychological
attachment to certain effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling
of well-being – associated with drugs and alcohol
. These drive people to
take them even when these are not needed, or even when their use becomes
self-destructive.
With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the
receptors present in our body increases. Consequently the receptors
respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake
and addiction. However, it should be clearly borne in mind that use of
these drugs even once, can be a fore-runner to addiction.
What is dependence, and what happens when someone stops using drugs or alcohol abruptly?
Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a characteristic
and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular dose of drugs/alcohol
is abruptly discontinued. This is characterised by anxiety, shakiness,
nausea and sweating, which may be relieved when use is resumed again.
In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life
threatening and the person may need medical supervision.
Dependence leads the patient to ignore all social norms in order to
get sufficient funds to satiate his/her needs. These result in many social
adjustment problems.
effects of drug abuse
The immediate adverse effects of drugs and alcohol abuse are manifested
in the form of reckless behaviour, vandalism and violence. Excessive
doses of drugs may lead to coma and death due to respiratory failure,
heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage. A combination of drugs or their
intake along with alcohol generally results in overdosing and even
deaths.
drug alcohol abuse in adolscencts
The most common warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse
among youth include drop in academic performance, unexplained
absence from school/college, lack of interest in personal hygiene,
withdrawal, isolation, depression, fatigue, aggressive and rebellious
behaviour, deteriorating relationships with family and friends, loss of
interest in hobbies, change in sleeping and eating habits, fluctuations
in weight, appetite, etc.
far-reaching implications of drug/alcohol
abuse
- If an abuser is unable to get money to buy drugs/alcohol he/she
may turn to stealing.
-The adverse effects are just not restricted to the
person who is using drugs or alcohol. At times, a drug/alcohol addict
becomes the cause of mental and financial distress to his/her entire family
and friends.
-Those who take drugs intravenously (direct injection into the vein
using a needle and syringe), are much more likely to acquire serious
infections like AIDS and Hepatitis B. The viruses, which are responsible
for these diseases, are transferred from one person to another by sharing
of infected needles and syringes.
prevention
(i) Avoid undue peer pressure - Every child has his/her own choice
and personality, which should be respected and nurtured. A child
should not be pushed unduly to perform beyond his/her threshold
limits; be it studies, sports or other activities.
(ii) Education and counselling - Educating and counselling him/
her to face problems and stresses, and to accept disappointments
and failures as a part of life. It would also be worthwhile to channelise
the child’s energy into healthy pursuits like sports, reading, music,
yoga and other extracurricular activities.
(iii) Seeking help from parents and peers - Help from parents and
peers should be sought immediately so that they can guide
appropriately. Help may even be sought from close and trusted
friends. Besides getting proper advise to sort out their problems,
this would help young to vent their feelings of anxiety and guilt.
(iv) Looking for danger signs - Alert parents and teachers need to
look for and identify the danger signs discussed above. Even friends,
if they find someone using drugs or alcohol, should not hesitate to
bring this to the notice of parents or teacher in the best interests of
the person concerned. Appropriate measures would then be required
to diagnose the malady and the underlying causes. This would help
in initiating proper remedial steps or treatment.
(v) Seeking professional and medical help - A lot of help is available
in the form of highly qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, and deaddiction and rehabilitation programmes to help individuals who
have unfortunately got in the quagmire of drug/alcohol abuse. With
such help, the affected individual with sufficient efforts and will power,
can get rid of the problem completely and lead a perfectly normal
and healthy life.
