Substance abuse Flashcards
Opioids - 2 main effects
Analgesic
euphoric
Features of dependence (6) ICD-10
1) strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance.
2) Difficulty in controlling use.
3) A physiological withdrawal state.
4) Tolerance.
5) Neglect of alternative pleasures and interests.
6) Persistence of use despite harm to oneself and others
Opioid withdrawal symptoms
Sweating. Watering eyes. Rhinorrhoea. Yawning. Feeling hot and cold. Anorexia and abdominal cramps. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Tremor. Insomnia, restlessness, anxiety and irritability. Generalised aches and pains. Tachycardia, hypertension. Goose flesh (goosebumps). Dilated pupils. Increased bowel sounds. Coughing.
Health complications due to opioid dependence
Death (which may be due to overdose, suicide, accidents or health-related complications).
Skin infection at injection sites (can be severe; necrotising fasciitis can occur).
Sepsis.
Infective endocarditis.
HIV infection.
Hepatitis A, B and C infection.
Tuberculosis infection.
Venous and arterial thrombosis (due to poor injecting techniques).
Poor nutrition and dental disease.
Social complications due to opioid dependence
Crime. Relationship problems. Child protection issues. Homelessness and deprivation. Working in the sex industry.
Psychological complications due to opioid dependence
Craving.
Guilt.
Anxiety.
Loss of cognitive skills and memory.
name an opioid antagonist used for reversing opioid intoxication
Naloxone (IM/IV/SC)
Naloxone (IM/IV/SC) is used for what?
reversing opioid intoxication (an opioid antagonist )
Methadone
for opioid withdrawal replacement
Buprenorphine
for opioid withdrawal replacement
Amfetamines (speed)
What does it do
Stimulant, makes you excitable, upbeat and energetic
usually a snorted powder
psychosis risk
Cannabis (weed)
What does it do
Makes you happy and relaxed
Risks - bad anxiety, paranoia, poor cognitive function (concentration, memory)
Cocaine
Powder, can be smoked or injected
Makes people feel super confident and alert, followed by a come down
#increases HR = BP can precipitate MI
risk of depression, anxiety, panic disorder and dependency
Ecstasy
Usually a pill
Makes you feel high, happy, full of energy, makes you more affectionate, sounds and colours become more intense
Very low come down, often not a pure drug mixed with other stuff
Risks - depression, anxiety, memory problems, immune system, heart, kidney, liver problems
Heroin
Usually injected Makes you calm, happy and relaxed Extremely addictive Can stop breathing and die Needles infection risk
Ketamine
Swallow, snort, inject
Makes you very relaxed, feel as if you are out of your body, cause hallucinations (a trip) affecting how you see time and space (can be good or bad)
Risks - feel confused and frightened, nauseous, ketamine bladder syndrome (frequency + urgency)
LSD (acid)
LySergic acid Diethylamide
Tablet or liquid
Causes ‘trips’ hallucinations which can be good (relaxed, happy) or bad (frightened, panic)
risk - flashbacks
Magic mushrooms
liberty caps and fly agaric
Give you good or bad trips. may make you more creative
risks - GI diarrhoea, frightened, flashbacks etc
Methamfetamines (meth, crystal meth)
Crystal form is strongest and most addictive
Strong high (energetic, awake, aroused) followed by severe come down
risk - increase HR - BP - MI risk, take risks
Drugs used to help come off stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines etc)
benzodiazepams (diazepam)
Kleptomania
- Repeated theft of objects that are unnecessary for either personal use or monetary value.
- Increasing tension immediately before the theft.
- Pleasure or relief upon committing the theft.
- The theft is not motivated by anger or vengeance, and is not caused by a delusion or hallucination.
- The behaviour is not better accounted for by a conduct disorder , manic episode , or antisocial personality disorder.
