Substance Misuse Flashcards
Substance Misuse Leads to Dependence
Physical dependence
Psychological dependence
Habituation
Addiction
Commonly Misused Substances
Opioids:
heroin
codeine phosphate
hydrocodone
hydromorphone
meperidine hydrochloride
morphine
fentanyl
oxycodone
Stimulants:
racemic amphetamine
dextroamphetamine
methamphetamine
cocaine
Depressants:
Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates
Marihuana
Alcohol
Anabolic steroids
dextromethorphan hydrobromide
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Methamphetamine
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy, molly)
Nicotine
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Opioids
Also known as narcotics
Affect areas outside the central nervous system (CNS)
Intended drug effects: relieve pain, reduce cough, relieve diarrhea, and induce anaesthesia
High potential for misuse and psychological dependency; promote relaxation and euphoria
Opioids: Methadone
Used to treat opioid dependence
Goal: to reduce the patient’s dosage gradually so that eventually the patient can live permanently drug free
Relapse rates are often high; the drug can be misused.
Opioids: Heroin (diacetylmorphine)
-Injected (“mainlining” or “skin popping”)
-Sniffed (“snorted”)
-Smoked
Causes a brief “rush” followed by a few hours of a relaxed, contented state
Large doses can stop respirations.
One of 10 most misused drugs in Canada
Opioids: Adverse Effects
CNS
Drowsiness
Diuresis
Miosis
Convulsions
Nausea, vomiting
Respiratory depression
Non-CNS
Hypotension
Constipation
Decreased urinary retention
Flushing of the face, neck, and upper thorax
Sweating, urticaria, and pruritus
Opioid Drug Withdrawal
Peak period 1 to 3 days
Duration 5 to 7 days
Signs
Drug seeking, mydriasis, diaphoresis, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, elevated blood pressure (BP) and pulse
Symptoms
Intense desire for drug, muscle cramps, arthralgia, anxiety, nausea, malaise
Opioid Drug Withdrawal: Treatment
Block opioid receptors so that use of opioid drugs does not produce euphoria.
naltrexone hydrochloride, an opioid antagonist
methylnaltrexone bromide (Relistor®), an injectable form of naltrexone
Naloxone (for overdose) combined with buprenorphine hydrochloride (Suboxone®) or with hydromorphone hydrochloride (Targin®)
Stimulants
4 effects
4 drugs
Elevation of mood
Reduction of fatigue
Increased alertness
Invigorated aggressiveness
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Methamphetamine
methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Methamphetamine
Stronger effects than other amphetamines
Pill form
Powder form: snorted or injected
Crystallized form
Methamphetamine Crystallized form
Also known as “ice,” “crystal,” “glass,” “crystal meth”
Smokable; more powerful form
Sales of over-the-counter ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and red phosphorus are now restricted to be beyond the counter in pharmacies only.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Also known as “ecstasy” and “E”
Usually prepared in secret home laboratories
More calming effects than other amphetamine drugs
Usually taken by pill
“Raves”
Cocaine
From the leaves of the coca plant
Snorted or injected intravenously
Highly addictive—physical and psychological dependence
Powdered form
Also called “dust,” “coke,” “snow,” “flake,” “blow,” “girl”
Crystallized form (smoked)
Also called “crack,” “freebase rocks,” “rock”, “candy”
Stimulants: Adverse Effects
CNS
Restlessness
Syncope (fainting)
Tremor
Hyperactive reflexes
Talkativeness
Irritability
Insomnia
Fever
Euphoria
Confusion
Aggression
Increased libido
Anxiety
Delirium
Paranoid hallucinations
Suicidal or homicidal tendencies
Cardiovascular
Headache
Chilliness
Pallor or flushing
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Anginal pain
Hypertension or hypotension
Circulatory collapse
Gastrointestinal
Dry mouth
Metallic taste
Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Fatal hyperthermia
Stimulant Overdose results in?
Death results from
-Convulsions
-Coma
-Cerebral hemorrhage
May occur during periods of intoxication or withdrawal