drug & beh txt 14-18

Opium

A highly addictive substance derived from the opium poppy plant, historically used for pain relief and recreational purposes.

OxyContin Crisis

The situation in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, where widespread abuse of OxyContin led to addiction after its advertising targeted chronic pain relief.

Heroin

A semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine, known for its high potency and addictive potential.

Psychological Dependence

The craving for a drug's pleasurable effects, which can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

Physical Dependence

The body's adaptation to a drug, resulting in withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Harm Reduction

Strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences of drug use without necessarily requiring abstinence.

Supervised Injection Sites (SIFs)

Facilities that provide a safe environment for drug consumption, reducing the risk of overdose and infections.

Entheogens

Substances used to facilitate spiritual experiences and connect with the divine.

Entactogens

Substances that enhance empathy, sociability, and emotional openness, such as MDMA.

Psilocybin

The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, known for its hallucinogenic effects.

Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

Substances that block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to delirium and hallucinations.

Deliriants

Drugs that cause mental confusion, loss of touch with reality, and dissociation.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Substances used to improve athletic performance, often resulting in serious health risks.

Stimulants

Substances that can enhance energy and alertness, but may lead to overexertion and dependence.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

A synthetic hallucinogen and stimulant, known for its empathogenic effects.

Withdrawal

The physical and psychological symptoms that occur when drug use is stopped.

Tolerance

The need for increased doses of a drug to achieve the same effect.

Fentanyl

A potent synthetic opioid, significantly stronger than morphine, often implicated in overdose deaths.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

A therapy that works with ambivalent users to identify stages of change in behavior.

Contingency Management

A therapy that provides rewards for positive behaviors, such as drug-free urine samples.

Suboxone

A treatment medication used to prevent misuse and manage cravings, combining buprenorphine and naloxone.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that produce hallucinations and altered perceptions.

LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide)

A potent synthetic hallucinogen derived from ergot alkaloids.

Ayahuasca

A traditional South American brew containing DMT and harmaline, used for spiritual and therapeutic purposes.

Creatine

A legally available supplement that can improve strength and short-term speed in sprinting.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

A hormone that can increase height and weight when administered during growth periods.

Cutting

The process of reducing body fat to achieve a lean and muscular physique.

Roid Rage

Violent tendencies and extreme irritability associated with steroid use.

Psychedelic

A term coined to describe drugs that produce profound alterations in perception, mood, and thought.

Psychotomimetic

A term suggesting hallucinogens mimic mental disorders.

Phantastica

A term for hallucinogens that allow users to perceive altered realities without major physiological toxicity.

Morphine

A natural opioid derived from opium, primarily used as a potent pain reliever.

Codeine

A natural opioid derived from opium, used for pain relief and cough suppression.

Opioids

A class of drugs, both natural and synthetic, that bind to opioid receptors in the brain.

Psychological Effects of Stimulants

Enhanced energy and alertness, potentially masking fatigue and allowing longer exertion.

Risks of Stimulants

Regular use can lead to serious health risks including dependence, paranoia, and depression.

Media Influence

The media can shape public perceptions of drug use, often exaggerating effects or providing unrealistic portrayals.

The controversy surrounding research into psilocybin focuses on its potential therapeutic benefits against fears of misuse and mental health impacts.

History of Opium

Opium has been used medicinally and recreationally for centuries, beginning in the Middle East, highlighting its cultural significance.

Ancient Cultures and Opium

Civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks used opium for pain relief and treatment of ailments, influencing historical drug use.

Factors in OxyContin Crisis

Industrial collapse and targeted marketing for chronic pain contributed to widespread OxyContin abuse and addiction.

Difference between Entheogens and Entactogens

Entheogens aid in spiritual experiences, whereas entactogens enhance emotional and social connections.

Effects of Anticholinergic Hallucinogens

These substances can cause memory loss, confusion, and hallucinations, with Atropa belladonna as an example.

Therapeutic Uses of Psilocybin

Research suggests psilocybin may aid in understanding neurobiology and treating mental health issues despite controversy.