Comprehensive Substance Use and Effects: Cannabis, Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Opioids, and Inhalants

What are cannabinoids?

Over 100 chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant.

What is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis?

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).

What is CBD oil and its regulation status?

CBD oil is derived from hemp, is non-psychoactive, and is not FDA regulated.

What are some health effects of cannabis in the short term?

Enhanced sensory perception, drowsiness, decreased coordination, increased heart rate, and anxiety.

What are the long-term health effects of cannabis use?

Mental health problems, chronic cough, respiratory infections, and loss of IQ in youth.

What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?

A condition caused by excessive cannabis use, characterized by severe nausea and cyclic vomiting.

What are common withdrawal symptoms from cannabis?

Insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness, irritability, and vivid unpleasant dreams.

What is the psychological addiction rate for cannabis?

1 in 6 adolescents and 1 in 10 adults may develop a psychological addiction.

What are the fetal effects of cannabis use during pregnancy?

Implantation failure, spontaneous miscarriage, low birth weight, and deficits in attention and memory.

What is the legal status of cannabis in the United States?

Cannabis is a Schedule I substance at the federal level, but some states have legalized it for medical and recreational use.

What are the short-term effects of cocaine use?

Euphoria, increased energy, enlarged pupils, increased vital signs, and erratic behavior.

What are the long-term health effects of cocaine use?

Depression, loss of smell, nasal damage, poor nutrition, and increased risk of infectious diseases.

What are common symptoms of cocaine overdose?

Delirium, tremors, high fever, seizures, and potential cardiac arrest.

What is the treatment for cocaine overdose?

Support vital functions, reduce CNS stimulation, and use medications like Valium or antipsychotics; there is no antidote.

What are the recovery strategies for cocaine addiction?

Treat depression, use behavioral therapies, and consider cognitive-behavioral therapy and 12-step programs.

What is the main effect of amphetamines?

They significantly increase dopamine levels, leading to decreased appetite and increased activity.

What are potential fetal effects of cocaine use during pregnancy?

Prematurity, low birth weight, and neurological impairments.

What are the effects of cannabis on pain transmission?

Cannabis affects the transmission of pain in the spinal cord.

What is the significance of delayed effects in cannabis edibles?

Delayed effects can lead to overconsumption as users may take more than intended.

What are the assessment signs of cocaine use?

Increased vital signs, headache, chest pain, paranoia, and dilated pupils.

What is the role of physician certification in medical marijuana programs?

Physicians must document that a patient has a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use.

What are the potential effects of cannabis on cognitive functions?

Impaired attention and memory, particularly in youth.

What are some long-term effects of substance use?

Delirium, paranoia, depression, sleep disturbances, and loss of ability to feel pleasure besides the drug.

What is the physiological pattern of addiction described?

Binge and crash.

What medicinal uses are associated with amphetamines?

Hyperactivity, obesity, and narcolepsy.

What fetal effects can amphetamines have?

Prematurity, separation of the placenta, low birth weight, lethargy, cardiac and neuro deficits.

What are short-term health effects of amphetamines?

Increased wakefulness, decreased appetite, and increased vital signs.

What are long-term health effects of amphetamines?

Anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood/violent behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, severe dental problems, and increased risk of HIV and Hepatitis.

What are the signs of amphetamine overdose?

Delirium, tremors, high fever, seizures, cardio/pulmonary arrest, heart attack, and kidney failure.

What is the treatment for amphetamine overdose?

Support vital functions, reduce CNS stimulation, administer Valium, and monitor for combative behavior.

What are hallucinogens and name some examples?

Natural and synthetic substances that cause hallucinations, primarily visual; examples include LSD, PCP, mescaline, MDMA (Ecstasy), and Ketamine.

What are the effects of hallucinogens?

Euphoria, disassociation, disordered perception, and unpredictable effects including flashbacks.

What are the signs of hallucinogen overdose?

Violent behavior, respiratory arrest, coma, increased pulse, and blood pressure.

What is the treatment for hallucinogen overdose?

Support vital functions, ensure safety, and provide reality orientation.

What are the short-term effects of heroin use?

Euphoria, dry mouth, itching, nausea/vomiting, analgesia, and decreased heart rate and respiratory rate.

What are the long-term health effects of heroin use?

Collapsed veins, cardiac infections, constipation, liver/kidney disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and cellulitis/abscess from injections.

What are the signs of heroin overdose?

Respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest.

What is the treatment for heroin overdose?

Support vital functions and administer Naloxone (Narcan).

What are the withdrawal symptoms of heroin?

Restlessness, muscle/bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, cold flashes with goosebumps.

What medications are used in the recovery from opioid addiction?

Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone.

What is Naloxone (Narcan) used for?

It is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose.

What are the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics?

They provide a sense of well-being and relaxation by increasing GABA.

What are the signs of overdose from sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics?

Slurred speech, lethargy, respiratory depression, and coma.

What is the treatment for overdose of sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics?

Supportive therapy of vital functions; Flumazenil can be used as a reversal agent.

What are inhalants and their effects?

Hydrocarbons that produce euphoria, uninhibited behavior, and perceptual changes; can cause nosebleeds and disorientation.

What are the health risks associated with inhalants?

Cardiac and respiratory depression, renal complications, accidents, nerve damage, and brain damage.