Drugs and Society: Key Concepts

Commonly Abused Drug Categories & Effects

Opioids

  • Purpose: Analgesics, treat pain.

  • Effects: Euphoric, numbing.

  • Examples: Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet.

Depressants

  • Action: Depress or slow down Central Nervous System (CNS).

  • Use: Treat anxiety, sleep disorders.

  • Effects: Tranquilizing, sedative, hypnotic.

  • Examples: Xanax, Valium, Librium, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Alcohol.

Stimulants

  • Action: Act on CNS to increase physiological/nervous activity.

  • Effects: Increased alertness, euphoria, pulse, blood rate. Can be used for ADHD, asthma.

  • Negative Effects: Insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness, personality changes.

  • Examples: Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Meridia.

Cannabis

  • Source: Dried plants from Cannabis Sativa.

  • Primary Psychoactive Component: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9−THC\Delta^9-THC), causes the "high."

  • Synthetic Cannabinoids: Lab-made, mimic THCTHC effects.

Psychoactive Drugs: Licit vs. Illicit

Licit (Legal)

  • Coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Illicit (Illegal)

  • Marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, LSD, minors vaping nicotine.

General Drug Categories

  • Prescription Drugs

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC)

  • Recreational Drugs

  • Illicit Drugs

  • Herbal Preparations

  • Commercial Drugs (e.g., paints, glues, air duster)

Introduction to Drugs and Society

Definition of a Drug

  • Any substance that modifies/alters/inhibits/distorts mind and/or body functions.

  • Can affect the mind and body functions.

Drug Dependence

  • Desire for drug use often precedes drug dependence/addiction.

Impact of Drugs

  • Psychological: Feeling of reward or satisfaction, easing pressures.

  • Pharmacological (Physical): Alter body by enhancing, depressing, accelerating, or distorting reality (affecting neurotransmitters).

Viewpoints on Drug Use

  • Nonmedical and avid drug users are found across all occupations, professions, income levels, social classes, and age groups; no one is immune.

Factors Affecting Drug Use

  1. Genetic/Biological/Pharmacological Factors:

    • Predispositions to drug use.

    • How drugs affect the body’s nervous system.

  2. Cultural Factors:

    • Society's and traditional views of drugs.

  3. Social Factors:

    • Motivation influenced by needs (e.g., peer pressure, pain, illness, stress).

  4. Contextual Factors:

    • Specific events and locations affect attitudes, making drug use more acceptable (e.g., parties).

The Dimensions of Drug Abuse

What are Psychoactive Drugs?

  • Drug compounds/substances that affect the Central Nervous System (CNS) and/or alter consciousness and/or perception.

  • Chronic use can lead to addiction and later, withdrawal.