More drugs

Introductory Information

  • Learning is emphasized as a transformative process.

  • The information presented is from 'Drugs Your Health Today, 8th Edition' published by McGraw Hill LLC (Copyright 2022).

Patterns of Illicit Drug Use

  • Varied Rates of Use: Illicit drug use varies by age, gender, race and ethnicity, education, employment status, and region.

    • In 2017, approximately 1 in 9 individuals aged 12 and older in the U.S. reported drug use in the past month.

    • Prevalence breakdown:

    • Adolescents: ~8%

    • Young Adults (18-25): 24.2%

    • Adults over 26: 9.5%

  • Most Commonly Used Drug: Marijuana is highlighted as the most commonly used illicit drug.

  • Psychotherapeutics Misuse: There is notable misuse of psychotherapeutics, which includes prescription medications.

Key Data from Surveys

  • Source of Data: Information sourced from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

  • Figures and Graphs: Visual representations such as Figure 10.1 highlight the past month substance use among individuals aged 12 or older.

Definitions of Key Terms

  • Drug: Any substance (other than food) that affects the body's structure/function through chemical action.

    • Psychoactive Drugs: A specific category of drugs that alter brain chemistry, impacting consciousness, perception, mood, and thought, leading to intoxication.

    • Drug of Abuse: Medical drugs used recreationally or drugs without medical use.

    • Substance: Interchangeably used with drug; encompasses drugs of abuse, medications, or toxins.

Classification of Drugs

  • Legal Drugs:

    • Prescription medications by physicians

    • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

    • Herbal remedies

  • Pharmaceutical Drugs: Created for medical purposes (both OTC and prescription).

  • Illicit Drugs: Generally harmful substances that are illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, or use.

Drug Misuse and Abuse Definitions

  • Drug Misuse:

    • Using prescription medications for non-prescribed purposes or in unapproved amounts.

    • Using nonprescription drugs for unintended purposes.

  • Drug Abuse:

    • Consumption of a substance in harmful amounts/manner causing problems for the user or others.

Substance Use Disorders

  • Defined by the DSM-5, substance use disorders manifest cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms persisting despite significant life problems associated with substance use.

  • DSM-5 Explanation: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychological Association.

Addiction and Its Implications

  • National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Definition: All illicit drug use is categorized as drug abuse, while addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease marked by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and continued use despite adverse effects.

  • Key Terms:

    • Tolerance: Diminished effects of a drug after repeated use.

    • Withdrawal Symptoms: Physiological and psychological reactions occurring upon cessation of drug use.

Routes of Drug Administration

  • Oral Consumption: Most common method of consumption.

  • Injection Methods:

    • Intravenous (IV) Injection: Rapid effect (15-30 seconds).

    • Intramuscular Injection: Moderate effect (3-5 minutes).

    • Subcutaneous Injection: Gradual effect (5-7 minutes).

  • Inhalation: Quick effects (7-10 seconds); examples include marijuana and crack cocaine.

  • Mucous Membrane Application: Snorting drugs like cocaine.

Factors Affecting Drug Effects

  • Drug Characteristics:

    • Chemical properties and interactions with other substances.

  • Individual Characteristics:

    • Age, gender, body weight, physical condition, mood, and experience with the drug.

  • Environmental Characteristics:

    • The context of drug use (home vs. public space).

Neurological Effects of Drugs

  • Addictive drugs impact three main areas of the brain:

    • Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)

    • Nucleus Accumbens

    • Prefrontal Cortex

  • These regions form the Pleasure and Reward Circuit.

    • Addictive substances trigger dopamine surges, leading to pleasure sensations.

  • Opioid Mechanism: Opioids mimic endorphins, impacting pain perception.

  • Challenges to Recovery: Include altered brain chemistry, drug-associated memories, and impaired impulse control.

Classification of Drugs of Abuse

  • Categories Include:

    • Stimulants

    • Depressants

    • Opioids

    • Hallucinogens

    • Inhalants

    • Cannabinoids

Specific Types of Drugs

Central Nervous System Stimulants

  • Definition and Effects: Increase brain and sympathetic nervous system activity, similar to the fight-or-flight response.

  • Examples: Cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA (Ecstasy), and bath salts.

Central Nervous System Depressants

  • Definition and Effects: Slow down brain activity; can be fatal when mixed with alcohol.

  • High Risk of Dependence: Includes barbiturates, hypnotics, and benzodiazepines.

  • Rebound Effect: Symptoms may worsen after cessation of use.

Opioids

  • Description: Natural/synthetic opium derivatives used primarily as pain relievers.

  • Examples: Morphine, heroin, synthetic opioids (e.g., OxyContin, Vicodin).

  • High Dependency Risk: Overdose risks include respiratory depression and coma.

Hallucinogens and Dissociatives

  • Characteristics: Alter perceptions and induce hallucinations.

  • Examples: LSD, PCP, ketamine.

Inhalants

  • Definition: Toxins inhaled to alter consciousness, resembling alcohol intoxication.

  • Effects of Chronic Use: Can result in severe and lasting brain damage.

  • Examples: Paint thinner, gasoline, glue.

Cannabinoids

  • Marijuana Usage: The most widely used illegal drug in the U.S., with THC as the active ingredient.

  • Potential Medical Applications: Controlled usage for glaucoma, cancer-related symptoms, and AIDS-related weight loss issues.

  • Legal Status: Varies by state; legal for medical use in 23 states and for adult use in 11 states plus D.C.

Emerging Drugs of Abuse

  • Recent trends include:

    • Anabolic steroids for performance enhancement.

    • Synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice).

    • Prescription cough syrup mixtures (e.g., Lean).

Approaches to the Drug Problem

Supply Reduction Strategies

  • Interdiction: Intercepting drugs before entry into the U.S.

  • Pressure on Supplying Countries: To limit production and export.

  • Law Enforcement: Preventing domestic drug production and sales.

Demand Reduction Strategies

  • Incarceration: For drug-related offenses.

  • Prevention Strategies: Targeting populations with high substance use disorders.

    • Universal prevention programs for the larger population.

    • Selective programs for high-risk subgroups.

    • Indicated strategies for individuals at risk.

Workplace and College Prevention

  • Workplace Initiatives: Drug testing and health programs.

  • College Efforts: Change campus culture to discourage drug use through education and alternatives for at-risk students.

Harm-Reduction Strategies

  • Strategies recognize the inevitability of some drug use and focus on minimizing harm:

    • Needle exchange programs.

    • Providing naloxone (Narcan) for overdose situations.

  • Criticisms: Considered by some to promote drug legalization.

Drug Treatment Programs

  • Types of Programs: Range from inpatient hospital care to self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous.

  • Long-term Commitment: Treatment often requires extended time periods (preferably over 3 months) and must fit individual needs.