BIOPSYCH 02/27

Introduction to Drug Studies

• Overview of drug studies program at Rio campus.

• Focus on obtaining an associate's degree to assist individuals with drug treatments.

Commonly Abused Substances

• Energy Drinks:

  • Contain high levels of caffeine, making them a drug.

  • Some variations offer caffeine-free options, still classified as drugs.

• Introduction to harder drugs and their impact.

Pharmacokinetics

• Definition: Study of how the body handles drugs.

• Key Components: ADME

  • Administration: How drugs are introduced into the body.

  • Distribution: Movement of drugs within the body.

    • Influenced by factors such as the individual's size (e.g., adults have more blood volume than children).

  • Metabolism: Breakdown of the drug within the body.

  • Elimination/Excretion: Process of removing the drug from the body.

Methods of Drug Administration

• Various methods impact the speed and efficiency of drug absorption:

  • Injecting:

    • Can be done in veins, muscles, or subcutaneously.

    • Intravenous Injection: Fastest absorption.

    • Intramuscular Injection: Slower; absorption from muscle to bloodstream takes longer.

    • Subcutaneous Injection: Slowest method of injecting.

  • Inhalation: Fast absorption, typically through smoking.

  • Ingestion: Slower absorption; requires digestive processing (usually takes 30+ minutes).

  • Mucous Membrane Absorption: Fast absorption through mucous membranes (e.g., snorting).

    • Can also be done rectally, vaginally, or other orifices (except the ear, due to structural differences).

Speed vs. Safety of Administration Methods

• Speed of Methods (from fastest to slowest):

  • Intravenous Injection: seconds

  • Inhalation: seconds

  • Mucous Membrane Absorption: minutes

  • Ingestion: 30+ minutes

• Danger Levels of Administration Methods (most dangerous to least dangerous):

  • Injection (highest risk due to direct entry into bloodstream and less filtration)

  • Inhalation

  • Ingestion (filters drug through stomach, reducing dosage effect)

Risks Associated with Drug Administration

• Overdose Potential: Higher with injection since drugs enter the bloodstream without filtration.

• Importance of understanding absorption techniques to evaluate safety and effectiveness.

• Example: Patients trying to quit smoking may misuse nicotine patches by chewing them for faster effects.

Conclusion

• Overview of drug administration methods is essential for understanding pharmacokinetics and addressing drug-related issues.