Adolescence and Drugs Flashcards
(15 cards)
Adolescence
Adolescence is the time period between the beginning of sexual maturation and entry into adult life
Addiction
Addiction is the physical and mental dependence on a specific substance and the person who is unable to resist is called an addict.
Reasons for addiction
- Peer pressure
- Stress, strain and drudgery of everyday life
- Habit leads to addiction
- Therapeutic drug can become a psychotropic drug (e.g. morphine given to cancer patients)
- Persecution or indifference shown by family members
Alcohol
By pharmacological definition, alcohol is a drug that acts as a sedative, tranquiliser, hypnotic or anaesthetic
Symptoms of alcohol intoxication
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Cannot walk straight
- Rapid eye movement
- Impaired attention or memory
- Stupor or coma
Warning signs of alcoholism
- After drinking: frequent headaches, nausea, stomach pains, fatigue
- Need a drink in the morning to start the day
- Short attention span
- Deny any problems with alcohol
- Repetitive sentences
- Take 5 or more drinks a day
- Dramatic mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Depression and paranoia
Major risks of alcoholism
- Liver diseases
- Cardiovascular problems
- Cancer
- Brain damage
- Vitamin deficiencie
- Digestive problems
- Reproductive and sexual dysfunction
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Higher mortality
Opioids: Extracted from, chemical name, mode of use, example
Extracted from: Papaver somniferum
Latex of poppy plant
Chemical name: Diacetylmorphine
Taken in by snorting or injection
E.g. heroin
Cannabinoids: Extracted from, mode of use, example
Extracted from: Cannabis sativa
Taken in by inhalation and oral ingestion
Example: Marijuana, hashish, ganja
Cocaine: Extracted from
taken in __
Erythroxylum coca
Taken in by snorting
Opioids: effect
- Bind to receptors in our CNS and gastro-intestinal tract
- Heroin slows down body functions
Cannabinoids: effect
- They affect the cardiovascular system of the body
- Interact with cannabinoid receptors present principally in the brain
- Abused by some sportspersons (performance enhancers- doping test)
Cocaine: effect
- Affects the central nervous system, producing a sense of euphoria and increased energy
- Interferes with the transport of neurotransmitter dopamine
- Excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations
Barbiturates: function
- Generally used as sedatives
- Moderate dosage produces a relaxing effect and relieves stress
- Impairs physical, physiological and psychological functions
- given to heart patients
prevention and control of drug abuse
- Avoid undue peer pressure
- Education and counselling to face problems and stress
- Seeking help from parents and peers to vent feelings of anxiety and guilt
- Looking for danger signs
- Seeking professional medical help: Psychologists, psychiatrists, de-addiction and rehabilitation programs
