Adolescence and Drugs Flashcards
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
