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Illicit drugs Flashcards

Dr MA Makhoba (59 cards)

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1
Q

Defintion of drugs

A

Highly addictive and illegal sustances
The legal status of drugs varies around the world

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2
Q
A

Substances that either stimulate (such as cocaine or amphetamines), or
or inhibit the Central nervous system (such as heroin or sedative-hypnotics) or cause hallucinogenic effects (such as
marijuana or LSD)

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3
Q

What do these drugs include?

A

− Amphetamine-type stimulants
− Cannabis
− Cocaine
− Heroin and other opioids
− MDMA (ecstasy)
− Khat

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4
Q

What is the difference between acute and chronic drug use?

A

Acute use refers to short-term intoxication with immediate effects.

Chronic use involves long-term consumption, leading to dependency, health complications, and withdrawal symptoms

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5
Q

Why do individuals often use more than one drug?

A

Many drug users combine multiple substances to enhance or alter effects.

“Intoxicated syndrome” occurs when different compounds create mixed symptoms.

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6
Q

How do different drugs share similar effects?

A

Many substances act through common neurological pathways, leading to overlapping effects on mood, cognition, and physical health.

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7
Q

What are stimulants, and how do they affect the body?

A

Stimulants increase central nervous system (CNS) activity, resulting in:

Heightened alertness.

Increased energy.

Elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

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8
Q

What are examples of stimulants?

A

Cocaine – A powerful stimulant affecting dopamine reuptake, leading to euphoria and intense craving.

Amphetamines-Type Stimulants (ATS) – Includes:

Amphetamines – Used medically but abused recreationally.

Methamphetamines – Highly addictive with long-lasting effects.

Tik – A street name for crystal meth in South Africa.

Khat – A plant containing a mild stimulant called cathinone.

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9
Q

What are empathogens and how do they affect users?

A

Empathogens enhance emotional connection, feelings of euphoria, and sensory perception.

Primarily affect serotonin release, altering mood and behavior.

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10
Q

What are common empathogens?

A

MDMA (Ecstasy) – Increases serotonin, creating intense emotional experiences.

MMDA – Similar to MDMA but with different neurochemical effects.

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11
Q

What is cocaine and how does it work?

A

Cocaine is a stimulant that blocks the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and catecholamines, leading to intense euphoria and alertness.

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12
Q

Street names for cocaine

A

ose candy, snow, blow, la bianca, Charlie, snort, and the white one.

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13
Q

What substances are used to cut cocaine?

A

Cocaine is often adulterated with various cutting agents, including:

Feet powder

Drain cleaner

Vim, Vidol

Tooth powder, sugar, and various starches

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14
Q

How is cocaine trafficked by drug mules?

A

Some smugglers, called “body packers,” swallow drug-filled packets, transporting cocaine inside their digestive tracts.

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15
Q

What is serotonin syndrome related to cocaine use?

A

Cocaine can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition characterized by:

Confusion

Agitation

High body temperature

Rapid heart rate

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16
Q

What is pink cocaine?

A

It is not pure cocaine but rather a fentanyl-based drug laced with bath salts, ecstasy, hallucinogens, and opioids.

Often contains novel psychoactive substances.

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17
Q

What other drugs are commonly mixed in pink cocaine?

A

Flakka – Stimulant.

Bath salts – Stimulant.

Ecstasy (MDMA) – Hallucinogen.

Krokodil – Opioid.

Spice – Synthetic cannabinoid.

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18
Q

How is cocaine absorbed in the body?

A

Cocaine is rapidly absorbed, especially when snorted, smoked, or injected.

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19
Q

What is the half-life of cocaine?

A

The half-life of cocaine is approximately 60 minutes, meaning it is metabolized relatively quickly.

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20
Q

How long can cocaine be detected in urine?

A

Cocaine and its metabolites can be present in urine for up to 1 day, though detection times can vary based on dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.

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21
Q

What is methamphetamine?

A

Methamphetamine is a racemic free base, consisting of equal parts of levomethamphetamine and dextromethamphetamine in their pure amine forms.

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22
Q

How does methamphetamine compare to amphetamine?

A

Methamphetamine is more effective at stimulating dopamine release via DAT.

It has ~2× higher affinity (lower IC50) for inhibiting SERT than amphetamine, meaning it strongly affects serotonin levels.

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23
Q

What is “Tik”?

A

Tik” is crystal methamphetamine, also known by street names like Tuk-tuk, straws, globes, and crystal.

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24
Q

How is crystal methamphetamine produced?

Study These Flashcards
A

It is made by allowing methamphetamine to crystallize using solvents like gasoline, though its chemical composition remains the same.

25
What is khat and where is it found?
Khat is a plant commonly found in East Africa. Its leaves contain cathinone, a psychostimulant chemically related to norephedrine and amphetamines.
26
How is khat used?
The leaves are chewed, allowing cathinone to enter the bloodstream and exert stimulant effects.
27
What is excited delirium?
ED is a complication of stimulant abuse, characterized by acute hyperthermia and violent, agitated behavior.
28
Can excited delirium be fatal?
Yes, it can be lethal, especially when associated with physical restraint, struggle, or conducted energy devices (e.g., tasers).
29
What are empathogens?
Empathogens (or entactogens) are psychoactive drugs that enhance emotional communion, relatedness, and openness—stimulating empathy and warmth.
30
What is MDMA (Ecstasy)?
Developed by Merck for psychotherapy, MDMA is a designer amphetamine. It inhibits serotonin uptake and promotes serotonin release, increasing emotional responsiveness. MDMA also induces norepinephrine release
31
What are medical risks associated with MDMA use?
MDMA can lead to: Hepatic failure. Heat-related illnesses with rhabdomyolysis. Neurotoxicity due to excessive serotonin release.
32
What is MMDA?
MMDA acts as a non-neurotoxic serotonin releasing agent, unlike MDMA. It does not affect dopamine release and has uncertain effects on norepinephrine. 5-HT2A receptor agonist, producing euphoria, warmth, and reducing anxiety/loneliness.
33
What are opiates?
Opiates are natural alkaloid compounds derived from the opium poppy plant, with morphine as the prototype drug.
34
What is the difference between opiates and opioids?
Opiates refer to natural opioids like heroin, morphine, and codeine. Opioids include natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic compounds.
35
What are examples of semisynthetic opioids?
A: Oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone.
36
What are examples of synthetic opioids?
Tramadol, fentanyl, heroin, carfentanil.
37
What are common street names for heroin?
Brown sugar, Dragon, Horse (H), Junk, Smack, Tar, Tiger.
38
What are possible health complications associated with heroin use?
Idiosyncratic deaths (unexpected fatal reactions). Acute respiratory failure (due to central nervous system depression). Complications from intravenous injection (e.g., infections, abscesses). Rare conditions, such as mad cow disease-like illness (bovine spongiform encephalopathy). Tolerance development, leading to higher doses required for effect.
39
What are common adulterants mixed with heroin?
Insoluble excipients that can cause vascular damage when injected. Alpha-methyl fentanyl, a synthetic opioid not easily detected by routine drug screening.
40
How does genetic polymorphism affect heroin metabolism?
Individual genetic variations can affect how the body responds to and processes opioids.
41
What are the signs of acute heroin intoxication?
Pinpoint (pinhole) pupils. Respiratory depression (which can be fatal).
42
What are withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin?
‘Clucking’ or ‘rattling’ (slang for withdrawal symptoms). Goose flesh (piloerection). Rhinorrhoea (runny nose). Lacrimation (excessive tearing). Yawning. Abdominal pain. Muscle aches. Diarrhoea and vomiting.
43
What is Nyaope/Whoonga?
A highly addictive street drug, commonly found in South Africa, containing a mixture of heroin and dagga, combined with other substances.
44
What are common bulking agents found in Nyaope?
Anti-retroviral drugs (Efavirenz and Ritonavir). Efavirenz – Known to cause vivid dreams. Ritonavir – May enhance or prolong effects. Washing powder, rat poison, or even Tik (methamphetamine)—substances can vary widely.
45
Why is Nyaope considered dangerous?
Highly addictive and difficult to quit. Widespread in communities. Potentially toxic mixtures, making effects unpredictable.
46
What are common street names for cannabis?
Dagga, Marijuana, Joint, Space Cookies, Grass, Weed, Pot, Guru, Ganja.
47
What is cannabis?
A term for all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide.
48
What are the major active constituents of cannabis?
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – Responsible for psychoactive effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) – Non-psychoactive, known for potential therapeutic benefits.
49
What are cannabis-derived products?
ny products derived from marijuana, distinct from those derived from hemp (which contains low THC levels).
50
How is THC absorbed into the body?
Oral ingestion: Peak concentration reached in 1–5 hours. Smoking: Quicker absorption with higher bioavailability compared to oral intake.
51
How long does THC remain in the body?
Half-life (t½): 4.3 days. Stored in body fat compartments, where it remains for over a month and is slowly released back into circulation.
52
How long does THC stay detectable after consumption?
After smoking: * 12 days with moderate use. * 25 days–1 month with heavy use. After oral intake: 8–12 days. In urine: Up to 11 weeks. It can take ~30 days to fully clear THC from one joint. Some body tissues may retain THC for up to 6 months.
53
What are slang combinations of cannabis and other drugs?
Dagga + Opiates = "Atom Bomb". Dagga + PCP = "Sugar Grass". Dagga + Methaqualone (Mandrax) = "White Pipe". Dagga + Cigarettes = "Slow Boat".
54
How has cannabis legislation changed in South Africa?
18 September 2018 – The South African Constitutional Court decriminalized the private use and cultivation of cannabis. 2020 Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill – Further discussions on cannabis regulation.
55
What does Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 state?
No person may drive or occupy the driver’s seat of a running motor vehicle on a public road under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug. No legal THC limit has been established to define intoxication.
56
What are potential long-term health effects of chronic cannabis use?
Lung carcinoma (cancer). Memory changes. Schizophrenia – Possible link in genetically susceptible individuals.
57
What is Mandrax (Methaqualone)?
Methaqualone is a hypnotic and sedative drug. Often mixed with alcohol for a pseudo-heroin effect.
58
What is the “White Pipe” method of Mandrax use?
Tablets are crushed, mixed, and smoked with dagga (cannabis).
59

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