HUMAN HEALTH - DRUG ABUSE

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

The drugs which are commonly abused are opioids, cannabinoids and coca alkaloids.

Opoids-

•  bind to specific opioid receptors present in our central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
• Heroin commonly called smack is chemically diacetylmorphine which is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound and is obtained by acetylation of morphine extracted from the latex of poppy plant Papaver somniferum

• Heroin is a depressant and slows down body functions.

Cannabinoids

• Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors present principally in the brain.
• Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescences of the plant Cannabis sativa.

• The flower tops, leaves and the resin of cannabis plant are used in various combinations to produce marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja.

• Effects on cardiovascular system of the body.

Coca alkaloid

• Coca alkaloid or cocaine is obtained from coca plant Erythroxylum coca.

• Coca alkaloid interferes with the transport of the neuro-transmitter dopamine.
• Cocaine, commonly called as coke or crack .
• It has a potent stimulating action on central nervous system, producing a sense of euphoria and increased energy.
• Excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations

• Some plants with hallucinogenic properties are Atropa belladona

• Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, lysergic acid diethyl amides (LSD) are used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia, are often abused.

• Morphine is a very effective sedative and painkiller is often abused.

Tobacco-

• Tobacco contains nicotine, an alkaloid.
• Nicotine stimulates adrenal gland to release adrenaline and nor-adrenaline into blood circulation, both of which raise blood pressure and increase heart rate.

• Smoking of tobacco is associated with increased incidence of cancers of lung, urinary bladder, throat, oral cavity, bronchitis, emphysema, coronary heart disease, gastric ulcer etc.

ADOLESCENCE AND DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE

Adolescence means both ‘a period’ and ‘a process’ during which a child becomes mature in terms of his/her attitudes and beliefs for effective participation in society.

12-18 years of age may be thought of as adolescence period.

Adolescence is accompanied by several biological and behavioural changes.

Curiosity, need for adventure and excitement, and experimentation, constitute common causes, which motivate youngsters towards drug and alcohol use.