Introduction
Social issues appear as a part of any society. Different societies may
have different perceptions of what is acceptable to them; however
drug abuse has always been in a negative limelight.
First and foremost, what is drug abuse? According to the World
Health Organisation,drug abuse refers to the harmful use of psychoactive
substances including illegal drugs. Theterm itself implies negative judgment
of drug use in question. It is a general misconception that medicines
attained legally are harmless, but in fact they are still drugs and will
causeadverse after effects if overdosed. For instance we have always seen
on television how acharacter tries to suicide by overdosing on sleeping
pills. Because prescribed medicines are generally easier to obtain, they are
often misused for non-medical purposes.
Drugs can be categorised into hard and soft drugs, where hard drugs
lead to extreme physical addiction while soft drugs do not cause physical
addiction. Other than for medical purposes, hard drugs are usually illegal s
ubstances such as heroin, meth and cocaine.Examples of soft drugs are
cannabis,
LSD
and
mescaline.
Although
they
do
not
lead
to physical addiction, continuous use may still bring about psychological de
pendency wherethey feel much better with the drug than without. There are
also drugs which cannot beclassified in both categories as they have the
features of both hard and soft drugs.
Since 31 years ago drugs were declared as the nations number one
enemy (National Drug Policy, n.d.). Approaches and steps were taken to
fight against the drug problem; Antidrug Campaign was launched. It is also
a mandatory capital punishment in this country or drug trafficking. What will
happen to our promising future of younger generations ifactions are not
taken to curb this issue? The misuse of drugs does not bring about
positiveeffect, as well as being detrimental and extremely addictive.
Although many unfortunate factors cause one to fall into drug abuse, many
solutions exist to help from the horrible consequences.
Research Problem
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is Drug??
What are the different types of Drugs?
Sign and symptoms of drug abuse.
Identify the causes of drug addiction?
What are the campaign that made by the government to prevent drug
abuse?
A drug is, in the broadest of terms, a chemical substance that has
known biological effects on humans or other animals. Foods are generally
excluded from this definition, in spite of their physiological effects on animal
species.
In pharmacology, a drug is "a chemical substance used in the
treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise
enhance physical or mental well-being." Pharmaceutical drugs may be
used for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for chronic disorders.
Recreational drugs are chemical substances that affect the central
nervous system, such as opioids or hallucinogens. Alcohol, nicotine, and
caffeine are the most widely consumed psychotropic drugs worldwide.
They may be used for effects on perception, consciousness, personality,
andbehavior. Many recreational drugs are also medicinal.
Some drugs can cause addiction and habituation and all drugs
have side effects. Many drugs are illegal for recreational purposes and
international treaties such as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs exist
for
the
purpose
of
legally
prohibiting
certain
substances.
Caffeine, contained in coffee and other beverages, is the most widely
used psychoactive drug in the world. 90% of North American adults
consume the substance on a daily basis.
Etymology
In English, the noun "drug" is thought to originate from Old French
"drogue", possibly deriving later into "droge-vate" from Middle Dutch
meaning "dry barrels", referring to medicinal plants preserved in them. The
transitive verb "to drug" (meaning intentionally administer a substance to
someone, often without their knowledge) arose later and invokes the
psychoactive rather than medicinal properties of a substance.
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a
drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with
methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form
of substance-related disorder. Widely differing definitions of drug abuse are
used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts.
The exact cause of substance abuse is not clear, with theories
including: a genetic disposition; learned from others - or a habit which if
addiction develops, manifests as a chronic debilitating disease.
Drug dependence is the ultimate disastrous consequence of drug
abuse. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines drug dependence as
a state, psychic or also sometimes physical, resulting from the interaction
between a living organism and a drug, and characterized by behavioral and
other responses that always include a compulsive desire or need to use the
drug on a continous basis in order to experience its effects and / or avoid
the discomfort of its absence.
Simply stated, drug dependence is the situation or condition a person
finds himself in which he uses or abuses a drug to the point that the drug
becomes the main focus of his life. Taking a drug has become a
compulsion, a necessary habit. He must have the drug, regardless of the
cost to his health or to his life. A drug abuser who has reached this
condition is called a drug dependent. Drug dependence may either by
physical or psychological or both.
When a dependent person does not consume, withdrawal syndrome
appears. It is a cluster of symptoms that affect an individual who is
suddenly deprived of any toxin or drug on which he/she is physically
dependent and which previously had been consumed on a regular basis.
The quantity of symptoms, as well as their intensity and duration will
depend on the type of drug, the length of time the person has consumed
the substance and his/her physical and psychological state at the time of
withdrawal. Physical dependence is a state of adaptation of the organism to
the presence of the drug and is manifested by the appearance of intense
physical discomfort (tremors, chills, insomnia, vomiting, pain in the muscles
and bones, etc.) when consumption of the substance is stopped. This same
physical discomfort occurs when the substances action on the organism is
influenced by drugs designed to block its effects. Psychological
dependence refers to the situation in which a person feels an emotional
need and urge to consume a drug on a regular basis in order to feel good,
be satisfied (obtain pleasure or avoid discomfort) although he/she does not
need the substance physiologically. This may be associated with different
contexts or social interactions. Addictions go beyond substance use. There
are the so-called non-toxic addictions which involve dependency behavior
with an evident syndrome of psychological withdrawal. There is, for
example, addiction to gambling or pathological gambling and others such
as technological addictions (internet, mobile, and video games), addiction
to shopping, exercise or sex. These addictive behaviors share, if not all,
some of the characteristics mentioned so far, with the peculiarity that there
is not a mediating substance that produces physical changes in the subject.
There are four basic steps that teenagers take on the road to drug
dependence:
Experimentation Phase Here, the new user experiments with or
tries a drug for the first time in his life although he has heard that
people who use drugs experience a high or pleasure; the first time
often produces a negative experience.
As contained in the manual of The Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002,
the following are the classification of the dangerous drugs:
A. Marijuana. Pot, Grass, Weed, Refer, Dope, Mary Jane, Sinsomilla,
Acapulco Gold, Thai Sticks, Damo.
The hemp plant grows wild or is cultivated in temperate to tropical
climates. The principal psychoactive components of cannabis is delta-9
tetrahydrocannabinol (also referred to as deltas-9 THC), which is
concentrated in the resin.
Signs and Symptoms of a Marijuana User
In the early stage of intoxication, may appear animated with rapid
loud talking and burst of laughter.
In the later stages, appear sleepy or stuporous.
Pupilsare usually dilated.
Remnants of marijuana joints, either loose or partially smoked joints
are in the pockets of the user.
Odor of user is similar to burn rope or old clothing.
Vital signs are increased (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate).
Bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat.
Short-term memory and comprehension.
Poor concentration and coordination thereby, dangerous to drive.
Altered senses of time and place.
Motivation and cognition may be altered.
In the male, it reduces sperm production and damages the sperm
cells.
In the female, menstrual cycle is irregular and damages the egg cell.
It also produces paranoia and psychosis.
B. Inhalants
Nitrous Oxide- Laughing gas, Whippets
Amyl Nitrite - Poppers, Snappers
Butyl Nitrite - Bolt, Locker room, Bullet
Chlorohydrocarbon - Kerosol spray
Hydrocarbon - Solvents
Signs and Symptoms Of Abuse of Inhalants and Solvents as Rugby,
Gasoline, Acetone, Paint Thinner and Others.
Odor of substance on breath and clothing.
Excess nasal secretions and lacrimation.
Poor muscular Control.
Drowsiness or unconsciousness.
Reddening or inflammation of the nasal membrane.
Slurring of speech.
In possession of plastic bag with inhaling substance.
Immediate negative effects are nausea, sneezing, coughing, nose
bleeding and loss of appetite.
Deep inhaling of vapors and using large amounts may result to
disorientation and violent behaviors.
Long period of sniffing of concentrated vapors can permanently
damage the central nervous system.
C. Stimulants
Cocaine - is atropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of
the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" and the alkaloid suffix "ine", forming "cocaine". It is astimulant, an appetite suppressant, and
a nonspecific voltage gated sodium channel blocker, which in turn
causes it to produce anaesthesia at low doses. Biologically, cocaine
acts as a serotoninnorepinephrinedopamine reuptake inhibitor,
also known as a triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI). It is addictive due to its
effect on the mesolimbic reward pathway. At high doses, it is
markedly more dangerous than other CNS stimulants, including the
entire amphetamine drug class, due to its effect on sodium channels,
since blockade of Nav1.5 can cause sudden cardiac death.
Examples : Coke, Flake, White blow, Nose Candy, Snow bird, Lady.
Amphetamine - is a potent central nervous system (CNS)
stimulant of the phenethylamine class that is used in the treatment
of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Much larger doses of amphetamine are likely to impair cognitive
function and induce rapid muscle breakdown. Drug addiction is a
serious risk with large recreational doses, but rarely arises from
medical use. Very high doses can result in psychosis (e.g., delusions
and paranoia) which rarely occurs at therapeutic doses even during
long-term use. Recreational doses are generally much larger than
prescribed therapeutic doses and carry a far greater risk of serious
side effects.
Overdose symptoms by system
System
Minor or moderate overdose
Severe overdose
Abnormal heartbeat
Cardiovascular
Cardiogenic
shock (heart
not pumping enough blood)
High or low
pressure
blood
Cerebral
hemorrhage (bleeding in the
brain)
Circulatory collapse (partial
or complete failure of the
circulatory system)
Central nervous
system
Confusion
Amphetamine
psychosis (e.g.,
Abnormally fast reflexes
Severe agitation
delusions
and paranoia)
Compulsive and repetitive
behavior
Serotonin
syndrome (excessive
serotonergic nerve activity)
Muscle pain
Musculoskeletal
Rhabdomyolysis (rapid
muscle breakdown)
Respiratory
Rapid breathing
Pulmonary
edema (fluid
accumulation in the lungs)
Pulmonary
hypertension (high
blood
pressure in the arteries of the
lung)
Urinary
Painful urination
No urine production
Urinary
to
retention (inability
Kidney failure
urinate)
Other
Elevated or low
blood
potassium
Elevated
body
Hyperpyrexia (extremely
elevated body temperature)
temperature
Metabolic
acidosis (excessively
acidic
bodily fluids)
Methamphetamine
is
potent central
nervous
system
(CNS) stimulant ofthe phenethylamine and amphetamine classes that
is used as a recreational drug and, rarely, to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. Methamphetamine exists
as two enantiomers,dextrorotary and levorotary. In low doses,
methamphetamine can cause an elevated mood and increase
alertness, concentration, and energy in fatigued individuals. At higher
doses,
it
can
induce psychosis, rhabdomyolysis and cerebral
hemorrhage. Methamphetamine is known to have a high potential
for abuse and addiction. Heavy recreational use of methamphetamine
may result in psychosis or lead to post-acute-withdrawal syndrome, a
withdrawal syndrome that can persist for months beyond the typical
withdrawal period.
Examples: Crack, Crystal math, Methedrine, Speed, Shabu.
Signs and Symptoms of a Stimulant Drug Abuser
Pupils are dilated when large amout is taken.
Mouth and nose are dry, causing bad breath. It also makes the user
licks his lips frequently.
Goes long period without eating or sleeping.
Chain smoking.
A user may have hidden needles, syringes and droppers in
hisbelongings.
Hyperactive, retless, talkative.
Argumentative, alert, irritable, excited and provocative.
All vital signs are increased (blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory
rate, heart rate).
Bloodshot eyes; body temperature is low.
Abuser may suffer from delusion of grandeur and paranoia.
High doses can cause rapid and irregular heartbeat, tremors and
heart failure.
Very nervous and irritable.
D. Depressants
Barbiturates
are drugs that
act
as central
nervous
system depressants, and can therefore produce a wide spectrum of
effects, from mild sedation to totalanesthesia. They are also effective
as anxiolytics, hypnotics,
and anticonvulsants.
Barbiturates
also
have analgesic effects; however, these effects are somewhat weak,
preventing barbiturates from being used in surgery in the absence of
other analgesics. Downers, Barbs, Blue drill, Red devils, Yellow
jackets, Nembutal, Seconal, Amytal, Tuinaslsd.
Methaqualone - brand name Quaalude in the US and Mandrax in the
UK,
is
a central
nervous
system
(CNS) depressant of
the quinazolinone class that acts as a sedative and hypnotic.
The sedativehypnotic activity of methaqualone was first noted
by Indianresearchers in the 1950s and in 1962 methaqualone itself
was patented in the US by Wallace and Tiernan. Its use peaked in the
early 1970s as a hypnotic, for the treatment of insomnia, and as
a sedative and muscle
relaxant.
It
is
still
produced
and
used clandestinely as a recreational drug throughout the world. The
drug was popular in the 1970s disco club scene. Qualudes, Ludes,
Soppers, Mandrakes.
Tranquilizers - A tranquilizer , tranquillizer, or tranquilliser , is a drug
that induces tranquility in an individual. Valium, Librium, Equanil,
Miltown, Serax, Tranxene.
Signs And Symptoms of a Depressant Drug Abuser (Barbiturates,
Tranquilizers) or Downer.
Signs of alcoholic intoxication present but no alcoholic breath.
Staggering or stumbling gait.
Falling asleep unexplainably.
Drowsiness and appears disoriented.
Lack of interest in any activities.
Difficulty of cocentration.
Vital signs are all down or decreased (heartbeat, pulse rate,
respiratory rate and blood pressure).
Pupils dilated.
Large doses can produce respiratory depression, slurring of speech
and altered perception.
Combination of depressants drugs and alcohol can potentiate the
effects thereby, multiplying the risk.
Babies born of depressants drug dependent mother may produce
mental and physical defects.
E. Hallucinogens
Phecyclidine PCP, Angel dust, Hog, Loveboat, Killer weed, Lovely,
Cyclone, Dead on Arrival (DOA).
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide LSD, Acid, Green or Red dragon,
White lightning, Blue heaven, Sugar cubs.
Mescaline and Peyote Mesc, Buttoms, Cactus.
Psilocybin Magic Mushroom,, Mushrooms.
Signs and Symptoms of LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Users usually sitting or reclining quietly in a dream-like state.
Users may become fearful and experience a degree of terror
thatmakes attempt to escape from the group.
Altered senses of sight, hearing and touch as well as distorted
images.
Erratic mood and behavior.
Users may have unpredictable flashback episodes.
Because the drug blocks the pain receptors of the brain, violent
episodes of self-inflicted injuries may result.
Persistent memory problemand speech difficulties are always
present.
In large doses, may produce convulsion, coma and death.
F. Narcotics
Heroin Smoke, Horse, Brown sugar, Junk, Mud, Big H, Black tar.
Methadone Dolly, Dolophine, Methadose, Amidone.
Morphine Pectoral syrup, Sweet amorphous.
Codeine Empirin compound with codeine, Codeine in cough
medicines.
Meperidine Pethidine, Demerol, Mepergan.
Opium Paregoric, Dakers powder, Parapectolin.
Others narcotics Percocet, Parcodon, Tussiunex, Fentanyl,
Darvon, Valium, Lomotil.
Signs And Symptoms of a Narcotic Abuser
At the start, it produces a feeling af euphoria followed by drowsiness,
nausea and vomiting.
Constricted pupils, watery and itching eyes.
An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clawney or
grayish color of skin, Convulsion, coma and possibly death.
If user is injecting, needles and syringes, alcohol burner, matches,
cotton and spoon are in possession of the user.
Multiple scar or injection scar marks are present in the arms of the
user.
Long sleeves are preferred to cover the scar mark.
Inhaling heroin powder leaves traces of white porder around the
nostrils.
Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly.
Contaminated needles and syringes usually result in AIDSand other
infectious diseases, such as endocarditis and hepatitis.
