Chapter 7- Making Decisions About Drug Use

Chapter 7- Making Decisions About Drug Use

Addictive Behavior

Process of addiction

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Intervention and treatment

Examples of Addictive Behaviors

n Gambling

n S

n Compulsive spending or shopping

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Habit vs. Addiction

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n Addiction is defined as "fixation, chemical dependency, obsession"

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n Studies have shown that the addiction to nicotine in a seriously addicted, long-term smoker is actually about four cigarettes a day. Once all, or most, of the habitual behavior is removed, four fully smoked cigarettes per day will satisfy most nicotine addictions.

n Yet most heavy smokers assume that each cigarette smoked, each urge to light up, stems from the chemical addiction. This is simply not so. Cigarette habit/addiction is far more complex than that.

Drug Terminology

Drug

u Any substance, natural or artificial, other than food, that by its chemical nature alters structure or function in the living organism

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Drug Terminology

Abuse

u Any use of a legal or illegal drug in a way that is detrimental to health

Drug Terminology

Dependence

u General term that refers to the need to continue using a drug for psychological and/or physical reason

Psychological Dependence

Physical Dependence

Purity

Half-life

You Know Your Becoming Dependent on a Drug If You Are….

n Developing a Tolerance-

n Experiencing withdrawal-

n Taking larger amounts

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n Continuing to use even though you know you have a problem

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Reasons For Drug Use

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n Spiritual experience

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n Take the pain away

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Psychoactive Drugs

n Opiods (narcotics)

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u Opium, morphine, heroin, methadone, codeine, OxyContin (oxycodone)

u Absorbed from stomach, intestines, nasal membranes or lungs

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u Tolerance and withdraw (cramps, nausea, panic, sweating, irritability) are rapid and severe

u Symptoms of overdose- slowed breathing, coma, constriction of the pupils, DEATH

Central Nervous System Depressants

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n Barbiturates, alcohol, valium, GHB, Rohypnol, Quaalude

n Effects on the body: sedation to DEATH (reduced anxiety, impaired muscular coordination, slurring of speech, drowsiness or sleep

n Medical uses: anti-anxiety, sleep aids, pain relief

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n MUY PELIGROSO WHEN COMBINED WITH ALCOHOL

Central Nervous System STIMULANTS

n Speeds up the activity of the CNS, heart rate accelerates, blood pressure rises, blood vessels constrict, dilated pupils and bronchial tubes

n Cocaine/Crack

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u Effects- Duration of cocaine's immediate euphoric effects, which include energy, reduced fatigue, and mental clarity, depends on how it is used.

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u Use during pregnancy leads to miscarriage, premature labor, still birth, low-birth weight, birth defects

u VERY ADDICTIVE DRUG

Stimulants-Amphetamines

n Crystal Meth

n Quick tolerance and dependence

n Immediate effects

n Speeding up of bodily functions. Amphetamines speed up the body's activity. Heart rate, breathing and blood pressure increase. A dry mouth, increased sweating, enlargement of the eye's pupils and headaches may occur.

n More energy and alertness. Users can feel energetic and full of confidence, with a heightened sense of well-being.

n Other effects include feeling wide awake and alert, becoming talkative, restless, excited, and having difficulty sleeping. Panic attacks may also be experienced.

n Reduced appetite.

n Irritability. Some users become anxious, irritable, hostile and aggressive. Sometimes people feel a sense of power and superiority over others.

Stimulants (cont.)

n Long Term Effects

ADDICTION!

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u Amphetamine psychosis

u Inability to get the same enjoyment out of normal activities like sex, dancing, relating to others

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n Ephedrine-

n Caffeine- alertness, coffee high, can result in muscular tremor, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia. Tolerance and withdraw are REAL.

Hallucinogens- Marijuana

n Cannabis Sativa-

n Short term effects:

n Long term effects:

n Mild physical and signification psychological dependence

n Often referred to as a “Gateway Drug”

Hallucinogens (cont.)

n LSD, Mescaline/Peyote, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), DMT, MDMA (Ecstasy), Ketamine (Special K), PCP

n Often times depersonalization…like leaving your body

n Altered states of consciousness, panic attacks, you don’t know if it will be a good or bad trip

n Flashbacks-

n Purity is unknown when bought from a dealer

MDMA- Ecstasy

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n Associated with RAVE parties

n Affects the limbic system and levels of serotonin-increased sensual feelings/tactile sensations

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n Fever and convulsions

n Anxiety and depression following use

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Hallucinogens- Inhalants

n Called “huffing”

n Use of volatile solvents- adhesives

n Nitrates

n Anesthetics- Nitrous Oxide, “poppers”

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Steroids

n Anabolic Steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. These drugs are used illegally by athletes to build muscle, improve their physical appearance, boost their athletic performance, and/or give them a competitive advantage.

n Androgenic Steroids increase masculine characteristics

n Health Hazards:

n Professional Drug Treatment

n Drug substitution (withdraw symptoms)

n Treatment centers (local OC)

chapmanhouseinc.org (Orange)

shaggyshouse.com (Dana Point)

n Self- help groups and peer counseling

narconon.org

n Codependency