Drug Unit Information
1. What factors influence the effects a drug will have on a person?
a. How a drug enters the body.
• It can enter through the mouth (swallowing is the most common)
• injected into the blood
• inhaled through the nose
• absorbed into the blood by a patch, or a device under the skin.
b. Other factors would also include:
• the amount taken at one time
• how a person feels emotionally at the time it is taken
• a person’s body weight, their age, and their health can as well be contributing factors.
• Also, if you combine several drugs together or take them with alcohol.
2. What are the characteristics of physical dependence and psychological dependence?
a. Physical dependence:
The body developes a tolerance for the drug and needs it in order to feel “normal”.
As you continue to use the drug you need more. If you try to quit using the body
responds with withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include; chills, muscular
twitching, fever, nausea, vomiting, and cramps.
b. Psychological dependence:
Have strong cravings for the effects of the drug. You are never really content unless you are able to use the drug. If you quit, you will experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and strong cravings. You may become so dependent that they center their entire life on using and selling the drug.
3. What are five roles played by family members who are codependent?
Chief Enabler: The family member who tries to “smooth over” the problems caused by the drug-dependent person. He/she tries to make things appear normal to people outside the family. They most often are the spouse of the drug-dependent person.
Scapegoat: The child who is blamed as the cause of problems in the family. The blaming takes attention away from the drug-dependent parent or guardian. Often labeled as not being able to do anything right. They often become rebellious and use drugs. They have little self-respect and feel resentment and anger toward family members.
Family Hero: The family member who tries to do everything right. Family members know they can count on this person to be successful, reliable, and responsible. Often is the oldest child. Often takes care of housekeeping responsibilities and parenting younger children. They may believe that if he/she were a better child, the parent or guardian who is drug-dependent would stop using drugs.
Mascot: The family member who relieves tension by acting in a funny or entertaining way. They usually are one of the younger children in the family. They have a hard time growing out of this role as an adult. The mascot feels lonely, insecure, and inadequate.
Lost Child: The child who helps the family maintain balance by not causing any problems or getting in the way. They require little attention in the family. They avoid conflict, withdraw from others and are shy or quiet. They are not disruptive and will not demand any attention.