Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Drug abuse

Table of Contents

AMPHETAMINES

Other names used to describe amphetamines or methamphetamines include "crystal," "go," "crank," and "cross-tops."

During the 1950s and 1960s, amphetamines were often prescribed for conditions such as fatigue, obesity, and mild depression. Such use has stopped because the drugs are very addictive, and are now considered controlled substances.

Over-the-counter (OTC) amphetamine look-alike drugs are often abused. These drugs typically contain caffeine and other stimulants, and are sold as appetite suppressants or stay-awake/stay-alert aids.

Signs and symptoms of stimulant use:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Exaggerated feeling of well-being (euphoria)
  • Fast heart rate
  • Restlessness and hyperactivity
  • Skin flushing
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Tremors
  • Weight loss

INHALANTS

Inhalant use became popular with young teens in the 1960s with "glue sniffing." Since then, a greater variety of inhalants have become popular. Inhalant use typically involves younger teens or school-age children. Groups of children will usually use inhalants as an experiment.

Commonly abused inhalants include:

  • Aerosols for deodorants or hair sprays
  • Cleaning fluids
  • Gasoline
  • Liquid typewriter correction fluid
  • Model glue
  • Spray paints

The chemicals are poured into a plastic bag or soaked into rags, then breathed in. The drugs are absorbed through the respiratory tract and cause an altered mental state within 5 - 15 minutes.

Negative effects of inhalant abuse include:

  • Brain damage
  • Convulsions
  • Liver or kidney damage
  • Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Sudden death

Most inhalant use occurs among teens or preteens who do not have ready access to illegal drugs or alcohol.

OPIATES, OPIOIDS, AND NARCOTICS

Opiates come from opium poppies. These drugs include morphine and codeine. Opioids are artificial substances that have the same effect as morphine or codeine. The term "narcotic" refers to either type of drug.

Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers that cause drowsiness (sedation) and sometimes, feelings of euphoria.

These drugs include:

  • Codeine
  • Heroin
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Methadone
  • Meperidine (Demerol)
  • Opium
  • Oxydodone (Percocet or Oxycontin)

Signs and symptoms of narcotic use:

Review Date: 03/18/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)