hazards of drug abuse dr aslesh op, mbbs,md assistant professor, community medicine
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Definition - WHO
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs
Substance abuse in India
Tobacco Alcohol Cannabis Narcotics-opium, morphine, codeine, Heroin Stimulants- amphetamine, cocaine Medicines like cough syrup, Propoxyphene, Inhalants like gums, whiteners, paint,
clearing fluid
NumberMedian
age
Number of times per
week
Smoking 12 (3.4) 15 2
Hookah 22 (6.2) 13 1
Alcohol 99 (28.2) 12 1
Glue-sniffing
71 (20.2) 11 3
Cannabis 2 (0.6) 11 1
Cocaine 3 (0.9) 12 2
Substance Abuse in Urban School Going Adolescents in India: A Growing Challenge. Indian Pediatr 2013;50: 799-800
Socio cultural factors of drug abuse Parental influence Family structure Peer influence Role model Advertisements Socio economic factors Knowledge attitude and beliefs
Developmental pressures leading to substance abuse
Deliberate violation of social norms Testing whether able to behave like adult Excessive and ritualized behavior to test
ones limit Lack of self control Age related life style for peer group
interaction Emergency reaction to age related stress
– coping stratergy
Why do some people smoke? Lose weight You feel happy Feeling relaxed Amuse your friends by blowing smoke
rings You will look cool and modern
Disadvantage
Bad breath Yellow teeth Blackened lips Smelly cloths Difficult keeping up with friends playing
sports Empty wallet
Effects of Smoking Circulatory System
Decreased circulation Increased plaque
build up in the vessels Increased risk of
myocardial infraction Increased blood
pressure Increased risk of
stroke Damages the heart
muscle
SMOKING AND PREGNANCY effects fetal growth
and low birth weight Increased chance of
miscarriage and stillbirths
Growth and development during childhood
Nicotine-transfers during breast feeding
Affects children
What about smokeless tobacco?
DANGERS:
Addictive Leukoplakia Bad breath, discolored teeth Decreased smell and taste senses Oral Cancer
QUITTING TOBACCO USE
Suggestions for quitting:
Change routine Avoiding people/situations that
increase your chances of smoking
Chew gum/snack on candy Drink plenty of water, avoid
alcohol, coffee, tea, and cokes
QUITTING TOBACCO USE
Suggestions for quitting:
Set a date Plan rewards Positive reinforcement for non-smoking
friends In relapse, quit again
REASONS TEENAGERS DRINK
To have funTo relaxTo feel more self confidentTo fit in—peer pressureTo get away with something
disadvantage
Increase risk in cancer of liver, pancreases, breast.
Increase blood pressure Increase risk of renal failure Liver diseases- cirrhosis Anxiety, depression, insomia
ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCY FAS-Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Shorter, smaller babies, slow body growth
Facial abnormalities Poor coordination Heart defects Poor attention spans,
nervousness, hyperactivity
DRINKING AND DRIVING
#1 cause of death among teenagers
Decreases ability to judge distances, speeds, and turns
Increases risk taking
Slows reflexes Decreases ability
to concentrate
Dangers of drug use
Addiction Physiological
dependence Psychological
dependence Tolerance Body systems
damage Death
Social Consequences
Poor school and work performance
Problems with family and friends
Police, court, jail
STIMULANTS
Increase central nervous system activity
Irregular heart beat, heart failure
Increased blood pressure, stroke
Anxiety, paranoia Physical collapse,
death
COCAINECan be snorted, injectedRapid acting, powerful stimulantIncreases heart rate, blood pressure, respirationPhysiological dependenceParanoia, hallucinations, psychological dependenceIncreases risk of heart attack, heart rhythm irregularities, cardiac arrestIncreased risk of HIV with use of shared needles for injecting
CRACK
Smokeable form of cocaine Danger of injury/death from explosion or
fire Dilates pupils, increases pulse, blood
pressure, insomnia, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures
Lung damage Extremely addictive
AMPHETAMINES
Increase heart rate and breathing
Anxiety, sleeplessness
Tolerance, dependence
Methamphetamines (crack, speed, ice) cause paranoia and may increase violent tendencies
DEPRESSANTS
Slow down the central nervous systemRelax muscles, relieve tensionPhysically and psychological dependence
SEDATIVES-HYPNOTICS
Induce sleep, reduce anxiety Decreases heart rate and respiratory
rate Physiological and psychological
dependence Barbiturates – mood changes, coma,
death
HEROIN
Depresses central nervous system Coma/death with large doses Tolerance Withdrawal from drug is difficult and
painful Increased risk of HIV infection from
contaminated needles
HALLUCINAGENICS
Alter mood, thought, and the senses
PCP-Phencyclidine, angel dustLSD-Lysergic acid diethylamide
Inhalants
Hazards of hallucinogens
Altered sensory perception Misinterpretation of depth, distance ,speed Lead to accidents
Recurrent flash backs Experience fear or panic
Cannabis-MARIJUANA Hashish-dark brown resin from the tops
of cannabis plant Acts as hallucinogen, depressant, and
has stimulant effects
EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA USE Sensory perception changes Decreased body temperature, increased
heart rate and blood pressure
Stimulates appetite Decreases self control Mood changes Personality problems Psychological dependence
EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA USE Memory deficits Concentration and coordination Decreased immune system function Decreased testosterone, decreased
sperm production
Use during pregnancy causes condition in baby similar to FAS
CLUB DRUGS-ECSTASY-MDMA
Tablet, powder, capsule Usually consumed orally Effects can last from 3-
24 hours Causes euphoria and
intoxication Depression, paranoia,
violent and irrational behavior
Physical reactions-vomiting, blurred vision, convulsions, and more
CLUB DRUGS-ROHYPNOL-Sedative 10x stronger than Valium
Taken orally Causes intoxication Can cause deep
sedation, respiratory distress, blackouts
Can last up to 24 hours
Short term amnesia Causes aggression “Date Rape” drug
CLUB DRUGS-GHB Capsule/white-sandy
colored powder dissolved in water or alcohol
Sold as slightly salty, clear liquid in small bottles
Effects last up to 3 hours
Causes nausea, vomiting, delusions, depression, vertigo, seizures, and more
CLUB DRUGS-KETAMINE White powder that
is snorted or smoked with marijuana
Causes hallucinations, delirium, amnesia, impaired motor skills, depression, high blood pressure, recurrent flashbacks, respiratory failure
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
Used illegally to increase athletic performance
Increases aggressiveness and strength, BUT…
*Increased blood pressure, acne, liver damage, heart disease, and stroke*MALES: baldness, decrease testicular size, increase in breast growth, and body and facial hair*FEMALES: breast shrinkage, growth of facial hair, baldness*Mood swings*Increase risk of HIV infection with shared needles
Social and cultural consequences Road traffic accidents School related problems- declining
grades, absenteeism, dropping out Risky sexual practices Delinquent behaviors Juvenile crimes Developmental problems
Psychological and social
Social and cultural consequences Physical and mental consequences Violent behaviors- towards family suicides Infection- HIV, Hepatitis Future use disorder Drug trafficking
Symptoms and signs of substance abuse
Sudden change in personality without another known cause
Loss of interest in once favorite hobbies, sports etc
Sudden decline in performance or attendance at school
Change in friends or reluctance to talk about new friends
Deterioration of personal grooming habits
Symptoms and signs of substance abuse
Difficulty in paying attention, forgetfulness
Sudden aggressive behavior, irritability, nervousness or giddiness
Increased secretiveness, heightened sensitivity to inquiry
Physical changes- red eye, reduced reaction time, dilated/constricted pupil
ADDICTION
TolerancePhysiological dependencePsychological dependenceWithdrawalInterventionRecoveryFamily Disease
Why do some people smoke? Lose weight You feel happy Feeling relaxed Amuse your friends by blowing smoke
righs You will look cool and modern
disadvantage
Bad brath Yellow teath Blackend lips Smelly cloths Difficult keeping up with friends playing
sports Empty wallet
Disadvantage on inner body
Bronchitis Lung cancer Heart disease Lip cancer Mouth cancer Throat cancer Skin damage Reproductive system
Why do some people drink alcohol Source of energy Improve mood Increase relaxation To forget problems Like the taste To relieve stress For good company