Drug dependence HW

Drug dependence –  due on Oct 25^th.

5^th, 6^th Health class – coach Batista.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001522.htm

Drug dependence means that a person needs a drug to function normally. Abruptly stopping the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction is the compulsive use of a substance, despite its negative or dangerous effects.

A person may have a physical dependence on a substance without having an addiction. For example, certain blood pressure medications do not cause addiction but they can cause physical dependence. Other drugs, such as cocaine, cause addiction without leading to physical dependence.

Tolerance to a drug (needing a higher dose to attain the same effect) is usually part of addiction.

Causes

Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. People who use drugs for pain relief may become dependent, although this is rare in those who don't have a history of addiction.

The exact cause of drug abuse and dependence is not known. However, a person's genes, the action of the drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress all can be factors.

Peer pressure can lead to drug use or abuse, but at least half of those who become addicted have depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another mental health problem.

Children who grow up in an environment of illicit drug use may first see their parents using drugs. This may put them at a higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both environmental and genetic reasons.

People who are more likely to abuse or become dependent on drugs include those who:

• Have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia
• Have easy access to drugs
• Have low self-esteem, or problems with relationships
• Live a stressful lifestyle, economic or emotional
• Live in a culture where there is a high social acceptance of drug use

Commonly abused substances include:

• Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers that cause drowsiness (sedation) and sometimes feelings of euphoria. These include heroin, opium, codeine, meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphone(Dilaudid), and oxycodone (Oxycontin).
• Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants include amphetamines, cocaine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin). These drugs have a stimulating effect, and people can start needing higher amounts of these drugs to feel the same effect (tolerance).
• Central nervous system depressants include alcohol, barbiturates (amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital), benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax), chloral hydrate, and paraldehyde. These substances produce a sedative and anxiety-reducing effect, which can lead to dependence.
• Hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin ("mushrooms"), and phencyclidine (PCP or "angel dust"). They can cause people to see things that aren't there (hallucinations) and can lead to psychological dependence.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient found in marijuana (cannabis) and hashish.

There are several stages of drug use that may lead to dependence. Young people seem to move more quickly through the stages than do adults.

• Experimental use -- typically involves peers, done for recreational use; the user may enjoy defying parents or other authority figures.
• Regular use -- the user misses more and more school or work; worries about losing drug source; uses drugs to "fix" negative feelings; begins to stay away from friends and family; may change friends to those who are regular users; shows increased tolerance and ability to "handle" the drug.
• Daily preoccupation -- the user loses any motivation; does not care about school and work; has obvious behavior changes; thinking about drug use is more important than all other interests, including relationships; the user becomes secretive; may begin dealing drugs to help support habit; use of other, harder drugs may increase; legal problems may increase.
• Dependence -- cannot face daily life without drugs; denies problem; physical condition gets worse; loss of "control" over use; may become suicidal; financial and legal problems get worse; may have broken ties with family members or friends.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms and behaviors of drug dependence include:

• Confusion
• Continuing to use drugs even when health, work, or family are being harmed
• Episodes of violence
• Hostility when confronted about drug dependence
• Lack of control over drug abuse - being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake
• Making excuses to use drugs
• Missing work or school, or a decrease in performance
• Need for daily or regular drug use to function
• Neglecting to eat
• Not caring for physical appearance
• No longer taking part in activities because of drug abuse
• Secretive behavior to hide drug use
• Using drugs even when alone

Treatment

Treatment for drug abuse or dependence begins with recognizing the problem. Though "denial" used to be considered a symptom of addiction, recent research has shown that people who are addicted have far less denial if they are treated with empathy and respect, rather than told what to do or "confronted."

Treatment of drug dependency involves stopping drug use either gradually or abruptly (detoxification), support, and staying drug free (abstinence).

• People with acute intoxication or drug overdose may need emergency treatment. Sometimes, the person loses consciousness and might need to be on a breathing machine (mechanical respirator) temporarily. The treatment depends on the drug being used.
• Detoxification is the withdrawal of an abused substance in a controlled environment. Sometimes a drug with a similar action is taken instead, to reduce the side effects and risks of withdrawal. Detoxification can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

As with any other area of medicine, the least intensive treatment should be the starting point.

Residential treatment programs monitor and address possible withdrawal symptoms and behaviors. These programs use behavior modification techniques, which are designed to get users to recognize their behaviors.

Treatment programs include counseling, both for the person (and perhaps family), and in group settings. Drug abuse treatment programs have a long after-care part (when the user is released from the medical facility), and provide peer support.

Drug addiction is a serious and complicated health condition that requires both physical and psycholocial treatment and support. It is important to be evaluated by a trained professional to determine the best care.

If the person also has depression or another mood disorder, it should be treated. Very often, people start abusing drugs in their effort to self-treat mental illness.

For narcotic dependence, some people are treated with methadone or similar drugs to prevent withdrawal and abuse. The goal is to enable the person to live as normal a life as possible.

Support Groups

Many support groups are available in the community. They include Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Ala-Teen, and Al-Anon. Most of these groups follow the 12-Step program used in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). SMART Recovery and LifeRing Recovery are programs that do not use the 12-step approach. You can find support groups in your phone book.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Drug abuse and dependence may lead to a fatal drug overdose. Some people start taking the drugs again after they have stopped. Relapses can lead to continued dependence.

Possible Complications

The complications of drug abuse and dependence include:

• Bacterial endocarditis, hepatitis, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary emboli, malnutrition, or respiratory infections, caused by drug use by injection
• Depression
• Drug overdose
• Increase in various cancer rates; for example, lung and pharynx cancer are linked to nicotine use; mouth and stomach cancer are associated with alcohol abuse and dependence
• Infection with HIV through shared needles
• Problems with memory and concentration, for example with hallucinogen use, including marijuana (THC)
• Problems with the law
• Relapse of drug abuse
• Unsafe sexual practices, which may result in unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, or hepatitis

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are addicted to drugs and would like to get off of them, or if you have been cut off from your drug supply and are at risk of withdrawal. Most employers also offer referral services for their employees with substance abuse problems.

Prevention

Drug education programs may be helpful though none has proved effective in the long term.

References

Kleber HD, Weiss Rd, Anton RF, George TP, Greenfield SF, Kosten TR, et al. Treatment of patients with substance use disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2007;164:5-123.

Griswold KS, Atronoff H, Kernan JB, Kahn LS. Adolescent substance use and abuse: recognition and management. Am Fam Physician. 2008;77:331-336.

NIDA InfoFacts: Club Drugs (GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol). National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA.

NIDA InfoFacts: Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP. National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA. Revised 6/09.

Samet JH. Drug abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 32.

Update Date: 2/11/2010

Updated 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.

 

Questions about Drug Dependence and Tolerance.  Due on Oct 25^th.

Feel free to type the answer to these questions on a separate page.

1-      What is drug dependence? Explain in your own words and give an example.

 

2-      What is drug addiction? Explain in your own words and give an example.

 

3-      Name four factors that can lead to drug dependence.

 

 

4-      Who are the people that are more likely to become dependent on drugs?

 

5-      Based on the answer above, what can you do to not fall into one of those categories? Be creative and use your own words.

 

 

6-      What are the four stages that lead to drug dependence? Give a brief explanation of each.

 

7-      Name five symptoms of drug dependence.

 

 

8-      In two or three sentences explain the basics of treatment for drug abuse and dependence.

 

9-      Name three complications that usually come with drug abuse and dependence. Also explain how the drug dependence lead the user to that complication (give an example/ scenario for each complication). 

 

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Legal drugs, HW assignment

Legal Drugs and their use.  -  Health class, 5^th , 6^th grade.

 

This assignment is due on Thursday, 10/10/13

 

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web3/rprice.html

Legal Drugs and the United States

Rhianon Price

Examples of legal drugs would be drugs that your doctor gives you. You should never share with medication with others. Other legal drugs would be over the counter medications.

 

The United States is inarguably a very medicated society. From the moment we enter the world to the moment we leave it, it is normal for legal drugs to be available to us upon demand. Most Americans probably do not even think about the effects some drugs have on their bodies; they are legal, after all, therefore they must be without negative consequence. Yet many legal drugs such as caffeine, nonprescription pain medications, nicotine, and alcohol, which are used frequently in American society, do have effects that are not beneficial.

Caffeine, for example, is a drug that many Americans rely on daily in order to function, as they believe, normally. Caffeine is a stimulant that makes those who ingest it more energized, more awake, and more capable of sustaining intellectual activity; these are the effects that most Americans are seeking when they choose to ingest caffeine. However, as one becomes more accustomed to caffeine over time or with greater consumption, he or she requires more caffeine to produce the same effects ((2)). Caffeine can be consumed in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate, among other things ((1)), and takes 15-45 minutes to reach its maximum effect ((2)). 

There are negative effects of caffeine even in a "normal" dosage of 300 mg, as it can decrease manual coordination and reaction time to visual and auditory stimuli. Furthermore, it is possible to overdose on caffeine, which may cause: nausea, headache, indigestion and diarrhea, irregular heartbeat and respiration, sleep disturbances, light-headedness, dizziness, nervousness, jitteriness, and an increased need to urinate ((1) and (2)). In severe cases of "caffeinism," anxiety attacks, delirium, drowsiness, ringing ears, diarrhea, vomiting, light flashes, difficulty breathing, and convulsions can all occur ((2)). Moreover, it is possible to experience caffeine withdrawal, symptoms of which include: tiredness, headache, nausea, nervousness, reduced alertness, depression, inability to focus, and confusion. Symptoms of withdrawal usually last only a few days, but can last up to seven ((1) and(2)). Nevertheless, despite these negative side effects, most Americans, driven by the United States' constant social demand for action and mental activity (at the workplace, in schools, and even at home), find that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin are another type of drug that many Americans use daily. These drugs relieve minor aches, pains, fevers, inflammation, and muscle and joint stiffness ((3), (4), and (8)). However, they are not without risks or negative side effects. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage, especially to those who drink alcohol regularly, take acetaminophen while fasting, or exceed the recommended dosage and duration. In fact, acetaminophen is believed to be responsible for up to 40% of American's liver failures, and sends 56,000 Americans to the emergency room every year ((3)). Mild side effects of ibuprofen can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, depression, and fatigue, while severe ones include allergic reaction, peptic and mouth ulcers, muscle cramps, heartburn, and gastrointestinal bleeding ((4) and (5)). Aspirin can cause heartburn, indigestion, and ringing in the ears, as well as fever, seizures, allergic reaction, dizziness, confusion, and even hallucinations ((8)). Making a bad situation worse, the more pain medications ingested, the less natural pain-relieving chemicals that one's body produces ((5)). Nonetheless, because these pain medications do not require prescriptions, can be administered to children and babies, and are recommended by "experts," family, and friends to treat even minor discomforts, many Americans believe that these drugs can be taken in doses larger and for greater duration than what is safe ((3)), and do not even consider the possibility of negative side effects. 

Another controlled substance, alcohol, is one that many Americans still ingest daily. Alcohol can facilitate relaxation, mood elevation, lowered inhibitions in social situations, and pain relief ((6)). It is quite pleasant to sit at home and drink a beer after hours in the office or classroom or have a few drinks with friends on the weekend or after a long day. However, because it is a controlled substance, most Americans are fully aware of the negative side effects: decrease or loss of motor skills, nausea or vomiting, increased impulsiveness, emotional volatility, increased need for urination, dizziness and confusion, blackouts and memory loss, hangover, increased likeliness of unplanned sexual encounters (including unintentional promiscuity and date rape), damage to developing fetuses, permanent brain and liver damage, coma, and death ((6)). Most of those who consume alcohol will experience some of these negative side effects at some point in their lives. 

What drugophile Americans may not realize is that alcohol does not mix well with other drugs, which we so often have available to us. When mixed with nonprescription pain relievers, damage can occur to the stomach lining and the liver, as well as cause ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Mixing alcohol and Valium decreases alertness, impair judgement, and cause death. A combination of alcohol and high blood pressure medication can reduce blood pressure to dangerous lows. Alcohol and anticoagulants increase the potency of the anticoagulant and can lead to fatal bleeding ((7)). While Americans realize that alcohol has negative side effects, its dangers may not actually be fully understood.

Why are Americans addicted to drugs? It is not all entirely a physical dependency. American society demands high levels of mental activity that certain drugs can make easier to accomplish or sustain, causes stress which certain drugs can alleviate, and wholeheartedly endorses the utilization of many of these drugs because we view them as both normal and necessary. Moreover, once they are present in our bodies, they are difficult habits to break; they also may encourage each other's usage. It is a socially very normal thing to drink two or three cups of coffee a day to fight weariness and mental fatigue, toss back a few nonprescription pain killers that may increase fatigue and necessitate another cup of coffee or a quick cigarette while also causing a headache that may prompt the consumption of another few pain killers, have a soda at lunch whose caffeine adds to the coffee's and cause a mild headache which another cigarette is consumed in order to relieve, and then have a beer or two upon arriving home in order to relax from the long and tiring day which may actually cause more weariness and necessitate another few cigarettes. It is a very cyclical cycle, too, as all of these drugs are at least mildly addictive, and who in America's busy, busy society has time to break an addiction or to feel poorly? Besides, if one feels poorly, one can always take another Tylenol, right?

Please answer these questions on a separate paper.

 

Questions:

1-      What is a Legal Drug?

2-      What does "over the counter drug" mean? (This is not on the paper. Ask an adult or Dr. Google).

3-      True or False, Legal drugs have no negative consequences.

4-      List three different Legal Drugs.

5-      What are the positive effects of caffeine?

6-      What are the negative effects of caffeine?

7-      What are the benefits of over-the-counter pain medicine?

8-      What are the negative effects of these pain medicines?

9-      What are the positive effects of alcohol?

10-   What are the negative effects of alcohol?

11-   Is it ok to use drugs and drink alcohol? Explain.

12-   Why do so many people in America (and in the world) use these legal drugs?

13-   In your opinion, What are some activities and habits that people could do so that they don't need to use these Legal Drugs? Give at least two examples.

 

 

Different types of drugs - old hw assignment.

 

5^th/ 6^th Health Class.

Types of drugs

depressants

stimulants

hallucinogens

The three main types of drugs, classified by their effects on the central nervous system are:

• depressants;
• stimulants; and
• hallucinogens.

depressants

Depressant drugs slow down, or depress, the functions of the central nervous system (however, they don't necessarily make you feel depressed). Depressant drugs include:

• alcohol;
• opiates and opioids: including heroin (also known as 'H', 'hammer', 'smack' and 'gear'), morphine, codeine, methadone and buprenorphine;
• cannabis: (also known as 'green', 'smoke', 'weed', 'pot', 'dope', 'cone' and 'mull'), including marijuana, hashish and hash oil. In stronger concentrations, such as in hashish and resin, cannabis can also act as an hallucinogen in addition to being a central nervous system depressant;
• minor tranquillisers/benzodiazepines (benzos): including diazepam (Valium), oxazepam (Serepax), nitrazepam (Mogadon), temazepam (Normison and Euhypnos); and
• some solvents and inhalants: including vapours from petrol, glue, chrome paint and lighter fluid.

In moderate doses, depressants can make you feel relaxed. Some depressants cause euphoria and a sense of calm and well-being. They may be used to 'wind down' or to reduce anxiety, stress or inhibition. Because they slow you down, depressants affect coordination, concentration and judgment. This makes driving and operating machinery hazardous.

In larger doses, depressants can cause unconsciousness by reducing breathing and heart rate. A person's speech may become slurred and their movements sluggish and uncoordinated. Other effects of larger doses including nausea, vomiting and, in extreme cases, death. When taken in combination, depressants increase their effects and increase the danger of overdose.

stimulants

In contrast to depressant drugs, stimulant drugs speed up the functions of the central nervous system. Millions of Australians use the following stimulants every day:

• caffeine: most coffee, tea and cola drinks contain caffeine, which is a mild stimulant;
• nicotine: the nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant, despite many smokers using it to relax; and
• ephedrine: used in medicines for bronchitis, hay fever and asthma.

Stronger stimulant drugs include:

• amphetamines and methamphetamines: also known as 'speed', 'ice' and 'crystal meth';
• cocaine: also known as 'coke' and 'snow';
• slimming tablets: e.g. Duromine and Tenuate; and
• dexamphetamine: prescribed to treat attention-deficit disorder in children and narcolepsy, which is an uncontrollable urge to fall asleep.

Stimulants speed up or stimulate the central nervous system and can make the users feel more awake, alert or confident. Stimulants increase heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Other physical effects include reduced appetite, dilated pupils, talkativeness, agitation and sleep disturbance.

Higher doses of stimulants can 'over stimulate' the users, causing anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. They can also cause heart problems such as arrhythmia. Prolonged or sustained use of strong stimulants can also cause these effects.

Strong stimulants can mask the effects of depressant drugs, such as alcohol. This can increase the potential for aggression, and poses an obvious hazard if the person is driving.

hallucinogens

Hallucinogenic drugs distort the user's perceptions of reality. These drugs include:

• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide): also known as 'trips', 'acid' and 'microdots';
• magic mushrooms (psilocybin): also known as 'mushies';
• mescaline (peyote cactus); and
• ecstasy (MDMA/methylenedioxymethamphetamine): also known as 'E', 'XTC' and 'Eccies', produces a combination of hallucinogenic and stimulant effects; and
• ketamine: also known as 'K' and 'Special K'.

The main physical effects of hallucinogenic drugs are dilation of pupils, loss of appetite, increased activity, talking or laughing, jaw clenching, sweating and sometimes stomach cramps or nausea. Drug effects can include a sense of emotional and psychological euphoria and well-being. Visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations may occur, causing users to see or hear things that do not actually exist. The effects of hallucinogens are not easy to predict and the person may behave in ways that appear irrational or bizarre. Psychological effects often depend on the mood of the users and the context of use.

Negative effects of hallucinogens can include panic, paranoia and loss of contact with reality. In extreme cases, this can result in dangerous behaviour that can put the user and others at great risk. Driving while under the influence of hallucinogens is extremely hazardous. It is common for users to take minor tranquillisers or marijuana to help them come down from a hallucinogenic drug.

 

Questions about the different types of drugs:

 

Answer these in a separate page.

 

1-      What are the three main different types of drugs?

2-      How do depressant drugs affect the central nervous system?

3-      Name four different depressant drugs.

4-      What "feelings" are associated with depressant drugs? How do people feel when they take this?

5-      Why is it a bad idea to drive after using depressant drugs?

6-      Name three different consequences of taking depressant drugs in large doses.

7-      How do stimulants affect the central nervous system?

8-      Name two commonly used stimulants and two stronger stimulant drugs.

9-      How does a person feel after using stimulants?

10-   What are the physical effects of stimulants in the body?

11-   What are some symptoms of taking high doses of stimulants?

12-   Why is it a bad idea for drivers to take stimulants drugs and depressant drugs at the same time? Explain.

13-   How do hallucinogenic drugs affect a person? Name five effects.

14-   Give two examples of this drug.

15-   What is the best time for a driver to take hallucinogenic drugs? Explain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health quiz is ready on Engrade

5th and 6th graders, your Health Quiz awaits for you on Engrade.com . 

This is due on Thursday night. See you Friday in class. You are not allowed to talk to each other about the quiz, but you can use your old assignments to answer the questions on the quiz.

coach Batista