Substance Abuse Notes

Can you name some substances that people abuse?

Definitions:Substance Abuse: Use of a substance that causes physical and psychological addiction.

Addiction: Short-term benefits but long-term destruction.

AddictionPhysical: Increased tolerance to the drug by the body. The user is addicted to how their body functions when they use the drug. Withdrawal symptoms occur when quitting.

AddictionWithdrawal symptoms?

Can range in severity from a headache to death. It depends on many factors; the main two being the person and the drug. It is not guaranteed that two people will react the same way to the same substance.

AddictionPsychological: The brain perceives the need for the drug in order to function. The user is addicted to the feelings and mood the drug puts them in. (Marijuana is addictive!)

How to know if someone is addicted:Feeling the need to do the behavior.

Failed attempts to quitSpending money on it if they don’t have it

Hiding the behaviorNeglecting obligations

Types of Drugs: DepressantsEffects:

Slows down the body’s vital functions (breathing, heart rate…)

Examples:MarijuanaAlcoholHeroin

Types of Drugs: StimulantsEffects:

Speeds up the body’s vital functions.

Examples:CocaineMethamphetam

ineNicotineCaffeine

Types of Drugs: HallucinogensEffects:

Effects how the brain perceives time, reality and the environment around you.

Examples:LSD (Acid)PCPEcstasy

Types of Drugs: Club DrugsEffects:

Popular in Night Clubs and Rave parties. Variety of effects from all categories (Depressants, Stimulant, etc…)

ExamplesEcstasyRohypnolGHB

Types of Drugs: InhalantsEffects:

Mixed effects depending on person and substance. Can have very minimal effects up to death, even on the first try.

Examples:Inhalants are

NOT drugs, they are poisons.PaintCleanersMarkersGlue

Types of Drugs: PrescriptionEffects:

Drugs prescribed by a physician and dispersed by a pharmacist.

Examples:Prescription dr

ug Chart