making decisions about drugs and alcohol

© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Chapter Seven: Making Decisions about Drug and Alcohol Use


Drugs

Drug = any substance, natural or artificial, other than food, that by its chemical or physical nature alters structure or function in the living organism

Psychoactive drug = any substance capable of altering feelings, moods, or perceptions


The Process of Addiction

Addictive behavior has three common aspects:• Exposure: Introduced to the drug or behavior

that is considered pleasurable

• Compulsion: Time, energy, and money are spent to pursue the behavior. Normal behavior has already degenerated

• Loss of control: Addicted people lose the ability to control their behavior and results in addiction to more than one drug or behavior


Codependence

Applies to people who are close to an individual who is addicted to something

Characteristics of codependents:• Focused on protecting or coping with the

addict• Lose their sense of identity • Experience stress, often resulting in

chaotic behaviors, addictions, and physical illnesses


Basic Drug Terms and Concepts

Central nervous system

Routes of drug administration

Drug misuse

Drug abuse

Drug dependence


Central Nervous System

Neuron: A nerve cell• Axon: The portion of a neuron that conducts

electrical impulses to the dendrites of adjacent neurons

• Dendrite: The portion of a neuron that receive electrical stimuli from adjacent neurons

Synapse: The location at which an electrical impulse from one neuron is transmitted to an adjacent neuron

Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that transfer electrical impulses across the synapses between nerve cells


Action of Psychoactive Drugs on the Central Nervous System


Drug Misuse and Abuse

Drug misuse: Inappropriate use of legal drugs intended to be medications• Intentional or unintentional

Drug abuse: Any use of a legal or illegal drug in a way that is detrimental to health or well-being


Drug Dependence

Addiction/physical dependence: Compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a substance, habit, or practice to such a degree that cessation causes severe emotional or physiological reactions• Withdrawal illness: Uncomfortable response of the body as it

attempts to maintain homeostasis in the absence of a drug

• Tolerance: An acquired reaction to a drug in which the continued intake of the same dose has diminished effects

Psychological dependence: Craving a drug for emotional reasons and to maintain a sense of well-being

Intoxication: Dysfunctional and disruptive changes in physiological and psychological functioning, mood, and cognitive processes


Six Categories of Psychoactive Drugs

1. Stimulants

2. Depressants

3. Hallucinogens

4. Cannabis

5. Narcotics

6. Inhalants


Past Month Use of Selected Psychoactive Drugs among Americans 12 and Older


Stimulants

Key actions: Stimulate the function of the central nervous system• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, brain function

• Feelings of energy, exhilaration

Examples: • Cocaine

• Amphetamine

• Methamphetamine

• Caffeine

• Ritalin

• Ephedra


Depressants

Key actions: Slow the function of the central nervous system• Reduced heart and breathing rates, blood pressure

• Lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment

• Sedation, drowsiness, loss of consciousness

Examples:• Barbiturates

• Rohypnol

• Alcohol

• Tranquilizers

• GHB


Hallucinogens

Key actions: Altered states of feeling and perception (hallucinations, distortions of reality)• Increased temperature, heart rate, blood pressure• Weakness, tremors, nervousness, paranoia• Synesthesia (sensation of combining of the senses)

Examples: • LSD• PCP• Peyote• Ecstasy and designer drugs


Cannabis

Active ingredient: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Key actions: • Euphoria, confusion• Slowed thinking and reaction time• Impaired balance and coordination• Cough, frequent respiratory infections

Examples: • Hashish• Marijuana


Narcotics (Opiates)

Key actions:• Relief of pain, euphoria• Reduced heart rate and blood pressure• Sedation, drowsiness, confusion

Natural and synthetic; derived from the Oriental poppy plant

Examples: • Opium• Morphine• Heroin• Oxycodone


Inhalants

Volatile compounds Key actions:

• Unpredictable, drunklike effects; aggression• Euphoria• Damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems

Examples: • Gasoline• Glues• Paint• Aerosol propellants• Nitrites (“laughing gas”)


Combination Drug Effects

Synergistic effect = heightened or exaggerated effect produced by the concurrent use of two or more drugs

Additive effect = combined (but not exaggerated) effect produced by concurrent use of two or more drugs

Potentiated effect = the use of one drug intensifies the effect of a second drug

Antagonistic effect = effect produced when one drug reduces or offsets the effects of a second drug


The Nature of Alcoholic Beverages

Ethyl alcohol or ethanol• Produced through fermentation• May be concentrated through distillation

Alcohol content• Beer: 4%• Wine: 10-14%• Port, sherry: 20%• Distilled liquors: 40-100%

Proof = Twice the alcohol concentration


The Nature of Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol = central nervous system depressant• May appear to act as a stimulant in social

situations because it depresses the inhibitory centers of the brain


Physiological Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Absorbed primarily in small intestine

Factors that influence absorption • Strength of beverage

• Number of drinks consumed

• Speed of consumption

• Presence of food

• Body chemistry

• Race/ethnicity

• Gender

Metabolized in the liver


Gender and Alcohol Absorption

Women absorb more alcohol more quickly than men• Less alcohol dehydrogenase

• Proportionately more body fat

• Proportionately less body water

• Effects of menstrual cycle


Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

BAC = percentage of alcohol in a measured quantity of blood

BAC rises when alcohol is consumed faster than it is metabolized by the liver• BAC: 0.05% Changes in behavior

• BAC: 0.10% Decrease in motor function

• BAC: 0.25% Body starts to shut down

Acute alcohol intoxication = potentially fatal elevation of BAC, often resulting from heavy, rapid consumption of alcohol


Alcohol Poisoning

Danger signs: Call 911• After heavy drinking in a short period of time• Unconsciousness, deep stupor• Shock• Vomiting• Weak, rapid pulse• Irregular breathing, pale or bluish skin

Continue monitoring anyone who has passed out


Patterns of Alcohol Use

Reasons people drink• Effective, affordable, legal

psychoactive drug

• Reduced inhibitions

• Associated with positive events and characteristics, “good times”


College Drinking: Negative Consequences


Current, Binge, and Heavy Alcohol Use among Persons Ages 12 or Older


How Much Alcohol Do College Students Really Drink?


Alcohol Related Problems

Alcohol-related medical problems• Effects of chronic use

• Fetal alcohol syndrome

Alcohol-related psychological problems• Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence)

• Alcohol abuse

Alcohol-related social problems• Accidents

• Crime and violence

• Suicide

Alcohol-related family problems


Effects of Alcohol Use on the Body


Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)

Alcohol crosses the placenta and can cause birth defects in unborn children

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)• Low birth weight

• Mental retardation

• Facial abnormalities

• Heart problems

Fetal alcohol effects (FAE)• Partial expression of FAS


Fetal Alcohol Syndrome


Alcohol-Related Psychological Problems

Alcohol dependence (alcoholism)• Primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial,

and environmental influences• Tolerance, withdrawal, pattern of compulsive use• Physical addiction, serious health effects

Alcohol abuse• Pattern of drinking that creates personal difficulties or

difficulties for other people—harmful consequences• Consequences/indications

Missing classes, reduced academic performance Blackouts Legal problems


Alcohol-Related Social Problems

Accidents• Motor vehicle collisions

• Falls

• Drowning

• Fires and burns

Crime and Violence

Suicide


Responsible Use of Alcohol

Becoming a responsible drinker• Avoid parties with heavy drinking and people

who are drinking heavily

• Choose non-alcoholic drinks

• Participate with others in positive activities


Drug Testing

Increasingly popular prevention tool

Federal employees and contractors

Many private companies test to screen job applicants or monitor employee drug use


Treatment and Intervention

College or University health centers Community programs Hospital facilities Private facilities

Inpatient vs. outpatient treatment Self-help groups


Chapter Seven: Making Decisions about Drug and Alcohol Use

making decisions about drugs and alcohol

Health & Medicine