withdrawal. Medical treatment can be given in outpatient or inpatient settings.
The goal for treatment is to get to the point where all mood-altering chemicals
are not used.Drug dependence and abuse both involve the misuse of one or more drugs. These can be prescription medicines and/or illicit drugs.
Drug dependence is addiction. A person keeps using a drug even though
doing so results in problems that affect the person's mind, physical health,
and/or behaviors. Features of drug dependence include:
Drug abuse is the repeated use of a drug that results in distress
and daily living problems. Examples are:
A person can abuse a drug without becoming addicted to it. Addicts, however, usually have distress and the daily problems that result from drug abuse.
See chart below for facts on different drugs.
Drug Facts
|
Type of
Drug - |
Possible |
Dangers
of |
| Cocaine
- Blow, crack, crank, "C", coke, nose candy, rock, white girl |
Increased alertness and energy, euphoria (followed by depression), increased pulse rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, insomnia, irritability, paranoia | Severe depression, convulsions, heart attack, lung damage, hallucinations, coma, brain damage, risk of infection (hepatitis, AIDS) from using contaminated needles, death |
| Depressants - Alcohol (See Alcoholism), barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, downers, ludes, reds, yellow jackets |
Drowsiness, slurred speech, drunkenness, memory loss, sudden mood shifts, depression, lack of coordination | Shallow breathing, dilated pupils, clammy skin, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death |
| Hallucinogens
- Acid, LSD, PCP (angel dust), mescaline, designer drugs: DMT, MDA, STP, MMDA, MDMA, ecstasy, peyote |
Alter mood and perception of time and space, delusions, hallucinations. Can "see sounds" and "hear colors." Rapid mood swings. Feelings of loss of control, helplessness, panic. Elevation in body temperature, heartbeat, and breathing. Blurred vision, tremors, lack of coordination | Brain damage, behavior can be unpredictable, unstable (violent with PCP). Can have flashbacks and re-experience symptoms of past hallucinogen use even though not taking the drug at the present time. Psychosis (unconsciousness, seizure, coma possible with PCP) |
| Inhalants
- Solvents such as gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, nail polish remover; aerosols such as hair sprays, vegetable cooking sprays; anesthetics such as ether, chloroform, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), spray paints, especially gold and silver. {Note: These substances are known as inhalants when the vapors from them are used for the purpose of getting high.} |
Slow heart rate, breathing and brain activity. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision. Euphoria, increased energy, bloodshot eyes, nosebleed | Suffocation, heart failure, unconsciousness, seizures, brain damage, possible death |
| Marijuana - Pot, grass, reefer, herb, jay, joint, smoke, weed and AMP (marijuana mixed with formaldehyde) |
Euphoria, relaxes inhibitions, increases appetite, dry mouth | Feelings of panic, impaired short term memory, decreased ability to concentrate, fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis |
| Narcotics
- Heroin (dope, horse, smack, brown sugar, schoolboy), codeine (also in prescription medicine such as Tylenol with codeine, Robitussin AC), opium (Dovers powder, paregoric), morphine, methadone, Darvon, Percodan, Demerol |
Slowed breathing, heart rate and brain activity. Increase in the body's tolerance to pain. Constipation, euphoria, relaxation, sense of peace. Impaired memory and/or attention span, slurred speech | Lethargy, weight loss. Risk of infection (hepatitis, AIDS) from using contaminated needles. Impaired judgment in social and/or work functioning. Convulsions, coma, possible death |
| Stimulants - Speed, uppers, crank, amphetamines |
Increased alertness, blood pressure, pulse rate. Elevates mood | Fatigue, confusion, agitation, severe anxiety, appetite, and/or weight loss. Hallucinations, convulsions, possible death |
Treatment
Using drugs can cause physical and emotional problems. Drug
use and abuse affects the users and their families, friends, and coworkers.
It is also costly, not only to the drug abusers and their families, but to
their employers as well. If you are drug-dependent or abusing drugs,
get help. You can get help through:
The treatment for drug dependence and abuse varies, and depends on the
drug(s) being used and the person's needs. Types of treatment include:
withdrawal. Medical treatment can be given in outpatient or inpatient settings.
The goal for treatment is to get to the point where all mood-altering chemicals
are not used.
Medical treatment involves the use of a number of things. These
include:
| Do you suspect the person has
taken an overdose of drugs? Is the person not breathing and has no pulse? {Note: See CPR.} 
|
|
| Is the person not breathing,
but has a pulse? {Note: See Airway and Breathing.}
|
|
| Is the person unconscious? {Note: See Unconsciousness.}
|
|
| Is the person hallucinating,
confused, convulsing, breathing slow and shallow and/or slurring their
words?
|
|
| Is the person's personality suddenly
hostile, violent, and aggressive? {Note: Use caution. Protect yourself. Do not turn your back to the victim or move suddenly in front of him or her. If you can, see that the victim does not harm you or himself/herself. Remember, the victim is under the influence of a drug. Call the police to assist you if you cannot handle the situation.}
|
|
Have 3 or more of the following
applied to you in the last 12 months due to drug use?
|
|
| Have you or someone else accidentally
taken more than the prescribed dose of a prescription or over-the-counter
medicine? {Note: If physician is not available, call Poison Control Center. Follow instructions given.}
|
|
Has 1 or more of the following
taken place in the last 12 months due to drug use?
|
|
To Prevent Dependence on Prescription
Medication:
Ways to Lower the Chances of Letting
Drugs Affect Your Life or Someone Else's Life:
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/01
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