Types of drugs and their effects pdf

Surveys of drug use are usually 1 conservative estimates of prevalence and 2 do not give an indication of the number of people using drugs in problematic ways.

In the clinical setting careful, individualised assessment is required to determine patterns and levels of use. The following provides brief highlights of key drug use patterns see relevant chapters for more detail on specific drugs. A higher level of intake is now considered to be low risk on an occasional basis, ie no more than 6 standard drinks for men and 4 for women, provided certain precautions and restrictions are observed e.

Heavier patterns of consumption are a concern for all health professionals as they are strongly associated with a wide range of acute and chronic harms. Tobacco use amongst Indigenous Australians is 2 to 3 times higher than the broader community. Very few people smoke only occasionally and there is no established safe level of tobacco use.

Early uptake of tobacco smoking by young people is of concern for several reasons including its highly addictive nature.

Amphetamine and ecstasy use has become increasingly prevalent: one in nine males aged years reported using amphetamines in the last 12 months. Males are generally more likely to use, with the exception of teenagers where use by girls is more prevalent than by boys AIHW, It is estimated that in the year there were approximately 74, dependent heroin users or 0. Polydrug Use Until recently it was common to characterise illicit drug use by the drug, or class of drug, primarily used.

For instance, heroin users were identified as a distinct category of user, as were stimulant users. These characterisations are no longer valid. Most illicit drug users are likely to use a variety of substances. Drug substitution also occurs. When there is a shortage of some drugs e. Increased ease of availability of drugs is likely to have contributed to diversity in patterns of use. Certain associations are well recognised; for example: cigarettes and alcohol often go hand in hand, particularly where heavy use of either substance is involved cannabis smokers are almost invariably tobacco smokers although obviously the reverse is not the case heroin users often also take drugs such as cocaine and benzodiazepines, and nearly all heroin users are also cigarette smokers heavy drinkers also often use illicit drugs Many illicit drug users possess sophisticated pharmacological knowledge.

Users often exhibit considerable skill in the titration of various substances when used in concert with one another. Similarly, some substances are less commonly taken when using another preferred drug e. Multiple substance use complicates the assessment process. Signs and symptoms of intoxication for various drugs can be similar. Also concurrent use can complicate withdrawal. Polydrug use also confounds our understanding of dependence problems Gossop, Comprehensive drug use histories are required, and no assumptions should be made about patterns of use or non-use.

It is important to note that most available assessment tools assess dependence and not usually. Careful decisions regarding prioritisation for treatment are needed. Routes of Administration Drugs can be taken in various ways. The mode of administration is a significant mediating factor on the effect of a drug. Various routes of administration are preferred because they can enhance or facilitate drug effects.

Different modes of administration have advantages and disadvantages. The most common routes of administration are: oral ingestion: probably the oldest and the most common form of taking drugs. Advantages are convenience, no special paraphernalia is required and degree of safety for some drugs.

Disadvantages are the slow absorption of some substances chewing: used for coca leaf, tobacco, betel-nut and tea. Absorption occurs across the oral mucosa nasal insufflation: includes snuffing, nasal inhalation or snorting. Absorption is through the nasal mucosa.

Snuffing can be used for cocaine, powdered opium, heroin and tobacco. Sniffing of amyl nitrite occurs, as does sniffing of petrol and other volatile substances smoking: is used for a wide variety of substances including tobacco, cannabis, opium, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and phencyclidine PCP rectal administration: commonly used in medical treatment, it is also a method sometimes used by drug users.

Disadvantages are the potential for irregular, unpredictable and incomplete absorption parenterally via injection : became possible in the late 19th century with the development of the hypodermic needle. Arguably this has irrevocably transformed hedonistic drug use. Administration can be intravenous via a vein , intramuscu-. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Injection carries with it a range of important health risks including transmission of viral and bacterial diseases and tissue damage Harm minimisation strategies provide opportunities to educate users about safer ways to administer drugs.

Safe injecting techniques are especially important. Changing from one route of administration to another may also be a useful stepping stone to cutting down and quitting. Table 11 lists the major psychoactive drugs and describes their intoxication effects and potential adverse health effects. The preference is to avoid the use of negative or value-laden terms, labels or language. As this Handbook is intended for a wide range of health and human services workers terms such as patient and client are used interchangeably.

For more information regarding specific effects of particular drugs, including a discussion of acute effects, high dose effects and effects of chronic use, refer to the individual chapters in Part 2 of this Handbook. The website of the National Institute of Drug Abuse NIDA located in the United States of America contains additional useful information about common names of drugs, routes of administration and references for further reading.

Terminology Throughout this Handbook, you will note some variations in the language used to describe drug and alcohol use and associated problems. In Australia, the preferred terminology is problematic use as this is less pejorative than other terms.

However, some of the international and official classifications. Hazardous Use Hazardous use refers to a pattern of substance use that increases the risk of harmful consequences for the user. Hazardous use refers to patterns of use that are of public health significance despite the absence of any current disorder in the individual user. Harmful Use Harmful use ICD10 is defined as a pattern of psychoactive substance use that is causing damage to health. The damage may be physical e.

Opioids heroin codeine fentanyl morphine methadone buprenorphine pethidine. Other includes: hallucinogens such as LSD; dissociative anaesthetics ketamine, PCP ; inhalants solvents, nitrites and other gases ; steroids. Information about alcohol has been added. The maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12 month period.

Tolerance, as defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance. Withdrawal, as defined by either the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance or where the same or a closely related substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control substance use. A great deal of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain the substance or to recover from its effects. Substance use is continued despite awareness of recurrent problems associated with use. Harmful use commonly, but not invariably, has adverse social consequences.

Social consequences, however, in themselves, are not sufficient to justify a diagnosis of harmful use.

It is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following, occurring within a 12 month period: failure to fulfil major role obligations use in situations in which it is physically hazardous recurrent substance-related legal problems.

Substance Dependence Substance dependence on the other hand, is defined APA, as a characteristic set of cognitive, behavioural and physiological signs in which the individual will continue to use the substance despite considerable related problems. Tolerance has developed and withdrawal symptoms are present upon cessation of the drug. The actual criteria for dependence are. It is important to note that many problems associated with the use of alcohol or other psychoactive drugs do not involve dependence.

That is, you do not need to be dependent on a drug to experience harms from its use. While not all health professionals discriminate against drug users, poor treatment and discriminatory practices have been identified as primary barriers to accessing health care.

Negative attitudes are often based on stereotypes and fears. Such stereotypes can result in discrimination, stigma and marginalisation. Like other groups in the community, drug users are a diverse group with differing needs and backgrounds. In the health care context, recognising the diverse needs of every individual is critical to professional and effective treatment and ensures appropriate standards of care are met.

Drug Users Rights Treating all illicit drug users as drug seeking, unreliable and disruptive will not result in a positive outcome for either the person. Participation in an illegal behaviour does not mean that individuals surrender their basic health and human rights. Illicit drug users should be treated in the same way as other people, that is, as individuals with specific needs requiring information and communication on all options, professional diagnosis and where appropriate, treatment.

Medical practitioners and nurses are ideally placed to: provide relevant information about drugs and alcohol to all patients identify drug- and alcohol-related problems provide interventions refer for specialist assessment and treatment when required; and coordinate care and follow up patients over time There is a growing body of evidence about the effectiveness of interventions and benefits of treatment that medical practitioners and nurses can provide.

These include: screening assessment information and advice brief interventions for tobacco, alcohol and to a lesser extent cannabis detoxification, including home detoxification pharmacotherapy for tobacco, alcohol and opioid dependence counselling, including motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention referral to clinicians with specialist skills in drug and alcohol follow-up monitoring and care coordination These interventions have been shown to be effective in specialist and non-specialist settings.

For clinicians with specific drug and alcohol competencies, a more comprehensive role in the care of patients can be undertaken including: management of intoxication and withdrawal motivational interviewing management of detoxification pharmacotherapy treatments counselling treatment of medical comorbidities. Other Frontline Workers The complexity and diversity of problems associated with alcohol and drug use has increased substantially over the past decade.

The potential support and intervention roles for health and human services workers has increased accordingly. Evidence for the efficacy of early intervention has been well established and identifies an important role for any professional in a position to intervene for alcohol and drug problems.

Key professional groups identified as pivotal frontline workers include: alcohol and other drug specialist workers general health workers such as medical practitioners, nurses, Indigenous health workers and psychologists volunteer workers in a variety of community groups including parent and family groups, self-help groups, church groups and counselling support groups police and law enforcement personnel welfare professionals, including social workers, youth workers and other community-based workers teachers and education personnel It is no longer assumed that support and intervention for alcohol and other drug AOD problems is the exclusive province of specialist professionals.

While interventions and treatments have become more specific and technical in recent years most notably in relation to pharmacological interventions there is also an expanded role for generalist frontline workers especially from a prevention, harm minimisation and early intervention perspective.

Patterns and correlates of use are often quite different and health care needs more complex than for the wider community. Proportionately fewer Indigenous people drink than in the Australian community at large.

However, amongst those who consume alcohol the majority do so at hazardous and harmful levels, often drinking heavily on a single occasion. There is often intense social pressure for Indigenous drinkers to continue to drink. Relatedness to others is deeply embedded within Aboriginal social life and sharing alcohol and increasingly other drugs naturally plays an important part in this. Public pressure to share and socialise around alcohol is very strong, and those who try to moderate or give up may be criticised.

Health care workers can be valuable aids in supporting moderate use or cessation. Prevalence of tobacco smoking is 2 to 3 times higher than the national average, and there are very high rates of cannabis yarndi, ganya use. It has also been recognised recently that rates of injecting drug use amongst young Indigenous people have grown exponentially and are associated with very high levels of diseases such as hepatitis C. There are also increasing levels of use of other drugs such as heroin with high levels of needle sharing.

Health professionals should not feel constrained e. As is the case with any patient or client, such advice should be offered sensitively and in a non-judgmental manner, and avoid any. Research into selfquitting amongst Indigenous people suggests that health care workers can be more influential than they think see Table A persons cultural background i. Different cultures vary in their attitudes to and use of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol consumption, for example, varies greatly within and between countries.

In Italy, for instance wine is commonly consumed with meals but intoxication is not accepted. Some cultures favour the use of drugs little known in Australia e. In many Asian countries, the traditional use of opioids once tended to be by smoking.

However, this is rapidly changing with injecting becoming increasingly common among Asian populations. Religious affiliation may also be relevant. Religious observance is often an important aspect of culture, and may play a part in the manner and extent of drug use.

A person of Islamic background for instance may develop a problem with alcohol, but be less willing to discuss it and may fear community criticism. Avoids the potential stigma of attending an identified alcohol and other drug service, and provides the necessary confidentiality.

Indigenous patients expect doctors and health care workers to talk honestly about their health problems, to diagnose and give advice. It is particularly important to link the presenting problem with alcohol- or drug-related problems where possible, as patients knowledge about these links may be minimal.

Medical practitioners in particular are known to have specialised knowledge of the body. This invests them with considerable authority amongst Indigenous people, and provides doctors with significant potential to motivate for change in drinking and other drug use behaviour. Linking advice on alcohol consumption to the individuals presenting problem is more influential than a general talk about alcohol awareness. Indigenous patients seem to respond well to offers of biological tests, the results of which provide objective proof of the harmful effects of alcohol misuse.

Alcohol acts on the receptors of GABA enhancing its inhibitory action of the central nervous system and provoking a general cerebral slowdown. In addition, it also acts on the glutamatergic synapses , canceling out its excitatory action, which would increase the depression of the central nervous system. It also acts on the reward system by attaching to opioid and cannabinoid receptors, which would explain its enhancing effects.

Nicotine has activating effects and mental alertness; contrary to what is usually thought has no relaxing effect. Alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system this produces relaxation, drowsiness and diminution of reflexes, at the cognitive level causes social disinhibition, therefore it is usually taken in social gatherings and parties.

Both nicotine and alcohol produce physical and psychological dependence. Nicotine produces long-term changes in cholinergic receptors and alcohol in GABAergics, this explains the physical dependence they cause.

Psychological dependence is explained by the fact that both substances act on the reward system. Yes, both drugs cause tolerance by promoting the interval between taking and taking is getting shorter and doses are increasing. When a smoker starts smoking a cigar the reward system starts up and begins to segregate dopamine, which produces pleasure. But when the cigar is finished, the dopamine receptors are desinsibilized to adapt to the amount of dopamine, so that they temporarily become inactive and begin to suffer the typical nervousness of withdrawal.

This inactivation lasts about 45 minutes the time it takes for a smoker to light up the next cigarette , so there are 20 cigarettes in each package, so it can last a full day. As alcohol slows the brain by stimulating GABA receptors the body itself defends itself by removing these receptors to attenuate their inhibition. This way when the person no longer consumes alcohol has fewer GABA receptors than normal. This causes nervousness, tremors, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, sweats, tachycardia, hypertension, etc.

And may lead to delirium tremens and memory disorder associated with alcoholism, Korsakoff syndrome. Hallucinogens can be of two types, which mainly affect the serotonergic system such as LSD and those that mainly affect the noradrenergic and dopaminergic system such as amphetamine and MDMA.

Although in reality all these systems are connected and are interacting as we will see below. As an example of the mode of action of the hallucinogens we will expose the action of LSD. This compound binds to the 5HT2A receptors serotonin receptors and causes a hypersensitivity of sensory perceptions. It also affects glutamate which is an accelerator of brain activity, its activation explains the rapidity of thinking and problems of reasoning.

The activation of the dopamine circuits explains the sensation of euphoria. The Ecstasy acts on serotonin, an important regulator of mood. It blocks the serotonin transporter, preventing its reuptake. Excess serotonin causes a feeling of joy and empathy but serotonin reserves are completely emptied, neurons can no longer function as before and when this occurs the individual feels a kind of sadness and heaviness that can last up to 2 days.

Intoxication with hallucinogens can cause visual illusions, macropsy and micropsy, emotional and emotional lability, subjective slowing of the time, intensification of the perception of colors and sounds, depersonalization, derealization and sensation of lucidity. In addition to physiological level can cause anxiety , nausea, tachycardia, increased blood pressure and body temperature.

Ecstasy acts on the striatum facilitating the movements and creating certain euphoria, also acts on the amygdala which explains the disappearance of the fears and the act of empathy. In the long term, the prefrontal cortex damages serotonergic neurons where it could be neurotoxic, causing irreversible damage that could degenerate into depression. Overdose of these substances can produce extremely high temperatures, seizures and coma. No evidence has been found that they produce physical dependence, but psychological.

Yes, in addition tolerance is created quickly, sometimes after a single dose. No evidence has been found that they produce withdrawal syndrome. Yes, they can be used for example to help patients suffering from the syndrome of post-traumatic stress as acting in the amygdala does on fear and reduces or eliminates the duration of its effect, which would give them time to people With this syndrome to treat and face fear without stress.

The downside to this is that, even in small doses, ecstasy is neurodegenerative to the brain. Types of drugs So what really separates these types of drugs is the dose that the user takes.

Brain effects Cannabis release releases cannabinoids that interact with cannabinoid receptors which in turn trigger the release of dopamine from the reward system, specifically the nucleus accumbens. Behavioral effects Its main behavioral effects at low doses are euphoria, decrease of certain pains for example ocular , decrease of anxiety, sensitivity to colors and accentuate sounds, short-term memory loss recent memories , Movements slow down, stimulation of appetite and thirst and loss of consciousness of time.

Data of interest Does it lead to dependency? Does it provoke tolerance? Does it cause withdrawal? Can it cause schizophrenia? Can it be used as a therapeutic agent? If you want to know more about this type of drugs I recommend the following video: 2- Opiates The opioids are derived resin poppy plant or opium substances. It can be ingested in almost any way, can be eaten, smoked, injected … The most common opiate is heroin, which is usually administered Intravenously, this type of administration is especially dangerous because the necessary hygienic measures are not usually followed and diseases can be spread.

Behavioral effects The effects of opiates can range from calm to analgesia both physical and psychological. Information on commonly used drugs with the potential for misuse or addiction can be found here. For drug use trends, see our Trends and Statistics page. Ayahuasca A tea made in the Amazon from a plant Psychotria viridis containing the hallucinogen DMT, along with another vine Banisteriopsis caapi that contains an MAO inhibitor preventing the natural breakdown of DMT in the digestive system, which enhances serotonergic activity.

It was used historically in Amazonian religious and healing rituals. Central Nervous System Depressants. Medications that slow brain activity, which makes them useful for treating anxiety and sleep problems.

Cocaine A powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. For more information, see the Cocaine Research Report.

DMT Dimethyltriptamine DMT is a synthetic drug that produces intense but relatively short-lived hallucinogenic experiences; it is also found naturally in some South American plants see Ayahuasca. GHB Gamma-hydroxybutyrate GHB is a depressant approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy, a disorder that causes daytime "sleep attacks". Heroin An opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of various opium poppy plants. For more information, see the Heroin Research Report.

Inhalants Solvents, aerosols, and gases found in household products such as spray paints, markers, glues, and cleaning fluids; also prescription nitrites.

For more information, see the Inhalants Research Report. Ketamine A dissociative drug used as an anesthetic in veterinary practice. Dissociative drugs are hallucinogens that cause the user to feel detached from reality. Long-term Ulcers and pain in the bladder; kidney problems; stomach pain; depression; poor memory.

Other Health-related Issues Sometimes used as a date rape drug. Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles. In Combination with Alcohol Increased risk of adverse effects. Withdrawal Symptoms Unknown. Treatment Options Medications There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to ketamine or other dissociative drugs.

Behavioral Therapies More research is needed to find out if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to dissociative drugs. Khat Pronounced "cot," a shrub Catha edulis found in East Africa and southern Arabia; contains the psychoactive chemicals cathinone and cathine.

People from African and Arabian regions up to an estimated 20 million worldwide have used khat for centuries as part of cultural tradition and for its stimulant-like effects. Kratom A tropical deciduous tree Mitragyna speciosa native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain many compounds, including mitragynine, a psychotropic mind-altering opioid. Kratom is consumed for mood-lifting effects and pain relief and as an aphrodisiac.

For more information, see the Kratom DrugFacts. LSD A hallucinogen manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.

LSD is an abbreviation of the scientific name l ysergic acid diethylamide. Marijuana Cannabis Marijuana is made from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The main psychoactive mind-altering chemical in marijuana is deltatetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

For more information, see the Marijuana Research Report. MDMA is an abbreviation of the scientific name 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. For more information, see the Hallucinogens DrugFacts.

Methamphetamine An extremely addictive stimulant amphetamine drug. For more information, see the Methamphetamine Research Report. Over-the-Counter Medicines--Loperamide An anti-diarrheal that can cause euphoria when taken in higher-than-recommended doses.

PCP A dissociative drug developed as an intravenous anesthetic that has been discontinued due to serious adverse effects. PCP is an abbreviation of the scientific name, phencyclidine. Low doses: slight increase in breathing rate; increased blood pressure and heart rate; shallow breathing; face redness and sweating; numbness of the hands or feet; problems with movement. High doses: nausea; vomiting; flicking up and down of the eyes; drooling; loss of balance; dizziness; violence; seizures, coma, and death.

Long-term Memory loss, problems with speech and thinking, loss of appetite, anxiety. In Combination with Alcohol Unknown. Withdrawal Symptoms Headaches, increased appetite, sleepiness, depression. Prescription Opioids Pain relievers with an origin similar to that of heroin.

Opioids can cause euphoria and are often used nonmedically, leading to overdose deaths. Long-term Increased risk of overdose or addiction if misused.

Other Health-related Issues Pregnancy: Miscarriage, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome. Older adults: higher risk of accidental misuse because many older adults have multiple prescriptions, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions, and breakdown of drugs slows with age; also, many older adults are treated with prescription medications for pain.

Prescription Stimulants Medications that increase alertness, attention, energy, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Psilocybin A hallucinogen in certain types of mushrooms that grow in parts of South America, Mexico, and the United States.

Rohypnol has been used to commit sexual assaults because of its strong sedation effects. Salvia A dissociative drug Salvia divinorum that is an herb in the mint family native to southern Mexico. Steroids Anabolic Man-made substances used to treat conditions caused by low levels of steroid hormones in the body and misused to enhance athletic and sexual performance and physical appearance.

Synthetic Cannabinoids A wide variety of herbal mixtures containing man-made cannabinoid chemicals related to THC in marijuana but often much stronger and more dangerous. For more information, see the Synthetic Cannabinoids DrugFacts. Synthetic Cathinones Bath Salts An emerging family of drugs containing one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone, a stimulant found naturally in the khat plant.

Examples of such chemicals include mephedrone, methylone, and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone MDPV. For more information, see the Synthetic Cathinones DrugFacts. Tobacco and Nicotine Tobacco is a plant grown for its leaves, which are dried and fermented before use.

Tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive chemical.