10 Human Health and Diseases - part 11 - Drugs Abuse

 

10 Human Health and Diseases - part 11 - Drugs Abuse

Drugs Abuse :

• Surveys and statistics show that use of drugs and alcohol has been on the rise especially among the youth. 
• This is really a cause of concern as it could result in many harmful effects. 
• Proper education and guidance would enable youth to safeguard themselves against these dangerous behaviour pattern and follow healthy lifestyle. 
• The drugs, which are commonly abused, are opioids, cannabinoids and alkaloids of coca.

a. Opioids :

• These drugs binds to opioid receptors present in central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. 
• Heroin, otherwise called smack is chemically di-acetyl morphine. 
• It is extracted from latex of poppy plant Papaver somniferum. 
• Heroin is depressent and slows down the activity of body.

b. Cannabinoids :

• Interact with receptors present in brain. 
• Inhalation and ingestion of these substances affect the cardiovascular system. 
• These are obtained from inflorescences and the parts of Cannabis sativa. 
• Marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja are other different forms of drugs obtained from this plant.

c. Cocain :

• This is an alkaloid obtained from coca plant- Erythroxylum coca. 
• It increases level of neurotransmitter-dopamine. 
• Its excessive dosage causes extreme happiness, irritability, paranoia.

Hallucinogens (mind expanding drugs) :

• These are alkaloids causing day-dreaming.
• Lycergic acid and cannabis are hallucinogenic substances. 
• Atropa bellodona and Datura spp. also have hallucinogenic properterties.
• Hallucination are unreal perceptions of unreal object due to the disorder of nervous system.

Do u know ?

• Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamine, benzo-diazepins, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are derived from plant Cannabis sativa are used as a medicine. 
• It help the patient in contracting insomnia and depression.

Addiction and Dependence :

• Because of the perceived benefits, drugs are used repeatedly. 
• The most important thing, which one fails to realize, is the inherent addictive nature of alcohol and drugs. 
•  Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being –associated with drugs and alcohol.
• These drive people to take them even when these are not needed, or even when their use becomes self-destructive. 
• With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the receptors present in our body increases.
• Consequently the receptors respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction.
•  However, it should be clearly borne in mind that use of these drugs even once, can lead to addiction. 
• In the absence of any guidance or counselling, the person gets addicted and becomes dependent on their use. 
• Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular dose of drugs/ alcohol is abruptly discontinued.
• This is characterized by anxiety, trembling, nausea and sweating, which may be relieved when use is resumed.

Effects of Drug/ Alcohol Abuse :

• The immediate adverse effects of drugs and alcohol abuse are manifested in the form of reckless behaviour, vandalism and violence.
• Excessive doses of drugs may lead to coma and death due to respiratory failure, heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage. 
• A combination of drugs or their intake along with alcohol generally results in overdose and even deaths.
• The most common warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse among youth include drop in academic performance, unexplained absence from school/college, lack of interest in personal hygiene, withdrawal, isolation, depression, fatigue, aggressive and rebellious behaviour, deteriorating relationships with family and friends, loss of interest in hobbies, change in sleeping and eating habits, fluctuations in weight, appetite, etc.
• There may even be some far-reaching implications of drug/alcohol abuse. 
• If an abuser is unable to get money to buy drugs/ alcohol he/she may turn to crime. 
• At times, a drug/alcohol addict becomes the cause of mental and financial distress to his/her entire family and friends.
• Those who take drugs intravenously (direct injection into the vein using a needle and syringe) are likely to acquire serious infections like HIV and hepatitis B. 
• Use of alcohol during adolescence may also have long-term effects like loss balance, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis. 
• It could lead to heavy drinking in adulthood. 
• Chronic use of drugs and alcohol damages nervous system and liver (cirrhosis). 
• Use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy adversely affects the foetus.
• Another misuse of drugs is that certain sports persons use drugs to enhance performance. 
• They (mis)use narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics and certain hormones to increase muscle strength and bulk and to promote aggressiveness and overall improvement in their performance.

Side-effects of the use of anabolic steroids :

•  in females include masculinization (features like males), increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth on the face and body, enlargement of clitoris, deepening of voice.
• In males it includes acne, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, and reduction of size of the testicles, decreased sperm production, kidney and liver dysfunction, breast enlargement, premature baldness, enlargement of the prostate gland. 
• These effects may be permanent with prolonged use.

Prevention and Control :

• The age-old adage (i.e. proverb) is ‘prevention is better than cure’ holds true for all addictions. 
• It is also true that habits such as smoking, taking drug or alcohol are more likely to be taken up at a young age, more during adolescence. 
• It is best to identify the situations that push an adolescent towards use of drugs or alcohol, and to take remedial measures well in time. 
• In this regard, the parents and the teachers have a special responsibility.