Drugs

DRUGS

STATE OF ARTS


Alterated States of consciousness due to drugs

Since antiquity the man has make use of drugs to alter its consciousness because of many reasons like social, personal or religious. In American culture the use of some substances to alter the behavior are considered normal in certain circumstances. In some groups they use regularly illegal substances like marijuana,cocaine and amphetamines. From ancient times, we can recognize the problems ocasionated by drugs abuse.


Use, abuse and dependence of substances

The term abuse of substances is used to refer to the big quantity of drugs that decrease the capacity to realize the respective obligations in home, work or school. The constant abuse of drugs can create the compulsive use of them, which is calleddependence of substances. The causes of the abuse and dependence are complex and generally they are caused by some combination of biological, psychological and social factors that vary depending the individual and the substance.


How does the drug effects are studied

Drug effects usually are studied in scientific conditions severely controlled. In almost all the cases the scientific comparesthe behavior of before and after of the administration of the drug; and he makes sure that the effects are caused exclusively by the drug.
Because of the effects that some drugs cause, it’s convenient to classify them in the categories of depressants like alcohol and opiates; stimulants like nicotine and cocaine; and hallucinogens like LSD or marijuana.


Facts about Prescription Drug AbuseEvery kind of medication can be effective when they are used properly, but if it is given an incorrect use to them, some can be addictive and dangerous for the consumer. That’s why drugs that are used to medical purpose shouldn’t be selled to every people only to people who have an evidence of the medical prescription. People who have a prescription have to use them correctly and take thenecessary preventions to avoid the addiction.


What types of prescription drugs are misused or abused?

The three types of drugs which are the most misused are:

• Opioids: These drugs are commonly prescript for pain relief.
• CNS depressants: barbiturates and benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems, often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers.
• Stimulants: prescribedfor attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity.


How can you help prevent prescription drug misuse or abuse?

• Keep your doctor informed about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
• Take your medication(s) as prescribed.
• Read the information your pharmacist provides before starting to take medications.• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medication, especially if you are unsure about its effects.


Prescription Medications

Prescription drug abuse means taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you, or taking it for reasons other than as prescribed. Abuse of prescription drugs can produce serious health effects, including addiction. Commonly abused classes ofprescription medications include opioids used for pain, central nervous system depressants used for anxiety and sleep disorders, and stimulants used for ADHD and narcolepsy.


Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug addiction is a brain disease. Even initial drug use is voluntary, abuse of drugs have been shown to alter gene expression and brain circuitry, which in turn affect human behavior.Once addiction develops, these brain changes interfere with an individual’s ability to make voluntary decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving, seeking and use.
The impact of addiction can be far reaching. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease can all be affected by drug abuse. Some of these effects occur when drugs are used at high doses or after...