Drug Use, Abuse and
Misuse
Why do people use drugs ?
Enjoyment - they enjoy the short-term effects
Excitement - risk taking
As declaration of independence
Adventure
Boredom
Drugs are easily available
Altered feelings produced by drug interaction with brain
chemistry
Drug Use, Abuse and Misuse cont.
The Feelings From Drug Use
Codeine and Morphine
Alcohol
Amphetamines
LSD
Drug Use, Abuse and Misuse Cont.
Drug Abuse
The over use of prescribed drugs
Use of illegal substances such as marijuana,
cocaine or heroin
Involves the repeated and excessive use of a drug
to produce pleasure or escape reality despite its
destructive effects
Drug Use, Abuse and Misuse Cont.
Drug Misuse
Use of any drug (legal or illegal) for a medical or
recreational purpose when other alternatives are
available.
Drug misuse is the taking of a drug in damaging
quantities or in quantities other than prescribed dosage.
Misusing drugs can lead to physical dependency or
psychological dependency.
Drug Use, Abuse and Misuse Cont.
How do you know if you have a problem
with drug misuse?
continually increasing your dose to achieve the
same effect.
Feeling afraid to stop taking the drug.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you do stop
taking it abruptly
Drug Use, Abuse and Misuse Cont.
Drug Dependence
Physical Dependence
Psychosocial Dependence
Drug Use, Abuse and Misuse Cont.
Common neurological effects of drug
abuse
Impaired memory and learning ability
Poor concentration, confusion
Panic attacks
Impaired motor function
Seizures
Depression
Drug Use, Abuse and Misuse Cont.
Common physical effects of drug abuse
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure: slowed
from depressants, elevated from other drugs
Loss of appetite, abnormal weight loss
Danger to heart, liver, kidneys
Hormonal changes
Chest pain, stomach cramps