Drug Use and Its Effects

Drug Use and Its Effects

q1.  By what criteria do we say that a drug is being misused or abused? ,

q2.  What types of illicit drugs are most likely to result in an Emergency Room visit? ,

q3.  How does cocaine affect the brain? ,

q4.  What could be the various factors that are responsible for the effects of drugs on the mind and body? ,

q5.  Can LSD result in drug dependence?  Why or why not?

q6.  What are the behavioral patterns of heroin abuse?

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Drug Use and Its Effects

q7.  What are some of the positive effects of marijuana use? What are some of the negative effects?

q8.  Examine and describe some of the factors that influence drug-taking behavior.

q9.  Distinguish between what is meant by acute versus chronic toxic effects of drug abuse.

q10.  Discuss the structure and the functioning of neurons and their role in drug use.

Drug Misuse vs. Abuse
A drug is considered misused when it is taken inappropriately—such as using prescription medication without following medical guidance. Abuse refers to using a substance repeatedly and excessively for non-medical purposes, often to achieve a euphoric state. Abuse typically involves negative consequences in social, physical, or psychological aspects of life. Criteria often include loss of control, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.

Cocaine and the Brain
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that impacts the central nervous system by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to pleasure and reward. This causes an intense but short-lived euphoria. Prolonged use alters brain chemistry, diminishes natural dopamine production, and can lead to paranoia, anxiety, or even psychosis. The high is often followed by a “crash,” causing users to seek more of the drug quickly.

Positive and Negative Effects of Marijuana
Positive effects of marijuana use may include pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved appetite in medical contexts, and relaxation. Medicinal marijuana is used to help with conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and nausea from chemotherapy.
Negative effects include impaired short-term memory, reduced coordination, anxiety, and potential addiction. Long-term use may affect cognitive function and motivation, particularly in adolescents.

Acute vs. Chronic Toxic Effects
Acute toxicity refers to immediate or short-term effects that occur after a single dose or brief use of a drug. Examples include overdose, heart attack, or hallucinations.
Chronic toxicity results from prolonged use and develops over time. This includes liver damage from alcohol, lung disease from smoking, or brain damage from methamphetamine use. Chronic toxicity may be harder to detect initially but is often more damaging in the long run.

Neurons and Their Role in Drug Use