Drug & Alcohol Dependence

Broadly defined as any chemical entity or mixture of entities, not required for the
maintenance of health, that alter the biological function or structure when administrated.
Addictive?
 If it causes, “uncontrollable compulsive drug seeking & use, even in the face of negative
health & social consequences.”
Results from both psychological and physical dependence on the drug
6 Categories of Psychoactive Drug
1. Depressants
2. Stimulants
3. Hallucinogens
4. Cannabis
5. Narcotics
6. Inhalants

Depressants
 Key actions: Slow the function of the central nervous system
 Reduced heart and breathing rates, blood pressure
 Lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment
 Sedation, drowsiness, loss of consciousness
 Examples:
 Barbiturates
 Rohypnol
 Alcohol
 Tranquilizers
 GHB
Stimulants
 Key actions: Stimulate the function of the central nervous system
 Increased heart rate, blood pressure, brain function
 Feelings of energy, exhilaration
 Examples:
 Cocaine
 Amphetamine
 Methamphetamine
 Caffeine
 Ritalin
 Ephedra
Hallucinogens
 Key actions: Altered states of feeling and perception (hallucinations, distortions of
reality)
 Increased temperature, heart rate, blood pressure
 Weakness, tremors, nervousness, paranoia
 Synesthesia (sensation of combining of the senses)
 Examples:
 LSD
 PCP
 Peyote
 Ecstasy and designer drugs
Cannabis
 Active ingredient: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
 Key actions:
 Euphoria, confusion
 Slowed thinking and reaction time
 Impaired balance and coordination
 Cough, frequent respiratory infections
 Examples:
 Hashish
 Marijuana
Narcotics (Opiates)
 Key actions:
 Relief of pain, euphoria
 Reduced heart rate and blood pressure
 Sedation, drowsiness, confusion
 Natural and synthetic; derived from the Oriental poppy plant
 Examples:
 Opium
 Morphine
 Heroin
 Oxycodone
Inhalants
 Volatile compounds
 Key actions:
 Unpredictable, drunklike effects; aggression
 Euphoria
 Damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems
 Examples:
 Gasoline
 Glues
 Paint
 Aerosol propellants
 Nitrites (“laughing gas”)
 Alcohol Related Problems
 Alcohol-related medical problems
 Effects of chronic use
 Fetal alcohol syndrome
 Alcohol-related psychological problems
 Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence)
 Alcohol abuse
 Alcohol-related social problems
 Accidents
 Crime and violence
 Suicide
 Alcohol-related family problems

Physiological Effects of Alcohol Consumption

 Absorbed primarily in small intestine

 Factors that influence absorption
 Strength of beverage
 Number of drinks consumed
 Speed of consumption
 Presence of food
 Body chemistry
 Race/ethnicity
 Gender
Gender & Alcohol Absorption
 Women absorb more alcohol more quickly than men
 Less alcohol dehydrogenase
 Proportionately more body fat
 Proportionately less body water
 Effects of menstrual cycle

Physiological Effects of Alcohol Consumption

 Absorbed primarily in small intestine

 Factors that influence absorption
 Strength of beverage
 Number of drinks consumed
 Speed of consumption
 Presence of food
 Body chemistry
 Race/ethnicity
 Gender
 Metabolized in the liver
The Nature of Alcoholic Beverages
 Ethyl alcohol or ethanol
 Produced through fermentation
 May be concentrated through distillation
 Alcohol content
 Beer: 4%
 Wine: 10-14%
 Port, sherry: 20%
 Distilled liquors: 40-100%
 Proof = Twice the alcohol concentration

The Process of Addiction

 Addictive behavior has three common aspects:
 Exposure: Introduced to the drug or behavior that is considered pleasurable
 Compulsion: Time, energy, and money are spent to pursue the behavior. Normal
behavior has already degenerated
 Loss of control: Addicted people lose the ability to control their behavior and results in
addiction to more than one drug or behavior
 Recognition of Addict
Acute Intoxication:-
• Staggering gait
• Slurred Speech
• Tremors
• Outbursts of violence
• Respiratory difficulties.
• Coma

Withdrawal Symptoms:-
• Aches/Pains
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness/Confusion
• Lack of sleep
• Convulsions

Psycho Social Disturbances:-

• Chronic III Health
• Change in personal habits
• Loss of personal social &Occupational responsibilities
• Behavioural problems
• Change in routine
• Slipping academy or work performance inc , absentism
• Appearance of erratic or irritable emotions.
• Shrinkage of interests.
• Lack of personal hygiene.
• Inc money requirement, eg, borrowing , stealing , saling things.
• Withdrawal from usual family & social activities.
• Restricting to new and few friends(drug sub culture)

In Suspected Case Look For

• H/o drug abuse (relatives)

• Signs of self-mutilation e.g. Burn marks on fingers
• condition of pupil
• signs of intoxication/withdrawal
• malnutrition
• Evasiveness in Response
Thank you