MODULE 2INTRODUCTION TO

PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE

Curriculum 1
Physiology and Pharmacology for
Addiction Professionals
The Colombo Plan Asian Centre for Certification and Education of Addiction Professionals Training Series
Curriculum 1
2.2
Module 2 Learning Objectives
Define psychoactive substance
List general ways in which psychoactive
substances affect mood, thoughts, and behavior
List the four main categories (classes) of
psychoactive substances and several substances
within each
List the methods of administering psychoactive
substances
Discuss the levels of progression of substance
use

2.3
Psychoactive Substances
Affect the bodys central nervous system
Change how people behave or perceive what
is happening around them



2.4
Central Nervous System
2.5
BloodBrain Barrier
Large, water-
soluble
molecules are
blocked
Small, fat-soluble
molecules can enter
2.6
Pharmacology
Studies the effects of medications and other
substances on the body and the brain
2.7
Half-Life
The amount of time it takes to eliminate half of
the original dose of a substance from the body

2.8
Other Factors
A persons age, the length of time a person
has regularly used a substance, and the
amount of a substance regularly used affect
how the body:
Absorbs psychoactive substances
Metabolizes them
Eliminates them

2.9
Psychoactive Substances
Psychoactive substances alter:
Mood
Thoughts
Sensory perceptions
Behavior

2.10
Effects of Psychoactive Substances
Can be positive or negative
Depend to a large extent on the type of
substance used
2.11
Drug Classes: Examples
Stimulants Opioids
(narcotics)
Depressants Hallucinogens
Cocaine Heroin

Alcohol

LSD
Amphetamine Morphine

Barbiturates

Mescaline
Peyote
Methamphetamine
Opium

Benzodiazepines

Ecstasy

Nicotine,
Caffeine


Demerol
Gamma-
Hydroxybutyrate
(GHB); Rohypnol
Mushrooms
2.12
Legal Substances
Just because a substance is legal does not
mean it is safer than an illegal substance

2.13
Other
Some drugs do not fit neatly into a category:
Cannabinoids (marijuana, hashish)
Khat/Miraa
Dissociative anesthetics (phencyclidine [PCP],
ketamine)
Inhalants solvents, gases, nitrites

2.14
Routes of Administration
Swallowing
Snorting
Smoking
Inhaling fumes
Intramuscular (IM) injection
Subcutaneous (SC) injection
Intravenous (IV) injection
Topical
Sublingual

2.15
Routes of Administration
The faster the drug hits the brain, the greater
and more reinforcing its effect

2.16
Speed of Action
Smoking: 710 seconds
Intravenous injecting: 1530 seconds
Injecting into the muscle or under the skin: 35
minutes
2.17
Speed of Action
Mucous membrane absorption (snorting,
rectal): 35 minutes
Swallowing: 2030 minutes
Absorbed through skin: Slowly over a long
period

2.18
Small-Group Exercise: Routes of
Administration
Form small groups
As a group, develop a list of any five
psychoactive substances
For each substance, list the most common
routes of administration used in your area
Keep in mind that some substances have
more than one route of administration
2.19

Break
15 minutes
2.20
Progression of Use
Experimental/recreational use
Circumstantial/Occasional use
Intensified/regular use
Compulsive/addictive use

2.21
Learning Assessment
Write one quiz question about todays material
on a piece of paper
2.22
Journal
What did you learn today that you did not
already know?
How might you apply what you learned to your
job?
What questions do you still have?