By: Ariana Caldarone and Alex Enright

Chapter 18:Substance

Abuse and Misuse

Drug: any substance, other than food, intended to affect body function

• Drugs can be legal or illegal.

Medication: a drug given therapeutically to prevent or treat a disease it otherwise enhance mental or physical well-being

Introduction

Substance Abuse: the deliberate, persistent, and excessive use of a substance without regard to health concerns or accepted medical practices

Substance Misuse: the use of a substance for unintended purposes or for appropriate purposes but in improper amounts or doses• Lives lost (2/3 of all homicides) and money lost (medical care,

insurance, and lost productivity)

Continued

Forms of Substance Abuse or Misuse

Dependency: the desire to continue using a substance • When people are dependent on a drug, they feel like they

need the drug to function normally. Addiction: the compulsive need for a substance• Causes people to suffer mentally, physically or emotionally

without the desired substance

Withdrawal: a condition produced when people stop abusing drug they were once addicted to• Causes severe physical and mental distress• Could be a deliberate decision or because the person couldn’t

obtain the drug• Causes severe physical and mental distress

ContinuedTolerance: when a drug is continually used and its effects begin to decreaseThe abuser needs to increase the amount or frequency of the drug to receive the same desired effect.

Overdose: when someone uses an excessive amount of a substance• Signals: Mania, hysteria, coma or death• Reactions: change in BP, change in heart rate,

sweating, vomiting, and liver failure • Can be intentional or unintentional (Forgotten

dosage v. suicide attempt)

Abused and Misused SubstancesStimulants: speed up physical and mental activity (central nervous system)• Examples: amphetamine, dextroamphetamine,

methamphetamine, cocaine, caffeine and nicotine• Side effects: alertness and suppressed appetite

Hallucinogens: cause change in mood, sensation, thought, emotion and self- awareness (alter perception)• Examples: LSD, shrooms, PCP and peyote• Side effects: depression and anxiety

Depressants: decrease mental and physical activity• Examples: narcotics, alcohol, tranquilizers, ketamine and

sedatives• Side effects: altered levels of consciousness, relieved

anxiety, fatigue, relaxed muscles and impaired coordination/ judgment

ContinuedNarcotics: relieve pain• Examples: morphine, codeine, heroine, oxycodone, opium• Side effects: coma or death• Highly addictive

Inhalants: alter mood and produce a loss of feeling• Examples: propane, acetone, fuel, glue, nail polish remover,

laughing gas• Side effects: slurred speech, lack of coordination, damage to

heart brain and liver

Cannabis Products: produce a feeling of elation• Examples: marijuana, hashish, THC• Side effects: increased appetite, distorted perception,

impaired judgment, reddened eyes, rapid pulse and dizziness

Designer Drugs: variations of other substances• Can be dangerous because when a drug is altered the user can

experience unpredictable side effects• Motives: there are many simple and inexpensive methods

Anabolic Steroids: enhance performance and increase muscle mass• Medical use: stimulate weight gain for people who cannot gain

weight naturally• Side effects: liver cancer, stunted growth, acne and personality

changes

Over the Counter Substances: • Examples: aspirin, nasal sprays, laxatives, etc.• Can be dangerous if misused (Laxatives and Emetics being

misused lead to eating disorders

Continued

Signals of Substance Abuse and Misuse

General signals include:Unexplained behavioral changes, sudden mood changes, restlessness, talkativeness, irritability, changes in consciousness, moist/flush skin, chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, abnormal breathing, hallucinations, fever, headache, high BP, chest pain, anxiousness, trembling, seizures, bloodshot eyes, disoriented.

Care for Substance Abuse and Misuse

a. Check the scene to be sure it is safe to help the person, do not approach if he or she is behaving in a threatening manner

b. Call 911 immediately if the person:I. Is unconscious, confused, or seems to be losing

consciousnessII. Has trouble breathing or is breathing irregularlyIII. Has persistent pain or pressure in chest or abdomenIV. Is vomiting or passing bloodV. Has a seizure, severe headache, or slurred speechVI. Acts violently

c. If none of the above conditions are present, yet you still suspect a substance was taken, call the National Poison Control Center Hotline at (800)222-1222

Continuedd. Try to learn from the person or other witnesses what substances may have been takene. Always remember to try and keep the person calm and reassured

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR0rneaFego

Video

ScenarioYou are at a party to kick off Christmas Break. Everyone seems to be having fun when one of your close friends vomits. You ask her if she is okay or needs any assistance. She tries to respond but her words are slurred and she cannot produce a proper sentence. You ask around if anybody knows if she has taken any substances, but nobody seems to be sure. You approach your friend again to assist her when she completely loses consciousness. What should you do next?

Quick Quiz1. What kind of substance alters perception and

causes a change in mood/ sensation?2. What is the difference between drug use and

drug misuse?3. Methamphetamine is an example of which type

of substance?4. What condition do drug users get when they

stop abusing a drug they were addicted to?5. Can you name five or more general signals of

drug abuse or misuse?