Transcript Document
WELCOME BACK CJ 411 Unit 2 seminar Effects of Depressants and Stimulants What role do endorphins play in drug abuse and addiction? What are the various types of depressants and what are their effects on the human body? Should caffeine and alcohol, currently legal stimulants, be deemed illegal? Why, or why not? What are other types of stimulants and what are their effects on the human body? Be prepared to discuss these issues based on what you have learned from the course material and any personal experiences or observations. ENDORPHINS • Endorphin Any of a group of peptide substances secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland that inhibit the perception of painful stimuli. Endorphins act as neurotransmitters in the pain pathways of the brain and spinal cord. Narcotic drugs may stimulate the secretion of endorphins. American Psychological Association (APA): endorphins. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Science Dictionary. Retrieved April 23, 2012, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/endorphins ENDORPHINS • Endorphins enable the organism (including many animals) to deal with psychological stress by curbing an autonomic overreaction and producing calm: • They slow breathing, reduce blood pressure, and lower the level of motor activity • A “deficiency in an endorphin system that ordinarily would support feelings of pleasure and reinforcement might lead to feelings of inadequacy and sadness” (Levinthal 1988: 149), a phenomenon that would make the use of depressants essentially a form of selfmedication. Copyright 2010 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Depressants Depressants are a category of drugs that includes alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives/tranquilizers, and the narcotics. Depressants are typically addicting, and studies have indicated a relationship between certain chemical deficiencies and the propensity for addiction to depressants. Depressants • Depressants such as heroin inhibit stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenalin) and stress-related neurotransmitters. A person who is having difficulties dealing with stress and is exposed to opiates is likely to find them rewarding and thus become addicted. Depressants • Depressants such as heroin inhibit stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenalin) and stress-related neurotransmitters. • A person who is having difficulties dealing with stress and is exposed to opiates is likely to find them rewarding and thus become addicted. Tolerance to drugs • What is this referring too????? Tolerance • Requires an increase over the previous amount just to get to the same state or high. HEROIN: USES AND EFFECTS • Classification: Narcotic • CSA Schedule: Schedule I • Trade or Other Names: Diacetylmorphine, horse, smack • Medical Uses: None in United States, analgesic, antitussive • Physical Dependence: High • Psychological Dependence: High • Tolerance: Yes HEROIN: USES AND EFFECTS • Duration (hours): 3–6 • Usual Method: Injected, sniffed, smoked • Possible Effects: Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea • Effects of Overdose: Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death • Withdrawal Syndrome: Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills, and sweating MORPHINE: USES AND EFFECTS • Classification: Narcotic • CSA Schedule: Schedule II • Trade or Other Names: Duramorph, MS-Contin, Roxanol, Oramorph SR • Medical Uses: Analgesic • Physical Dependence: High for nonmedical use, low for medical patients in pain • Psychological Dependence: High • Tolerance: Yes MORPHINE: USES AND EFFECTS • Duration (hours): 3–6 • Usual Method: Oral, smoked, injected • Possible Effects: Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea • Effects of Overdose: Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death • Withdrawal Syndrome: Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills, and sweating Withdrawl • 1. Several hours after last use: anxiety, restlessness, irritability, drug craving • 2. Eight to fifteen hours since last use: yawning, perspiration • 3. Sixteen to twenty-four hours since last use: sneezing, sniffles, anorexia (severe appetite loss), vomiting, abdominal cramps, bone pains, tremors, weakness, insomnia, goose flesh, convulsions (very rarely), cardiovascular collapse !!!!Stimulants!!!! • Substances in this category stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). Cocaine • COCAINE: USES AND EFFECTS • Classification: Stimulant • CSA Schedule: Schedule II • Trade or Other Names: Coke, flake, snow, crack • Medical Uses: Local anesthetic • Physical Dependence: Possible • Psychological Dependence: High • Tolerance: Yes Cocaine • Duration (hours): 1–2 • Usual Method: Sniffed, smoked, injected • Possible Effects: Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite • Effects of Overdose: Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death • Withdrawal Syndrome: Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation Neurological Effects • “Smoked, snorted, or injected, cocaine rapidly enters the bloodstream and penetrates the brain. The drug achieves its main immediate psychological effect— the high—by causing a buildup of the neuro-chemical dopamine” Crack Use Crack Cocaine • Because crack is inhaled directly into the lungs, bypassing much of the circulatory system en route to the brain, it takes about five seconds to take effect— even faster than intravenous ingestion. Legality • Should Caffeine, Nicotine and Alcohol, which are currently legal, be deemed illegal? Why or why not?