Americans rank drug abuse as the second most serious problem facing this country. Closely behind, violent crime and ahead of health care, welfare, and federal budget deficit.

Personal and Social Problems Associated with Drug Taking Behavior Toxicity Potential for Drug Dependence Connection between drug use and violence and crime

Good Drugs VS Bad Drugs All drugs can be toxic. Culture weighs the positive consequences of use against negative consequences of use. Money-Revenue Morals & Values

Chapter 2 Definitions (1) Toxicity-The physical or psychological harm that a drug might present to the user. Dose-The quantity of the drug that is taken into the body, typically measures in milligrams or micrograms.

Chapter 2 Definitions (2) Acute Toxicity-The physical and psychological harm a drug presents to the user immediately or soon after the drug is ingested into the body. Chronic Toxicity-The physical or psychological harm a drug might cause over a long period of time.

Chapter 2 Definitions (3) Effective Dose-The minimal dose of drug necessary to produce the intended effect in a given percentage of the population. Lethal Dose-The minimal dose of drug capable of producing death in a given percentage of the population.

Emergency Room Visits 1. Alcohol in Combination 2. Cocaine 3. Heroin 4. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Deaths Directly Related to Drug Use 1. Cocaine 2. Heroin/morphine 3. Alcohol in combination 4. Codeine

Licit Vs Illicit Drugs Deaths: Tobacco 434,000 per year Alcohol 125,000 per year Cocaine 8000 per year Alcohol in combination 7,600 per year Heroin/Morphine 6,500 per year

Drug Tolerance Tolerance-The capacity of a drug to produce a gradually diminished physical or psychological effect upon repeated administrations of the drug at the same dose level. (It takes more of a drug to get the same effect)

Behavioral Tolerance-The process of drug tolerance that is linked to drug taking behavior occurring consistently in surrounding or under the same circumstances. Withdrawal-A wide array physiological responses to withdrawal of a substance from the body. (typically, associated with physical dependence)

Special Problems Related to Drug Abuse Drug Abuse in Pregnancy -Fetal Alcohol Syndrome -Fetal Alcohol Effect -Birth Defects Drug Abuse and AIDS -IV Drug Use

Drug Abuse and Violence Pharmacological Violence-Violent acts committed under the influence of a psychoactive drug. Economical Compulsive Violence-Violent acts that are committed by drug abuser to secure money to buy drugs. Systemic Violence-Violence arising from the trafficking of illicit drugs.

Drug Use and Violence Connection % of Suicides 62% of Assaults 52% of Rapes 38% of Child Abuse Cases 69% of Drowning 50% Traffic Fatalities 49% of Murders

Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention Act, 1970 Schedule of Drugs (1) Schedule 1: High potential for abuse. No accepted medical use (heroin, LSD, marijuana) Schedule 2: High potential for abuse. Accepted medical use, may lead to severe psychological and/or physiological dependence. (morphine, cocaine, codeine)

Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention Act, 1970-Schedule of Drugs (1) Schedule 3: Some potential for abuse. Accepted medical use. Low to moderate risk of dependence. (long-acting barbiturates, narcotic solutions). Schedule 4: Low potential for abuse. Accepted medical use. (anti-anxiety-valium, xanax) Schedule 5: Minimal potential for abuse. (Prescription cough medicines, laxatives)

The War on Drugs Interdiction VS Supply and Demand Use Reduction VS Harm Reduction Governmental Responsibilities VS Personal Responsibility Prevention/Treatment VS Incarceration

Substance Abuse: A diagnostic term used to describe an individual who continues to take a psychoactive substance despite the fact the drug taking behavior creates specific problems for that individual.

Substance Dependence: A diagnostic term used to identify an individual with significant signs of a dependent relationship upon a psychoactive drug. Example: Tolerance, withdrawal, Loss of control, persistent unsuccessful attempts to quit using the drug.

Psychological Dependence Psychological dependence occurs when there is an uncontrollable need or desire to continue the use of a substance. Signs of psychological dependence include: –continued use despite negative consequences –using to mask feelings –obsession with getting the substance