Drugs

Drugs• Our brain is protected by a

layer of capillaries called the blood-brain barrier.

• The drugs that are small enough to pass through are called psychoactive drugs.

• Distort perceptions• Change moods• See/hear things not there.• What is the most popular

drug in America?• Medicinal drugs vs

recreational drugs?

Psychoactive Drugs a.k.a.Recreational Drugs

• A drug used nonmedically for personal enjoyment.

• Some have legitimate medical uses.

• Have psychological affects/changes…– Sensory experiences– Perception– Mood– Thinking– behavior

• Solvents• Mushrooms• Opium• LSD• Barbiturates• Amphetamines• Ecstasy/Molly• Cocaine• Herion• Cannabis • “Bath Salts”

Designer Drugs vs. Club Drugs

• Designer drugs-drugs that were deliberately created to mimic older drugs of abuse, but with slightly modified chemical structure, in order to circumvent drug laws.

• Often made in clandestine laboratories and can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable in their effects.

• Club drugs-may or may not be designer drugs according to its original meaning.

• Over the past few decades, there has been a huge increase in recreational drug use at nightclubs and raves, particularly such designer drugs as ecstasy and amphetamines.

3 Main Ways Drugs Work

• Increase production/release of neurotransmitters

• Fill postsynaptic gap receptors

• Block reuptake of neurotransmitters

4 Major Drug Categories1. Stimulants2. Depressants3. Hallucinogens*4. Narcotics/Opiates5. Cannabis*

– Sometimes 5th category due to multiple features

If a drug is used often, a tolerance is created for the drug.You will need more of the drug to get the desired effect.

If you stop using a drug you can develop withdrawal symptoms.Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, chills, etc.

Stimulants• Increase activity of

nervous system.– Caffeine– Nicotine– Amphetamines– Cocaine– Ecstasy* also a mild hallucinogen

• More powerful ones (like cocaine) give people feelings of invincibility.

Depressants• Decrease activity of

nervous system. (sedatives, calming, induce sleep)– Alcohol– Barbiturates – Tranquilizers

• Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol “roofies” GHB

• Sense of relaxation, but many negative effects.– Esp. barbiturates mixed

with alcohol

Alcohol• More than 86 billion dollars

are spent annually on alcoholic beverages.

• Alcohol is involved in 60% of ALL crimes.

• Alcohol is involved in over 70% of sexually related crimes.

• Is it worth the cost?• Toxic in large doses.• Therapeutic Index (TI)

– Lethal dose divided by effective dose

– Alcohol 5-10– Marijuana 35k

Hallucinogens

• “Psychedelics”• Alter perceptions of

reality– LSD/Acid (similar to

serotonin)– Peyote (mescaline)– psilocybin

mushrooms– Marijuana– Ecstasy* also a stimulant

• Reverse tolerance or synergistic effect

Narcotics/Opiates• Causes euphoria and a sense

of well being - blocking out pain.

• Has depressive and hallucinogenic qualities.

• Derived from poppy plant.– Morphine– Heroin– Methadone– codeine

• All these drugs cross the placental barrier….teratogens.

• Naturally produced endorphins are similar to morphine.– Share receptor sites at

synaptic gap

Interactive sites• http://outreach.mcb.ha

rvard.edu/animations/synapse.swf

• http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/abuse/

• http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/methmouse/

• http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/brainchange/

Treatments for drug abuse

• Detoxification– Alcohol and narcotics esp.

• Maintenance programs– Controlled/less dangerous amounts• Narcotics (methadone)

• Counseling– Stimulant and depressant abuse

• Support groups– Alcoholic Anonymous, etc.