Drug Dependence Term paper
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Drug Dependence
Today in America there are millions of people who depend on drugs. Our country is facing a constant battle with drugs. The people of America need to be educated on this matter in order to do their part as an Americans to help stop the war on drugs.
Drug dependence is defined as the psychological and sometimes physical state characterized by a compulsion to take drugs in order to experience its psychological effects (Microsoft (R) Encarta, 1994). Most people resort to drug use to influence their mental and emotional states and to escape from reality. But what these people do not realize is they can become dependent upon the drug as fast as they got the drug ( Margaret O. Hyde, Mind Drugs. 89; 1974). Addiction is a severe form of dependence, usually marked by physical dependence. The latter state exists when the drug has produced physiological changes in the body, as evidenced by the development of tolerance, and of a withdrawal syndrome after the drug s effects have worn off. The syndrome is marked by such symptoms as nausea, diarrhea, or pain; these vary with the type of drug. Psychological dependence, or habitation, is present when the compulsion to have a drug is strong, even in the absence of physical withdrawal symptoms ( Microsoft ( R) Encarta 1994).
The drugs that are commonly abused, can be grouped into six classes: the opiods, sedative, hypnotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabis and inhalents ( Microsoft
( R) Encarta, 1994).
The class opiods includes drugs derived from opium and its synthetic substitutes. Medically, morphine is a potent pain reliever; it is the standard by which other pain-relieving drugs are measured. It and other opium derivatives also suppress coughing, reduce movements of the intestine, and induce a state of psychological indifference (Microsoft (R) Encarta, 1994).
Heroin a preparation synthesized from morphine, was introduced in 1898 as a cough suppressant and non-addicting substitute for morphine. The additive potential of heroin was soon recognized, however and its use was prohibited in the United States even in medical practice. Users say that heroin produces a rush or a high immediately after it is taken it also produces a state of profound indifference and may increase energy (Microsoft (R) Encarta 1994). While an accurate head count of people who are dependent on heroin is impossible, estimates vary from 200,000 to 700,000 people in the United States. These are not always the same individuals, for new addicts take the place of old. Some stop using heroin as a result of successful treatment, some may recover spontaneously and some die ( Margaret O. Hyde, Mind Drugs. 87; 1974).
Opiods produce different effects under different circumstances. The drug taker s past experience and expectations have some influence, as does the method of administering the drugs. Symptoms of withdrawal include: kicking movements in the legs, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, sweating, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever (Microsoft (R) Encarta, 1994).
In the 1970 s, when scientists isolated a substance called enkephalins, which are naturally occurring opiates in the brain, they discovered what many believe to be the reason behind physical dependence on opiods-that is, the drugs are thought to mimic the action of enkephalins. If true, this hypotheses suggest that physical dependence on the opiods may develop in persons who have a deficiency in these natural substances(Microsoft (R) Encarta, 1994).
The principal drugs in the class of sedative-hypnotics are the barbiturates, which have been used since the early 1900 s to relieve anxiety and induce sleep. They are also used medically in the treatment of epilepsy. Some abusers of the barbiturates ingest large amounts daily, but never seem to be intoxicated. Others use the drug for binges of intoxication, and still others use them to boost the effect of heroin. Many abusers, with especially those from the first type, obtain the drugs routinely from physicians (Microsoft (R) Encarta, 1994).
Barbiturates produce severe physical dependence; their effects closely resemble alcohol. Abrupt withdrawal result in similar symptoms: shaking, insomnia, anxiety and sometimes, after a day convulsions and delirium. Death can occur when barbiturates are suddenly discontinued. Barbiturates are particularly lethal when combined with alcohol(Microsoft (R) Encarta, 1994).
Other sedative-hypnotics include benzo-diazepines, which are marked under such aimed death names as valium and dibrium. These are the so-called minor tranquilizers that are used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy. They are usually safer than the barbiturates and are now commonly used instead of the older drugs, but tranquilizer addition has Commonly abused stimulants are cocaine and drugs of the amphetamine family cocaine, a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste, is extracted from the leaves of the South American cocoa bush. It is used medically to produce anesthesia for surgery of the nose and throat and to constrict blood vessels and reduce waiting bleeding during surgery; but abuse, which increase considerably in the late 1970 s can lead to severe physiological problems. A highly addictive form of cocaine crack first came out in the 1980 s(Microsoft (R) Encarta, 1994).
Amphetamines, introduced in the 1930 s for the treatment of hay fever were later found to affect the nervous system. Today their use is restricted primary to the treatment of narcolepsy , a sleeping disorder characterized by sudden sleep attacks throughout the day; and of hyperactivity in children in whom amphetamines produce a calming effect. ...
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