Drug Abuse

Drug abuse- repeated intake of drugs in large doses which have negative effects on the human
body.

Drug tolerance, is a condition in which the users have to take more of a drug to get the same
initial effects from the drug

Drug addiction, is a condition in which users cannot survive or control themselves without a
drug. If the dug is withheld from them, they will suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

Commonly abused drugs

Stimulants - syabu, amphetamine, methamphetamine
Depressants- sleeping pills, cannabis
Hallucinogens- weed, marijuana
Opiates- opium, heroin, morphine

Heroin
Effects of taking heroin
On the brain:
Because of heroin’s high potency, the substance releases an influx of dopamine and other
neurotransmitters that help you feel relaxed, happy, and free from pain. Unfortunately, this is
where problems in the brain begin.
➢ It prevents the brain from producing its own opioids
➢ May cause cognitive impairment eg. dementia-like symptoms, confusion and Alzheimer's
disease
➢ Deteriorate white matter in the brain which makes it hard for you to regulate your
behavior and ability to reason
On the respiratory system:
➢ Respiratory depression ( slow and ineffective breathing and can cause death )
➢ Pulmonary edema ( fluid gets stuck in the lungs, causes respiratory failure )
➢ Hypoxia ( poor oxygen intake leading to a wide variety of medical issues )
➢ Weakened immune system
On the body’s nutrition:
➢ Hyperkalemia (high potassium level)
➢ Excessive weight loss or weight gain
Addiction problems
To society:
➢ Increased crime rates
➢ Increased hospitalizations
To family:
➢ Domestic violence( for adults)
➢ Parental grief ( for teens)
To user:
➢ Slows down brain function and breathing
➢ Liver damage
➢ Mental confusion
Alcohol
Effects of drinking excessive alcohol
On the brain:
➢ Difficulty walking, blurred vision, slurred speech, slowed reaction times, impaired
memory
➢ Destroys brain cells, depresses the central nervous systems
➢ Stroke
On circulatory system:
➢ High blood pressure
➢ Coronary heart disease
➢ Peripheral arterial disease(narrowing of blood vessels)
On digestive system:
➢ Throat cancers
➢ Oesophagus cancer and acid reflux
➢ Bacterial degradation of food in the stomach produces bacteria infection
➢ Bowel cancer
On nutrition:
➢ Weight changes
➢ Overeating
➢ Malnutrition
Alcohol addiction problems
On society:
➢ Increased medical and legal expenses
➢ Aggression and violence
➢ Decreased eligibility for loans
On family:
➢ Damaged family relationships
➢ Developmental issues in neglected
children
➢ Drained family finances
➢ Physical and mental issues

Tobacco
Effects of tobacco smoke
Tar:
➢ Lung cancer
➢ Emphysema
➢ Paralyzes cilia in the lungs
➢ Chronic bronchitis
Nicotine:
➢ High blood pressure
➢ Narrowing of arteries
➢ Nausea
➢ Loss of appetite
Carbon monoxide:
➢ Displaces oxygen in the blood
➢ Blur vision
➢ Chest pain
 ➢ Confusion
➢ Seizures

Irritants:
➢ Respiratory irritation
➢ Shortness of breath
➢ Worsen respiratory problems such as asthma and heart disease
How smoking can cause:
Lung cancer:
➢ When you smoke, the cancer-causing substances in cigarettes, called carcinogens, begin
to change the tissue in your lungs almost immediately. Over time, the cells become too
damaged and can eventually develop into cancerous cells.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder):
➢ The toxins in cigarette smoke weaken your lungs' defense against infections, narrow air
passages, cause swelling in air tubes, and destroy air sacs.
Emphysema:
➢ The fragile tissues between air sacs are destroyed and air pockets form in the lungs. Air
gets trapped in these pouches of damaged tissue. The lungs slowly get larger, and you
find it harder to breathe.
Coronary heart disease:
➢ Smoking increases the formation of plaque in blood vessels. Coronary Heart Disease
occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle are narrowed by plaque or
blocked by clots. Chemicals in cigarette smoke cause the blood to thicken and form clots
inside veins and arteries.

How does smoking affect the development of the fetus?

➢ Lowering the amount of oxygen for the fetus
➢ Increased chances of miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, and low birth weight
➢ Increase baby’s risk of lung problems
➢ Risk of sudden death sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk of SIDS, having weaker
lungs, and having a low birth weight. Low birth weight babies are at greater risk of death and
are more vulnerable to infection, breathing difficulties, and long-term health problems in
adulthood.
Why is smoking no longer socially accepted?
➢ People are more aware of the health risk it brings
➢ It causes financial and family problems for many users
➢ Many cigarette buds are thrown in natural places such as beaches and forests which
causes pollution

SIDS - unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old.