A PROJECT ON

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Submitted by : Agrim Mor
Roll No. : 3
Class : 12 ‘A’
Under The Guidance Of :
Mrs. Vijaya Madan ( PGT, Biology)
School : Dyal Singh Public School,
Sector 7, Karnal 132001, HR
 CERTIFICATE
It is to certify that the project is prepared by AGRIM MOR
(12 ‘A’), ROLL NO. 3, DYAL SINGH PUBLIC SCHOOL,KARNAL.
It is also certified that the information and facts in the
project are correct and checked for authenticity.

Mrs. Vijaya Madan

Biology Teacher
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
• The intake of drugs for a purpose other than their
normal clinical use in an amount and frequency that
impairs one’s physical, physiological and psychological
function is called drug abuse.
• The drugs which are commonly abused are opioids ,
cannabinoids, coka alkaloids, barbiturates,
amphetamines and LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide).
TYPES OF DRUGS
1.Opioids
• These drugs bind to specific opioid receptors present in the central
nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
• For e.g. Morphine, Heroin etc.
• Morphine is obtained from the latex of poppy plant(Papaver
somniferum)
• Heroin(smack) is obtained by acetylation of morphine. It is
chemically diacetylmorphine which is a white, odourless , bitter
crystalline compound.
• Heroin is a depressant and slows down the body functions and is
also known as brown sugar.
• It is generally taken by smoking and injection.
2. CANNABINOIDS
• These are a group of chemicals which interact with the
cannabinoid receptors present mainly in the brain.
• Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescences of
the plant Cannabis sativa.
• Marijuana, hashish, ganja and charas are also produced by
various combinations of flower tops, leaves and resins of
cannabis plant.
• They affect the cardiovascular system of the body and are
taken by inhalation and oral ingestion.
• They are abused by sports person at certain occasions.
 3. COCA ALKALOIDS [COCAINE]
• It is obtained from Erythroxylem
coca.
• It interferes with the transport of
neuro-transmitter dopamine.
• It is commonly called coke or crack.
• It is usually snorted.
• It has a potential stimulating action
on the central nervous system and
produces a sense of euphoria and
increased energy, excessive dosage
causes hallucination.
• Atropa belladona and Datura are
plants with hallucinogenic
properties.
• These are native to South America.
4. HALLUCINOGENS
• They produce the sense of
“see sound and hear
colour”.
• Products from plants like
atropa belladona and
datura are hallucinogenic.
• LSD [Lysergic Acid
Diethylamide] is obtained
from a fungus, claviceps
purpurea .
5. TOBACCO
• It is usually chewed or smoked or used as snuff.
• It mainly contains nicotine, which is stimulant and toxin.
• Adrenal gland is stimulated by nicotine to release adrenaline
and non-adrenaline which increases the blood pressure or
heart rate.
• Chances of lung cancer, bronchitis, coronary heart diseases,
cancer of throat, gastric ulcer, cancer of urinary bladder etc.
are increased by the smoking of tobacco.
• Smoking of tobacco also increases the carbon monoxide
content of blood and reduces the concentration of
haemebound oxygen, thus causing oxygen deficiency in our
body.
6. ALCOHOL
• Alcohol is a depressant and it affects central nervous system.
ADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE
Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain
effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of
well-being – associated with drugs and alcohol.
With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the
receptors present in our body increases and
consequently the receptors respond only to higher
doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and
addiction.
Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a
characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome.
If the regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly
discontinued, the body to manifest a characteristic and
unpleasant withdrawal symptoms which can anxiety,
nausea, sweating etc.
THERE ARE FOLLOWING
CAUSES OF DRUGS/ALCOHOL
ABUSE:
Curiosity.
Need for adventure.
Excitement.
Experimentation.
To escape from stress.
Unsupportive family structure.
ADOLESCENCE AND
DRUG/ALCOHOL
Adolescence means both ‘a period’ and ‘a process’ during
which a child becomes mature in terms of his/her attitudes
and beliefs for effective participation in society.
It is between 12-18 years of age.
Adolescence is accompanied by several biological and
behavioural changes.
Curiosity, need for adventure and excitement, and
experimentation, constitute common causes, which motivate
youngsters towards drug and alcohol use.
Use of alcohol during adolescence can lead to heavy drinking
in adulthood.
EFFECT OF DRUG/ALCOHOL
ABUSE:
Reckless behaviour, vandalism and violence are the immediate effect of drug
abuse.
Excess doses may lead to coma and death due to cerebral hemorrhage,
respiratory failure or heart failure.
Death is caused by a combination of drugs or their intake with alcohol.
Infections like AIDS and hepatitis can be caused if drug is taken intravenously.
Central nervous system and liver is damaged by chronic use of drugs and
alcohols.
The use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is also known to
adversely affect the foetus.
Alcohol raises dopamine levels, decreases serotonin, and increases
GABA, a major inhibitor of internal stimuli such as fear, anxiety, and
stress.
THE MOST COMMON WARNING
SIGNAL OF DRUG/ALCOHOL
ABUSE INCLUDE:
Drop in Academic performance
Lack of interest in personal hygiene
Withdrawal and isolation from family and friends
Aggressive and rebellious behaviour
Lack of interest in hobbies
Change in sleeping and eating habits
Fluctuations in weight etc.
MISUSE OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS
CAUSES THE FOLLOWING IN
FEMALES:
Masculinisation.
Increased aggressiveness.
Mood swings .
Abnormal menstrual cycle.
Excess of hair growth on face and body.
Deepening of voice.
MISUSE OF ANABOLIC STEROID
CAUSES THE FOLLOWING IN
MALES:
Acne
Increased aggressiveness
Depression
Reduction in size of testicles
Decreased sperm production
Potential for kidney and liver dysfunction
Premature baldness
Enlargement of prostate glands
Enlarged breasts
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Avoid undue peer pressure
Seeking help from parents and peers
Looking for danger signs
Children should be educated and counseled to bear problems
and stress in life.
Affected individuals should seek medical help of qualified
psychologists, psychiatrists, and deaddiction and
rehabilitation programmes.