Substance abuse is a condition where physical dependence on a substance is present and the illness affects the relationships of the people around the abuser, according to "Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing" by Kathy Neeb. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 8 percent of Americans 12 years old or older were illicit drug users. Substances abused range from prescription medications to household cleaners.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids, such as marijuana and hashish, come from hemp plants named Cannabis sativa. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported marijuana was used by 15.2 million illicit drug users aged 12 or older and is the most commonly used illicit drug. The active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabinoids works on the pleasure center in the brain as well as the part that controls memory, coordination and perception.
Opioids
Opioids are a natural or synthetic morphine-like product extracted from the poppy plant made with the intent of reducing pain, according to "Core Concepts in Pharmacology" by Norman Holland and Michael Adams. When opioids adhere to receptors in the body, they stop the awareness of pain, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This type of drug has an increased potential for physical dependence and abuse because it can be obtained legally. Medications given to treat pain are the most abused type of prescription medication, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . Opioid drugs include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, fentanyl, propoxyphene, butorphanol, heroin, buprenorphine and meperidine. In 2008, there were nearly 5 million people in the U.S. who abused narcotics, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase activity in the central nervous system by affecting the wakefulness and awareness neurons in the brain, according to Holland and Adams. High doses of these drugs used short term give the user the feeling of exhilaration and euphoria. Long-term use of stimulants can cause anxiety, restlessness and rage. Stimulants also affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems by elevating blood pressure and breathing rate.
Drugs in this category range from legal to illegal substances. Prescription stimulants, like amphetamine, dextroamphetamines, dextroamphetamine (Dexadrine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin), can be obtained legally. Illicit substances include cocaine, ecstasy, and methamphetamine, often referred to as crank. Caffeine is an over the counter stimulant substance that can result in physical dependence when used regularly, according to Holland and Adams. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported in 2008 that less than 1 percent of Americans abused stimulants.
Sedatives
Central nervous system depressant drugs, also known as sedatives, can cause sedation and relaxation while producing an intoxication-like state. Depressant drugs include barbiturates, methaqualone, butalbital, diazepam, oxazepam, pentobarbital, oxazepam, triazolam, glutethimide, alprazolam, flurazepam and chloral hydrate. These drugs are often combined with other drugs of abuse, like stimulants or alcohol, which increase the risk of physical and psychological dependence, according to Holland and Adams.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens, sometimes called psychedelics, have the ability to produce a dream-like state of consciousness, says Holland and Adams. These drugs have no medicinal use and are purely for recreational use. Effects of hallucinogens vary with the user's mood, says Holland and Adams. Often times users report delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. One common adverse effect is when the user experiences the effects of the drug again after it wears off. This is medically termed a flashback, and can happen sometimes years after a person used the drug. Hallucinogenic drugs include LSD (acid), PCP (angel dust), XTC (ecstasy) and ketamine (date rape drug).
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- "Core Concepts In Pharmacology"; Norman Holland and Michael Adams; 2003
- "Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing"; by Kathy Neeb; 2006
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse
