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1. Introduction toIntroduction to
Psychoactive DrugsPsychoactive Drugs

2. If you were the President (King, Prime Minister, etc.)If you were the President (King, Prime Minister, etc.)
of your country, what 3 things would you changeof your country, what 3 things would you change
related to drug policies, treatment or prevention?related to drug policies, treatment or prevention?
??
??
??
??
Icebreaker: If I were theIcebreaker: If I were the
PresidentPresident

3. “…“…Any chemical substance which, when taken intoAny chemical substance which, when taken into
the body, alters its function physically and/orthe body, alters its function physically and/or
psychologically....”psychologically....”
(World Health Organization, 1989)(World Health Organization, 1989)
“…“…any substance people consider to be a drug, withany substance people consider to be a drug, with
the understanding that this will change fromthe understanding that this will change from
culture to culture and from time to time.”culture to culture and from time to time.”
(Krivanek, 1982)(Krivanek, 1982)
What are psychoactive drugs?What are psychoactive drugs?

4. Psychoactive drugs interact with the centralPsychoactive drugs interact with the central
nervous system (CNS) affecting:nervous system (CNS) affecting:
 mental processes and behaviourmental processes and behaviour
 perceptions of realityperceptions of reality
 level of alertnesslevel of alertness
 level of response timelevel of response time
 level of perception of the worldlevel of perception of the world
What are psychoactive drugs?What are psychoactive drugs?

5.  Key Motivators & ConditioningKey Motivators & Conditioning
FactorsFactors
 Forget (stress / pain amelioration)Forget (stress / pain amelioration)
 Functional (purposeful)Functional (purposeful)
 Fun (pleasure)Fun (pleasure)
 Psychiatric disordersPsychiatric disorders
 Social / educational disadvantagesSocial / educational disadvantages
 Also, initiation starts through:Also, initiation starts through:
 Experimental useExperimental use
 Peer pressurePeer pressure
Why do people initiate drug use?Why do people initiate drug use?
Much, if not most, drug use is motivated (atMuch, if not most, drug use is motivated (at
least initially) by the pursuit of pleasure.least initially) by the pursuit of pleasure.
After repeated drug use, “deciding”After repeated drug use, “deciding”
to use drugs is no longer voluntaryto use drugs is no longer voluntary
becausebecause
DRUGS CHANGE THE BRAIN!DRUGS CHANGE THE BRAIN!

6. Drug addiction is a complex illness characterised byDrug addiction is a complex illness characterised by
compulsive, and at times, uncontrollable drugcompulsive, and at times, uncontrollable drug
craving, seeking, and use that persist even in thecraving, seeking, and use that persist even in the
face of extremely negative consequences.face of extremely negative consequences.
What is drug addiction?What is drug addiction?

7.  Compulsive behaviourCompulsive behaviour
 Behaviour is reinforcing (rewarding or pleasurable)Behaviour is reinforcing (rewarding or pleasurable)
 Loss of control in limiting intakeLoss of control in limiting intake
Important terminologyImportant terminology
1.1. Psychological cravingPsychological craving
2.2.ToleranceTolerance
3.3.Withdrawal symptomsWithdrawal symptoms
Characteristics of drug addictionCharacteristics of drug addiction

8. Psychological cravingPsychological craving- It is a strong desire or urge to use drugs.- It is a strong desire or urge to use drugs.
Cravings are most apparent during drug withdrawal.Cravings are most apparent during drug withdrawal.
Tolerance-Tolerance- It is a state in which a person no longer responds to aIt is a state in which a person no longer responds to a
drug as they did before, and a higher dose is required todrug as they did before, and a higher dose is required to
achieve the same effect.achieve the same effect.
Withdrawal-Withdrawal- The following symptoms may occur when drug use isThe following symptoms may occur when drug use is
reduced or discontinued:reduced or discontinued:
 Tremors, chillsTremors, chills
 CrampsCramps
 Emotional problemsEmotional problems
 Cognitive and attention deficitsCognitive and attention deficits
 HallucinationsHallucinations
 ConvulsionsConvulsions
 DeathDeath

9. Classifying psychoactive drugsClassifying psychoactive drugs
DepressantsDepressants StimulantsStimulants HallucinogensHallucinogens
AlcoholAlcohol AmphetaminesAmphetamines LSD, DMTLSD, DMT
BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines MethamphetamineMethamphetamine MescalineMescaline
OpioidsOpioids CocaineCocaine PCPPCP
SolventsSolvents NicotineNicotine KetamineKetamine
BarbituratesBarbiturates KhatKhat Cannabis (high doses)Cannabis (high doses)
Cannabis (low doses)Cannabis (low doses) CaffeineCaffeine Magic mushroomsMagic mushrooms
MDMAMDMA MDMAMDMA

11. AlcoholAlcohol
DescriptionDescription: Alcohol or: Alcohol or
ethylalcohol (ethanol) isethylalcohol (ethanol) is
present in varying amounts inpresent in varying amounts in
beer, wine, and liquorsbeer, wine, and liquors
Route of administrationRoute of administration: Oral: Oral
Acute EffectsAcute Effects: Sedation,: Sedation,
euphoria, lower heart rate andeuphoria, lower heart rate and
respiration, slowed reactionrespiration, slowed reaction
time, impaired coordination,time, impaired coordination,
coma, deathcoma, death
Withdrawal Symptoms:Withdrawal Symptoms:
 Tremors, chillsTremors, chills
 CrampsCramps
 HallucinationsHallucinations
 ConvulsionsConvulsions
 Delirium tremensDelirium tremens
 DeathDeath

12. Decrease in blood cells leading toDecrease in blood cells leading to
anemia, slow-healing wounds andanemia, slow-healing wounds and
other diseasesother diseases
Brain damage, loss of memory,Brain damage, loss of memory,
blackouts, poor vision, slurredblackouts, poor vision, slurred
speech, and decreased motorspeech, and decreased motor
controlcontrol
Increased risk of high bloodIncreased risk of high blood
pressure, hardening of arteries, andpressure, hardening of arteries, and
heart diseaseheart disease
Liver cirrhosis, jaundice, andLiver cirrhosis, jaundice, and
diabetesdiabetes
Immune system dysfunctionImmune system dysfunction
Stomach ulcers, hemorrhaging, andStomach ulcers, hemorrhaging, and
gastritisgastritis
Thiamine (and other) deficienciesThiamine (and other) deficiencies
Testicular and ovarian atrophyTesticular and ovarian atrophy
Harm to a fetus during pregnancyHarm to a fetus during pregnancy
Long-term effects of alcohol useLong-term effects of alcohol use

13. TobaccoTobacco
DescriptionDescription: Tobacco products: Tobacco products
contain nicotine plus more thancontain nicotine plus more than
4,000 chemicals and a dozen4,000 chemicals and a dozen
gases (mainly carbon monoxide)gases (mainly carbon monoxide)
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
Smoking, chewingSmoking, chewing
Acute EffectsAcute Effects: Pleasure;: Pleasure;
relaxation; increasedrelaxation; increased
concentration; release ofconcentration; release of
glucose; increased bloodglucose; increased blood
pressure, respiration, and heartpressure, respiration, and heart
Withdrawal Symptoms:Withdrawal Symptoms:
 Cognitive / attention deficitsCognitive / attention deficits
 Sleep disturbanceSleep disturbance
 Increased appetiteIncreased appetite
 HostilityHostility
 IrritabilityIrritability
 Low energyLow energy
 HeadachesHeadaches

14. AneurysmAneurysm
CataractsCataracts
Cancer (lung and other types)Cancer (lung and other types)
Chronic bronchitisChronic bronchitis
EmphysemaEmphysema
Asthma symptomsAsthma symptoms
Obstructive pulmonary diseasesObstructive pulmonary diseases
Heart disease (stroke, heart attack)Heart disease (stroke, heart attack)
Vascular diseaseVascular disease
Harm to a fetus during pregnancy,Harm to a fetus during pregnancy,
low weight at birthlow weight at birth
DeathDeath
Long-term effects of tobacco useLong-term effects of tobacco use

15. CannabinoidsCannabinoids
DescriptionDescription: The active: The active
ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Marijuana: tops and leaves ofMarijuana: tops and leaves of
the plantthe plant Cannabis sativaCannabis sativa
Hashish: more concentratedHashish: more concentrated
resinous form of the plantresinous form of the plant
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• Smoked as a cigarette or inSmoked as a cigarette or in
a pipea pipe
• Oral, brewed as a tea orOral, brewed as a tea or
mixed with foodmixed with food
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
 RelaxationRelaxation
 IIncreased appetitencreased appetite
 Dry mouthDry mouth
 Altered time senseAltered time sense
 Mood changesMood changes
 Bloodshot eyesBloodshot eyes
 Impaired memoryImpaired memory
 Reduced nauseaReduced nausea
 Increased blood pressureIncreased blood pressure
 Reduced cognitive capacityReduced cognitive capacity
 Paranoid ideationParanoid ideation

16. Long-term effects of cannabis useLong-term effects of cannabis use
Cannabis: BasicCannabis: Basic
facts (3)facts (3)
WithdrawalWithdrawal
Symptoms:Symptoms:
 InsomniaInsomnia
 RestlessnessRestlessness
 Loss ofLoss of
appetiteappetite
 IrritabilityIrritability
 SweatingSweating
 TremorsTremors
Increase in activationIncrease in activation
of stress-responseof stress-response
systemsystem
AmotivationalAmotivational
syndromesyndrome
Changes inChanges in
neurotransmitterneurotransmitter
levelslevels
Psychosis inPsychosis in
vulnerablevulnerable
individualsindividuals
Increased risk forIncreased risk for
cancer, especiallycancer, especially
lung, head, and necklung, head, and neck
Respiratory illnessesRespiratory illnesses
(cough, phlegm) and(cough, phlegm) and
lung infectionslung infections
Immune systemImmune system
dysfunctiondysfunction
Harm to a fetusHarm to a fetus

17. solventssolvents
DescriptionDescription:: Solvent abuse alsoSolvent abuse also
known as volatile substanceknown as volatile substance
abuse, solvent abuse, sniffing,abuse, solvent abuse, sniffing,
huffing and bagging – is thehuffing and bagging – is the
deliberate inhalation of a volatiledeliberate inhalation of a volatile
substance to achieve an alteredsubstance to achieve an altered
mental state.mental state.
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• "sniffing" or "snorting""sniffing" or "snorting"
fumes from containersfumes from containers
• spraying aerosols directlyspraying aerosols directly
into the nose or mouthinto the nose or mouth
• inhaling from balloonsinhaling from balloons
filled with nitrous oxidefilled with nitrous oxide
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
lack of coordinationlack of coordination
DizzinessDizziness
euphoriaeuphoria
difficulty speakingdifficulty speaking
brain damagebrain damage
organ damageorgan damage
death caused by chokingdeath caused by choking
high only lasts a few minutes,high only lasts a few minutes,
abusers inhale repeatedly and canabusers inhale repeatedly and can
lose consciousness or dielose consciousness or die

18. MuscleMuscle
weaknessweakness
DisorientationDisorientation
Lack ofLack of
coordinationcoordination
IrritabilityIrritability
DepressionDepression
Serious andSerious and
sometimessometimes
irreversibleirreversible
damage to thedamage to the
heart, liver,heart, liver,
kidneys, lungskidneys, lungs
and brainand brain
MemoryMemory
impairment,impairment,
diminished
Long-term effects of solvents useLong-term effects of solvents use

19. MDMAMDMA
DescriptionDescription:: MDMA, better knownMDMA, better known
as ecstasy because of its abilityas ecstasy because of its ability
to produce powerful feelings ofto produce powerful feelings of
warmth and affection, is awarmth and affection, is a
synthetic club drug with bothsynthetic club drug with both
stimulant and mildstimulant and mild
hallucinogenic properties.hallucinogenic properties.
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• Often taken in pill or tabletOften taken in pill or tablet
formform
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
Intense feelings of affection andIntense feelings of affection and
warmth.warmth.
Increased energy.Increased energy.
Increased libido.Increased libido.
Anxiety, paranoia and anger.Anxiety, paranoia and anger.
Confusion.Confusion.
Loss of consciousness.Loss of consciousness.
Insomnia and disturbing dreams.Insomnia and disturbing dreams.
Muscle pain.Muscle pain.

20. Long-term effects of MDMA useLong-term effects of MDMA use

21. Benzodiazepine Benzodiazepine
DescriptionDescription:: Benzodiazepines actBenzodiazepines act
primarily on the gamma-primarily on the gamma-
aminobutyric acid (GABA)aminobutyric acid (GABA)
receptors and, through thisreceptors and, through this
molecular interaction, increasemolecular interaction, increase
levels of inhibitory brainlevels of inhibitory brain
signaling—depressing the centralsignaling—depressing the central
nervous system and resultingnervous system and resulting
in sedation and feelings ofin sedation and feelings of
relaxation.relaxation.
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• Often taken in pill or tabletOften taken in pill or tablet
formform
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
Drowsiness.Drowsiness.
Dizziness.Dizziness.
Double vision.Double vision.
Slurred speech.Slurred speech.
Muscle weakness.Muscle weakness.
Slowed reactionSlowed reaction
time.time.
Incoordination.Incoordination.
Poor concentrationPoor concentration
and memory.and memory.
Confusion.Confusion.
Stupor.Stupor.

22. Long-term effects ofLong-term effects of
BenzodiazepineBenzodiazepine useuse

23. GHBGHB
DescriptionDescription:: GHB is available asGHB is available as
an odorless, colorless drug thatan odorless, colorless drug that
may be combined with alcoholmay be combined with alcohol
and given to unsuspectingand given to unsuspecting
victims prior to sexual assaults. Itvictims prior to sexual assaults. It
may have a soapy or salty taste.may have a soapy or salty taste.
Use for sexual assault hasUse for sexual assault has
resulted in GHB being known asresulted in GHB being known as
a “date rape” drug.a “date rape” drug.
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• GHB, typically with alcoholGHB, typically with alcohol
useuse
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
AmnesiaAmnesia
EuphoriaEuphoria
Lack of inhibitionsLack of inhibitions
NauseaNausea
DizzinessDizziness
DrowsinessDrowsiness
AgitationAgitation
Blurred visionBlurred vision
UnconsciousnessUnconsciousness
Slowed breathingSlowed breathing

24. Long-term effects of Ghb useLong-term effects of Ghb use

25. KetamineKetamine
DescriptionDescription:: Ketamine (oftenKetamine (often
called "K," "Special K" orcalled "K," "Special K" or
"Vitamin K") is a potent"Vitamin K") is a potent
dissociative anesthetic, meaningdissociative anesthetic, meaning
it provides feelings ofit provides feelings of
detachment from one's body.detachment from one's body.
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• The drug is either snortedThe drug is either snorted
in powder form or ingestedin powder form or ingested
orally.orally.
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
Disorientation.Disorientation.
Feelings of detachment/Feelings of detachment/
dissociation.dissociation.
Hallucinations.Hallucinations.
Slowed or difficultSlowed or difficult
breathing.breathing.
Mood changes.Mood changes.
Depression.Depression.
Impaired abilityImpaired ability
to think or learn.to think or learn.
Nausea and vomiting.Nausea and vomiting.
Memory impairment.Memory impairment.

26. Long-term effects of ketamineLong-term effects of ketamine
useuse

27. HeroinHeroin
DescriptionDescription:: Heroin is aHeroin is a
substance that is both illegalsubstance that is both illegal
and extremely addictive. Theand extremely addictive. The
substance derives from opiumsubstance derives from opium
from the poppy plant before it isfrom the poppy plant before it is
refined to morphine, then furtherrefined to morphine, then further
chemically modified to becomechemically modified to become
heroin.heroin.
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• These different forms ofThese different forms of
heroin can be smoked,heroin can be smoked,
snorted, or injected undersnorted, or injected under
the skin, into muscle, orthe skin, into muscle, or
directly into the veinsdirectly into the veins.
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
Some users report immediateSome users report immediate
negative symptoms from the drugnegative symptoms from the drug
like:like:
Nausea.Nausea.
Vomiting.Vomiting.
Itching.Itching.
Dry mouth.Dry mouth.
Feeling drowsy and sleepy forFeeling drowsy and sleepy for
several hours.several hours.
Having a foggy mental state.Having a foggy mental state.
Slowed breathing.Slowed breathing.
Slowed heart rate.Slowed heart rate.
"Nodding," where the user will"Nodding," where the user will
alternate between periods of beingalternate between periods of being
awake and asleep.awake and asleep.

28. Long-term effects of Heroin useLong-term effects of Heroin use

29. Cocaine+CrackCocaine+Crack
DescriptionDescription::Cocaine is aCocaine is a
stimulant drug-more alert andstimulant drug-more alert and
energeticenergetic
Cocaine is a white powderCocaine is a white powder
comes from the leaves of cocacomes from the leaves of coca
plantplant
Can be one of the hardest drugsCan be one of the hardest drugs
to quitto quit
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• These different forms ofThese different forms of
heroin can be smoked,heroin can be smoked,
snorted, or injected undersnorted, or injected under
the skin, into muscle, orthe skin, into muscle, or
directly into the veinsdirectly into the veins.
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
Irritability.Irritability.
Anxiety.Anxiety.
Headache.Headache.
Depression.Depression.
Aggressive,Aggressive,
paranoid behavior.paranoid behavior.
Abdominal pain.Abdominal pain.
Sudden death dueSudden death due
to heart attackto heart attack
or stroke.or stroke.

30. Long-term effects ofLong-term effects of
Cocaine+crack useCocaine+crack use

31. Crystal MethCrystal Meth
DescriptionDescription:: MethamphetamineMethamphetamine
is an illegal drug in the sameis an illegal drug in the same
class as cocaine and otherclass as cocaine and other
powerful street drugs. It haspowerful street drugs. It has
many nicknames—meth, crank,many nicknames—meth, crank,
chalk or speed being the mostchalk or speed being the most
common.common.
Route of administrationRoute of administration::
• These different forms ofThese different forms of
heroin can be smoked,heroin can be smoked,
snorted, or injected undersnorted, or injected under
the skin, into muscle, orthe skin, into muscle, or
directly into the veinsdirectly into the veins.
Acute Effects:Acute Effects:
Anxiety.Anxiety.
Depression.Depression.
Fatigue.Fatigue.
Violent behavior.Violent behavior.
Seizures.Seizures.
Respiratory orRespiratory or
airway abnormalities.airway abnormalities.
Persistently elevated heart rate,Persistently elevated heart rate,
placing users at risk for heart attack.placing users at risk for heart attack.

32. Long-term effects of CrystalLong-term effects of Crystal
meth usemeth use

33. Substance abuse and societySubstance abuse and society
What are the effects of substance abuse on society?What are the effects of substance abuse on society?
Spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C throughSpread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C through
sharing needles, or having unprotected sexsharing needles, or having unprotected sex
EFFECTS OF DRUG USE ON CHILDEFFECTS OF DRUG USE ON CHILD
MiscarriagesMiscarriages
Premature birthPremature birth
Low birth weightLow birth weight
Birth defectsBirth defects
Developmental problemsDevelopmental problems
A baby’s health problems, if caused by a drug will continue toA baby’s health problems, if caused by a drug will continue to
grow as the child grows.grow as the child grows.

34. Substance abuse and societySubstance abuse and society
CRIMECRIME
drug possessiondrug possession
drug usedrug use
drug traffickingdrug trafficking
drug manufacturingdrug manufacturing
thefttheft
break and enterbreak and enter
robberyrobbery
motor vehicle theftmotor vehicle theft
HOMELESSNESSHOMELESSNESS

35. ThankyouThankyou
created by samarthcreated by samarth
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