This document discusses drug abuse, including definitions, classifications of drugs, causes of drug use, common drugs of abuse, and signs and treatment of drug abuse. It defines drug abuse as the non-permissive consumption of substances that can lead to physical or psychological dependence. It classifies drugs as pharmaceuticals or recreational and discusses the most commonly abused stimulants, opioids, sedatives, and hallucinogens like cocaine, meth, prescription painkillers, and LSD. It explains how drugs affect the brain's reward pathway and dopamine system to reinforce drug abuse. Physical and behavioral signs of abuse are provided, as well as an overview of treatment options.

1. DRUG ABUSE

2. WHAT IS DRUG?
A drug is something that affects your body. Drugs pass through the body and
interferes with brain’s neurotransmitters.

3. CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS
Pharmaceutical
drugs e.g. Aspirin,
Paracetamol etc.
Recreational drugs
e.g. Alcohol, nicotine,
and caffeine etc.

4. DEFINITION OF THE DRUG ABUSE
Drug abuse is the non permissive
consumption of certain substance
that may lead to physical and
psychological dependence.
Drug abuse refers to the use of
certain chemicals for the purpose
of creating pleasurable effects on
the brain.
The use of illegal drugs or the use
of prescription or over-the-counter
drugs for purposes other than
those for which they are meant to
be used, or in excessive amounts

5. CAUSES OF DRUG USE
Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young
adults
The use of prescription drugs that were originally intended to target pain
relief may have turned into recreational use and become addictive
Chemicals may be used as part of religious practices or rituals
Recreational purposes
As a means of obtaining creative inspiration

7. MOST COMMON STIMULANTS
COCAINE ABUSE
ADDERALL
ABUSE
METH ABUSE OPIOID ABUSE
HEROIN ABUSE
PRESCRIPTION
PAINKILLERS
SEDATIVE ABUSE
XANAX, ATIVAN,
AND VALIUM
HALLUCINOGENS ECSTASY ABUSE

8. COCAINE ABUSE
• This substance, which is a derivative of the coca plant, comes in white powder form
and is usually snorted.
• Someone abusing cocaine will experience an energetic, euphoric high for about 20
minutes before it wears off.
• As a result, most cocaine users abuse this substance back-to-back to maintain that
high. Unfortunately, using cocaine this frequently quickly leads to dependence and
potential overdose.

9. ADDERALL ABUSE
• By far the most popular prescription stymulant, Adderall is used for the treatment of
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
• When taken as prescribed, Adderall can increase focus and attention. However, when it
is abused, Adderall triggers a boost of energy and hyperfocus, which can last hours.
• Abusing this prescription drug excessively can lead to cardiac complications up to and
including heart attack.

10. METH ABUSE
• Meth is an extremely toxic stimulant that has a pseudoephedrine
base, which is the primary ingredient that triggers stimulant
effects.
• Meth also contains deadly elements such as paint thinner,
hydrochloric acid, and battery fluid, to name a few.
• Individuals abusing meth will experience intense euphoric highs
and equally as depressed lows.
• Meth mouth is severe tooth decay and tooth loss, as well as tooth
fracture, acid erosion, and other oral problems, potentially
symptomatic of extended use of the drug methamphetamine.

11. XANAX, ATIVAN, AND VALIUM
• Xanax, Ativan, and Valium are benzodiazepines that work to instantly calm the mind
and body.
• Unfortunately, when benzodiazepines like these are abused, individuals are at risk for
experiencing excessive sleepiness, drowsiness, and respiratory depression.
• When an individual becomes physically and psychologically dependent on one of
these prescription drugs and attempts to stop using suddenly, he or she can suffer
from deadly withdrawal symptoms, including grand mal seizures.

12. LSD-HALLUCINOGENS
• LSD- chemical made from ergot, a fungus that grows on certain
grains.
• It is probably the most powerful hallucinogen available,
producing hallucinations, changes in the way reality is
perceived, and altered moods.
• It comes as a white powder or clear liquid and has no color or
smell.
• It can come in capsules, but most often comes on small squares
of blotter paper or gelatin that users place on the tongue or
swallow to take a "trip."

13. CANNABIS MARIJUANA-HALLUCINOGENS
• The active ingredient in marijuana is THC, which acts on cannabinoid receptors found
in brain regions that influence learning, memory, appetite, coordination, and pleasure.
• Widely used as a recreational and medicinal substance, marijuana has been found to
cause paranoia or anxiety as well as hallucinations, especially in adolescents who use
the drug regularly.
• Time distortion, which is a symptom of marijuana use, is also part of hallucination.

14. ROLE OF DOPAMINE
• Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter of the reward system in the brain. It plays a
role in regulating movement, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure.
• Nearly all addictive drugs, directly or indirectly, act upon the brain's reward system by
heightening dopaminergic activity.
• Excessive intake of many types of addictive drugs results in repeated release of high
amounts of dopamine, which in turn affects the reward pathway directly through
heightened dopamine receptor activation.
• Prolonged and abnormally high levels of dopamine in the synaptic cleft can induce
receptor downregulation in the neural pathway.
• Downregulation of mesolimbic dopamine receptors can result in a decrease in the
sensitivity to natural reinforcers.

15. PHYSIOLOGY OF DRUG
ABUSE
• Research into the causes and mechanisms of drug abuse have led scientists to
conclude that there are distinct areas of the brain involved in the response to
psychostimulant substances. Collectively, these areas are called the Pleasure Reward
Pathway (PRP).
• The PRP includes the dopaminergic pathway from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to
the nucleus accumbens (NA) and extending to the prefrontal cortex. Dopaminergic
pathways are activated by the neurotransmitter, dopamine.

16. PHYSICAL SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE
Changes in appearance can be additional clues to possible drug use and may include:
• Bloodshot or glazed eyes.
• Dilated or constricted pupils.
• Abrupt weight changes.
• Changes in hygiene.
• Dental issues.
• Skin changes.
• Problems sleeping or sleeping too much.
Signs will vary based on the substance and the method used (i.e., smoking, injection,
etc.).

18. BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE
Drug use tends to significantly alter a person’s behavior and habits. Some drugs can
impair the brain’s ability to focus and think clearly.
Changes in behavior, such as the following, are sometimes associated with problematic
substance use:
• Increased aggression or irritability.
• Changes in attitude/personality.
• Lethargy.
• Depression.
• Sudden changes in a social network.
• Dramatic changes in habits and/or priorities.
• Involvement in criminal activity.

19. TREATMENT
Treatment programs are different for each individual and can be customized
based on their unique needs and situations.
• Inpatient Rehab- the best option for individuals battling chronic addiction,
as well as those who suffer from a co-occurring mental or behavioral
disorder.
• Outpatient Rehab- outpatient rehabs allow patients to live at home during
the recovery process. Patients can continue working and caring for their
families while attending scheduled treatment sessions throughout the week.

20. TRATMENT
• Drug and Alcohol Detox- Detoxification helps people safely withdraw from their
from drugs or alcohol until it is no longer present in their system. It is often the
first step in treating
• Addiction Treatment Medications- These medications are used for a variety of
purposes, including managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings or
treating co-occurring disorders.

21. SOURCES
• https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Drug-Abuse.aspx
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_abuse
• https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/substance-abuse#1
• https://www.slideshare.net/sidrarashiddar/drug-abuse-47814432
• https://journeypureriver.com/11-types-of-drug-abuse/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction#Reward_system
• https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction
• https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/

22. THANK YOU!
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