Biology Chapter: Human Health and Disease

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSEThe 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, it constitutes drug abuse .

The drugs which are commonly abused include opioids, cannabinoids, coca-alkaloids, barbiturates, amphetamines, and LSD(lysergic acid diethylamide)

TYPES OF DRUGS 1.Opioids

These drugs bind the opioid receptors in central nervous system and gastro-intestinal tract e.g., morphine and heroin .

Morphine is obtained from the latex of poppy plant .

Heroin (smack) is obtained by acetylation of morphine. It is chemically diacetyl morphine and it is bitter, white, odourless, 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 inflorescence of 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 persons in recent times.

3.Coca-alkaloids (cocaine) It is obtained from Erythroxylum

coca.

It interferes with the transport of neurotransmitter, dopamine.

It is usually taken by smoking.

It has a potential stimulating action on the central nervous system and produces a sense of euphoria and increased energy, its excessive dosage causes hallucination.

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 a stimulant and toxin.

Adrenal gland is stimulated by nicotine to release adrenaline and non-adrenaline which increases the blood pressure and 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 concentration of haeme-bound oxygen, thus causing oxygen deficiency in the body.

6.Alcohol Alcohol is a depressant and it affects central nervous system.

ADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE There are following causes of drugs/alcohol abuse.(i) Curiosity(ii) Need for adventure (iii)Excitement (iv)Experimentation (v) To escape from stress (vi)Un supportive family structure

The tolerance level of the receptors in our body increases with repeated use of drugs/alcohols, and consequently they respond to higher doses of drugs/alcohols.

If the regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly discontinued, the body to manifests a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms which can anxiety, nausea, sweating etc.

ADOLESCENCE AND DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE Adolescence is the period during which the child

becomes matured.

It is between 12 – 18 years of age.

Use of alcohol during adolescence can lead to heavy drinking in adulthood.

EFFECT OF DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE Reckless behaviour, and violence are the

immediate effect of drug abuse.

Excess doses may lead to coma and death due to cerebral haemorrhage, respiratory and 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 most common warning signals of drugs/alcohol abuse include

i. Drop in Academic performance

ii. Lack of interest in personal hygiene

iii. Withdrawal and isolation from family and friends

iv. Aggressive and rebellious behaviour

v. Lack of interest in hobbies

vi. Change in sleeping and eating habits

vii. Fluctuations in weight etc.

Misuse of anabolic steroids causes the following in female

i. Masculinisation

ii. Increased aggressiveness

iii. Mood swings

iv. Abnormal menstrual cycle

v. Excess of hair growth on face and body

vi. Deepening of voice

Misuse of anabolic steroids causes the following in male i. Acne

ii. Increased aggressiveness

iii. Depression

iv. Reduction in size of testicles

v. Decreased sperm production

vi. Potential for kidney and liver dysfunction

vii. Premature baldness

viii.Enlargement of prostate glands

ix. Enlarged breasts

PREVENTION AND CONTROLi. Avoid undue peer pressure

ii. Education and counselling

iii. Seeking help from parents and peers

iv. Looking for danger signs

v. Seeking professional and medical help

DONE BY:AKHIL DEV.G

CLASS: XII2016-2017