Biology Human Health and Disease Class 12 Part 6

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE :-

The drugs which are commonly abused are opioids, cannabinoids and coca alkaloids.

Opioids-

Opioids are the drugs which bind to specific opioid receptors present in our central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Heroin –

commonly called smack is chemically diacetylmorphine which is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound and is obtained by acetylation of morphine extracted from the latex of poppy plant Papaversomniferum Heroin is a depressant and slows down body functions.

Cannabinoids –

Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors present principally in the brain. Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescences of the plant Cannabis sativa.
The flower tops, leaves and the resin of cannabis plant are used in various combinations to produce marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja.
Effects on cardiovascular system of the body.

Coca alkaloid

• Coca alkaloid or cocaine is obtained from coca plant Erythroxylum coca.
• Coca alkaloid interferes with the transport of the neuro-transmitter dopamine.
• Cocaine, commonly called as coke or crack.
• It has a potent stimulating action on central nervous system, producing a sense of euphoria and increased energy.
• Excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations.
• Morphine is a very effective sedative and pain killer is often abused.
• Some plants with hallucinogenic properties are Atropabelladona.

Tobacco-

• Tobacco conatins nicotine, an alkaloid.
• Nicotine stimulates adrenal gland to release adrenaline and nor-adrenaline into blood circulation, both of which raise blood pressure and increase heart rate.
• Smoking of tobacco is associated with increased incidence of cancers of lung, urinary bladder, throat, oral cavity, bronchitis, emphysema, coronary heart disease, gastric ulcer etc.

ADOLESCENCE AND DRUG / ALCOHOL ABUSE

Alcohol use often turns to abuse and addiction.

• 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.
• 12-18 years of age may be thought of as adolescence period.
• 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.

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 ta characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly discontinued.
• Withdrawal syndrome is characterised by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating.
• Acute, or short-term, tolerance is caused by repeated exposure to a drug over a relatively short period of time. Cocaine abuse often results in acute tolerance.
• Chronic, or long-term, tolerance develops when an individual’s body adapts to constant exposure to a drug over weeks or months.

EFFECTS, PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE

• Immediate effects are reckless behavior, vandalism and violence.
• Excessive doses of drugs may lead to coma and death due to respiratory failure, heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage.
• Those who take drugs intravenously can get infected with AIDS, hepatitis B.
• The chronic use of drugs and alcohol damages nervous system and cause liver cirrhosis.
• The use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is also known to adversely affect the foetus.
• Use of anabolic steroids in females can cause masculinisation, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycles, excessive hair, growth on the face and body, enlargement of clitoris, deepening of voice.
• In males anabolic steroids can cause acne, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, reduction of size of the testicles, decreased sperm production, potential for kidney and liver dysfunction, breast enlargement, premature baldness, enlargement of the prostate gland.

Prevention and Control

• The measures useful for prevention and control of alcohol and drugs abuse among adolescents-
• Avoid undue peer pressure on children.
• Children should be educated and counseled to bear problems and stress in life.
• The child should seek help from parents and elders.
• Affected individuals should seek medical help of qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, and de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes.