Drug use - Addiction, Habituation, Dependence

drug use

Table of Contents

Introduction
Characteristics of drug use and abuse
- The functions of psychotropic drugs
- The nature of drug addiction and dependence
  - Popular misconceptions
  - Physiological effects of addiction
  - Addiction, habituation, and dependence
  - Psychological dependence
  - Other affects on mental health
- History of drug control
  - International controls
  - National controls
  - Extent of contemporary drug abuse
Social and ethical issues of drug abuse
- Conflicting values in drug use
- Youth and drugs
Psychotropic drugs
- Opium, morphine, heroin, and related synthetics
  - History of opiates
  - Physiological effects of opiates
  - Opiate addiction
  - Means of administration
  - Therapy for opiate addiction
- Hallucinogenic drugs
  - Types of hallucinogens
  - History of hallucinogens
  - Physiological and psychological effects of hallucinogens
  - Hallucinogen abuse
- Barbiturates, stimulants, and tranquilizers
  - Barbiturates
  - Cocaine
  - Amphetamines
  - Tranquilizers
- Cannabis
  - Types of cannabis preparations
  - History of cannabis use and regulation
  - Physiological and psychological effects of cannabis

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The traditional distinction between “addiction” and “habituation” centers on the ability of a drug to produce tolerance and physical dependence. The opiates clearly possess the potential to massively challenge the body’s resources, and, if so challenged, the body will make the corresponding biochemical, physiological, and psychological readjustment to the stress. At this point, the cellular response has so altered itself as to require the continued presence of the drug to maintain normal function. When the substance is abruptly withdrawn or blocked, the cellular response becomes abnormal for a time until a new readjustment is made. The key to this kind ...(100 of 15403 words)

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