SUBSTANCE ABUSE

SREELEKSHMI F

DEFENITION

Self administraton of a drug for non medical reasons, in quantities and frequencies which may impair an individuals ability to function effectively, and which may result in social , physical or emotional harm.

Agent factors
1. 2.

3.
4. 5.

6.
7. 8.

9.

alcohol opiods cannabinoids sedatives or hypnotics Cocaine other stimulants including caffeine Hallucinogens Tobacco Volatile substances

alcohol

Primary and continuous cns depressant. Psychic dependence and physical dependence. Increased number of young people have started consuming alcohol. Aetiological factor in suicide,accidents,violence etc

tobacco

3 milllion premature deaths. 30% of all cancers in developed countries. Smoking as Symbol of adult behaviour.
Peer pressure Smoking Eg from family

Employed outside

Women smokers at a greater risk in pregnancy Passive smoking.

cannabis

Obtained from hemp plants Hashish/ charas ; bhanj ; ganja Marijuana Incorporated into cigarettes/ drinks/food dreamy state of altered consciousness. There is psychic dependence.

Amphetamines& cocaine

Amphetamines:

Act on cns Superman drugs Psychic dependence

Cocaine:
Cns stimulant No tolerance/ physical dependence

barbiturates

Sedatives Leads to craving or both physical and psychic dependence.

heroin

Narcotic analgesic Craving, psychic dependence

LSD

Psychotogenic Alters the normal structuring of perception Colours are heard & sound is palpable. Subjective time is deranged No physical dependence.

caffeine

Most commonly used Tea,coffee, cola drinks Caffeinism: anxiety, agitation, restlessness,insomnia Withdrawal symptoms

Host factors

Motives: pleasure, desire to experiment, sense of adventure, desire to escape Many show symptoms of social & psychological maladjustment. Average age of drug users has decreased.

Environmental factors

Rapid technological development- extended period of education Television, world travel, affluence, freedom to speculate & experiment

Symptoms of drug addiction

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

loss of interest in sports/daily routines Loss of appetite & body wt Unsteady gait,clumsy movements,tremors Reddening & puffiness of eyes, unclear vision Slurring of speech Fresh,numerous injection marks on body

Nausea, vomiting, body pain Drowsiness/ sleepiness Anxiety, depression Changing mood,temper, tantrums Depersonalisation Impaired memory & concentration

PREVENTION

Legal approach Community approach

Educational approach

Legal approach

To impose partial restriction/make a drug completely unavailable Antismoking measures:

1. 2.

3. 4. 5.

Prohibiting sale of tobacco products to minors Restriction of sale of cigarettes from automatic vending machines Prohibition of smoking in schools Prohibition of smoking in public places Prohibition of cigarette advertising

6. Establishment of mandatory public health education 7. Insisting on placing of mandatory health warning on cigarette packs

Raise minimum age at which minors may legally have acess to alcohol.

Educational approach

Educational programmes for school children Information campaigns on electronic media

Community approach

Initiate preventive approach in community Provision of alternative activities which may help to prevent substance abuse.

Treatment

Medical care includes:

1.

2.
3. 4.

Identification & motivation Detoxification Post detoxification counselling & follow up rehabilitation

rehabilitation

Long & difficult process Adoption of mature & realistic attitude by local community. Vocational training, provision of sheltered work opportunities.

thankyou