Commonly Abused Drugs and their effects - Practice Questions & MCQ

• The drugs, which are commonly abused are opioids, cannabinoids and coca alkaloids.
• Majority of these are obtained from flowering plants.
• Some are obtained from fungi.

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, odorless, bitter crystalline compound. 
• This is obtained by acetylation of morphine which is extracted from the latex of poppy plant Papaver somniferum.
• Generally taken by snorting and injection, heroin is a depressant and slows down body functions.

Cannabinoids:

• Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals which 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. 
• Generally taken by inhalation and oral ingestion, these are known for their effects on the cardiovascular system of the body.

Coca alkaloid:

• Coca alkaloid or cocaine is obtained from coca plant Erythroxylum coca, native to South America. 
• It interferes with the transport of the neurotransmitter dopamine. 
• Cocaine, commonly called coke or crack is usually snorted. 
• It has a potent stimulating action on the central nervous system, producing a sense of euphoria and increased energy. 
• An excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations. 
• Other well-known plants with hallucinogenic properties are Atropa belladonna and Datura.
   

• Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being – associated with drugs and alcohol. 
• These drive people to take them even when these are not needed, or even when their use becomes self-destructive. 
• With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the receptors present in our body increases. 
• Consequently, the receptors respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction. 
• However, it should be clearly borne in mind that use of these drugs even once, can be a fore-runner to addiction. 
• Thus, the addictive potential of drugs and alcohol, pull the user into a vicious circle leading to their regular use (abuse) from which he/she may not be able to get out. 
• In the absence of any guidance or counseling, the person gets addicted and becomes dependent on their use.
• Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if a regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly discontinued. This is characterized by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating, which may be relieved when use is resumed again.
• In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening and the person may need medical supervision.
   

• The use of alcohol during adolescence may also have long-term effects.
• It could lead to heavy drinking in adulthood. 
• The chronic use of drugs and alcohol damages nervous system and liver (cirrhosis).
• The use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is also known to adversely affect the fetus.
• Another misuse of drugs is what certain sportspersons do to enhance their performance. 
• The side-effects of the use of anabolic steroids in females include masculinization (features like males), increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth on the face and body, enlargement of clitoris, deepening of the voice.
• In males it includes acne, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, reduction of the size of the testicles, decreased sperm production, the potential for kidney and liver dysfunction, breast enlargement, premature baldness, enlargement of the prostate gland.