alcohol abuse · Part 2

. Opioids are drugs which bind to specific opioid receptors present in the central nervous system and intestinal tract . Heroin (smack) is chemically diacetyl morphine, which is white, odourless and bitter crystalline compound. It is obtained by acetylation of morphine, which is extracted from flowers of the poppy plant (Fig. . ) . Morphine is one of the strongest Group Drugs Effects Stimulants Amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine and tobacco Accelerates the activity of the brain Depressants Alcohol, Barbiturates, Tranquilizers Slows down the activity of the brain Narcotic/ Analgesics Opium, Morphine Act as depressants on the Central Nervous System Hallucinogens Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), Phencyclidine Distorts the way one sees, hears and feels Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens Bhang (Marijuana), Ganja, Charas Stimulating action on the CNS and affects the cardiovascular system Table . Classification of drugs Fig. . Opium plant (poppy plant) XII Std Zoology Chapter XII Std Zoology Chapter Human Health and Diseases respond only to highest doses of drugs and alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction. Excessive use of drug and alcohol leads to physical and psychological dependence. When psychological dependence develops, the drug user gets mentally ‘hooked on’ to the drug. The drug user constantly thinks only about the drug and has continuous uncontrollable craving for it. This state called “ euphoria ” is characterized by mental and emotional preoccupation with the drug. Physical dependence is a state in which the user’s body requires a continuous presence of the drug. If the intake of the drug or alcohol is abruptly stopped, he or she would develop withdrawal symptoms . In a sense, the body becomes confused and protests against the absence of the drug. The withdrawal symptoms may range from mild tremors to convulsions, severe agitation and fits, depressed mood, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, dryness of throat, etc, depending on the type of drug abuse.