DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

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

Opoids-

• 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.

Fig.Papaversomniferum  

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.

Fig.Cannabis sativa  

Fig. marijuana   

Coca alkaloid

• Coca alkaloid or cocaine is obtained from coca plant Erythroxylum coca.
• Coca alkaloid interferes with the transport of the neuro-transmitterdopamine.
• Cocaine, commonly called as coke or crack .
• It has a potent stimulating action oncentral nervous system, producing a sense of euphoriaand increased energy.
• Excessive dosage of cocainecauses hallucinations.

Fig.Erythroxylum coca leaves  

• Some plants withhallucinogenic properties are Atropabelladona and.

Fig.Atropa belladonna  

• Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines,benzodiazepines, lysergic acid diethyl amides (LSD) are used asmedicines to help patients cope with mental illnesseslike depression and insomnia, are often abused.
• Morphine is a very effective sedative and painkiller is often abused.

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.

Fig. tobacco leaves