Introduction to Drug Abuse.

Introduction to Drug Abuse.
Man has always saught pleasure, abatement of anxiety, and other alterations in states of consciousness through the ingestion of various natural and chemical substances. In the last few years drug abuse has become serious problem resulting into considerable harm both to the individual and to the society.
Drug abuse adversely affects the well being, the progress and the health of the user and also cause tragedy to the family life of these persons. Drugs are handled by doctors, nurses, pharmacists and patients but the maximum responsibility for the proper distribution of drugs lies with the pharmacist.
To understand the phenomenon of drug abuse, its important to know few terms which are commonly used in this context.

Drug misuse:
This refers to improper use of the medicines in a way that can lead to acute and chronic toxicity. It differ from drug abuse in the sense that; the improper use is unintentional and may be by mistake or accidental overdose.
Drug Abuse: Drug abuse is defined as “inappropriate , and usually intentional excessive, self administration of a drug for non medical purpose.”
1.Almost all abused drugs exert their primary effect on the Central Nervous system.
2.Prolonged abuse of drugs leads to
a.personality changes
b.decreased productivity
c. decreased economic and social misery.

The Drugs of abuse may be grouped into;
1.Permissive Drugs:
Ex: Caffine, nicotine, ethyl alcohol. Our attitude to above drug is permissive .
Caffine is available to children in the form of cola beverages, tea and coffee.
Nicotine is available in number of different forms example for smoking and for chewing.
Ethylalcohol is available in great variety of beverages and its readily available to adults in unlimed quantities.

2.Prescriptive Drugs:
Ex: Opiate analgesics, barbiturates, tranquilizers, amphetamines. These are readily available when prescribed by physician. These drugs are misused.

3.Prescriptive Drugs or banned drugs:
Ex: Opiate, sedative and stimulants, marihuana and LSD(lysergic acid diethyl amide) The above drugs are placed under strict drug control for avoiding their illegal use. Marihuana and LSD have no established medicinal uses.

This will be continued...