Different Drugs and Addiction

Just as there is a wide spectrum of drugs, the signs, symptoms and addictive properties of these drugs span a wide range.  Some general signs and symptoms of drug addiction include feeling that you need the drug on a regular basis, maintaining a constant supply and going to extreme measures to obtain the drug, and feeling that the drug is a necessary way of coping with problems.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Central nervous system depressants: Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan) and barbiturates are examples of central nervous system depressants. Signs and symptoms of these drugs include dizziness, depression, slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure, lack of coordination, slurred speech, and drowsiness.  Central nervous system depressants boost gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and as increased amounts are released, it binds to receptors and lowers cell excitability.  This decrease in brain activity can cause long-term cellular alterations.

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Central nervous system stimulants: Amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are examples of central nervous stimulants. Signs and symptoms of these drugs include feelings of euphoria, rapid speech, irritability, weight loss, paranoia, nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane of the nose (for those who snort drugs), and increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.  These drugs increase the amount of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in the synapses.  (Dopamine is a component in the reward system which controls the desire to seek stimuli like food and sex. Serotonin regulates mood.) The stimulants block the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters, prolonging their effects, and possibly altering the dopamine and serotonin receptor sensitivities.

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cannabis compounds: Marijuana and hashish are sources of cannabis compounds.  A sense of relaxation and happiness, a heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception, increased blood pressure and heart rate, poor memory, red eyes, decreased coordination, slowed reaction time, and paranoid thinking are all signs and symptoms of cannabis compound used.  Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main component of these drugs.  THC affects the communication between neurotransmitters and can produce both enjoyable and uncomfortable feelings.

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hallucinogens:  These drugs include LSD, phencyclidine (PCP), and ketamine (special K).  Signs and symptoms vary based on the hallucinogen used.  LSD users experience greatly impaired perception of reality, permanent mental changes in perception, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, and flashbacks.  Symptoms of PCP use include feelings of euphoria, delusions, panic, loss of appetite, depression, and aggressive/violent behavior.  Ketamine produces numbness, impaired motor function, increased heart rate, and loss of memory.  Hallucinogens affect the body by disturbing the interaction between nerve cells and serotonin levels.

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Designer Drugs: These drugs are synthetic compounds, such as Ecstasy and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), that have effects similar to both amphetamines and hallucinogens.  Like hallucinogens, the signs and symptoms vary depending on the drug.  Ecstasy causes a hallucinogenic effect and feelings of euphoria, along with an increased heart rate, overheating, high blood pressure, kidney and liver toxicity, and memory problems. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Inhalants: Examples of compounds commonly used as inhalants include glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip markers, gasoline, cleaning fluids, household aerosol products, and nitrous oxide.  These products cause intoxication and decreased inhibitions upon inhalation. Red or runny nose, sores around the nose and mouth, loss of appetite, and nausea are all signs and symptoms of inhalant use.  Prolonged use may cause seizures and damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain, and possible death due to asphyxiation, aspiration, suffocation, or heart failure.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

Opioids:  These drugs are produced naturally or synthetically from opium and are both narcotic and painkilling.  Opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, and oxycodone (Oxycontin). Signs and symptoms of opioid use include sedation, reduced sense of pain, depression, confusion, and slowed breathing.  Opioids affect the reward pathway nerve cells in the brain and produce positive reinforcement for their use.  Opioid receptors exist in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Drug Dependence vs. Physical Harm: