Drugs - any substance other than
food that by its chemical nature alters the structure and
functioning in the living organism
Drug Use - utilizing substances in
the way in which they were intended
Drug Abuse -when drug use causes
problems, such as social, medical, personal, etc.
Drug Addiction -when the person
develops tolerance for a substance and experiences
withdrawal when it is removed
PsychoActive Drugs
Compounds which alter consciousness and/or
mood. Four points to consider:
1. Drugs themselves are not good or bad
2. Drugs have primary (intended) and
secondary (side) effects, and may be taken for either
3. Dose and quality impact upon a drug's
effect
4. Experience and expectations with a drug
impact upon its effect
Recent History
Vaccines - had a major impact on
many people
Showed that drugs could target specific
health issues
Antibiotics - cured what were once
deadly deseases
Thorazine - first drug to target
individuals with mental illness
The Pill - oral contraceptives
proved that drugs could be taken for lifestyle issues
Risk Factors
Early use of ETOH (before 12)
Exposure to adult drug use
Peer approval
Perceived parent approval
Absence from school
Poor academic performance
Lack of religious commitment
Emotional distress/dissatisfaction with
life
Gateway Substances
Defined as the first drug tried by a
user
Three most common are alcohol, cigarettes,
and marijuana
Drug Legislation
1875 - First drug ordinance
passed
1906 - Pure Food and Drug Act
1914 - The Harrison Act
1937 - Marijuana is
taxed
1938 - Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
1962 - Kefauver-Harris Amendments
1965 - Drug Abuse Control Amendments
1970 - Controlled Substances Act
1988 - Omnibus Drug Act
The Role of the F.D.A.
The FDA requires drug companies to prove
the effectiveness and safety of drugs before they can go to
market
Drug Classification
Schedule I - high abuse potential, no medical use (e.g., Heroin, marijuana, hallucinogens, ecstasy)
Schedule II - high abuse potential, accepted medical uses, high risk of dependence. Doctor must see the patient before providing a written script, which cannot be refilled (e.g., opium, morphine, cocaine, amphetamines such as Ritalin).
Schedule III - Moderate abuse potential, accepted medical use, moderate risk of dependence, script can be filled refilled (up to 6 months) over the phone (e.g., Tylenol with codeine, most barbiturates, Marinol).
Schedule IV - Mild to moderate
potential for abuse, accepted medical use, limited risk of
physical dependence, same prescription guidelines as Schedule III
(e.g., Valium, Serax, Librium).
Schedule V - Low risk of abuse, accepted medical use, low risk of physical dependence, prescription not needed for many drugs in this category (e.g., cough medicines with codeine or similar substances).