Abuse Of Depressants and Stimulants: Dealing With Their Effects
The most devastating effect of drug abuse happens to the brain. The powerful and most commonly abused drugs are known to alter chemical activity in the brain. While some of these changes may be reversible, others can lead to potentially fatal disruption of crucial brain functions; they may likewise cause permanent damage to the other vital organs and systems of the body.
The most commonly abused drugs are classified into several types. Two of these types are the central nervous system (CNS) depressants and the CNS stimulants. Each of these two types has its own specific effects and long-term hazards, and dealing with them requires specific treatments as well.
CNS depressants:
These drugs are labeled as such because they work by depressing the central nervous system. Included in this type are the barbiturates and tranquilizers. The former are medically used as sedatives and antispasmodics, while the latter are used to reduce mental disturbance. On the streets, these drugs are known as "downers." When abused, they can cause slowed heart rate and breathing, lethargy, unsteady gait, slurred speech, and confusion.
Certain long-term hazards are associated with addiction to these drugs, such as tolerance, dependence, and risk of death by overdose. The likelihood of this last one occurring is especially high if the drugs are combined with alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, jitteriness, disorientation, convulsions, delirium, and hallucinations. Untreated withdrawal can lead to death.
Treatment is by reintoxication with a substitute barbiturate, which is followed by a carefully monitored and rigidly scheduled withdrawal.
CNS stimulants:
These are the opposites of the depressants; that is, they stimulate the central nervous system. The amphetamines, cocaine and crack are the three drugs in this category. The amphetamines are clinically used to treat hyperactive children as well as the symptoms of narcolepsy.
Cocaine's medical use is as a topical anesthetic. Crack, on the other hand, is a potent form of cocaine that is used illicitly for smoking. These substances are known on the streets as "uppers." Abuse of these substances can cause loss of appetite, restlessness, faster pulse, euphoria, anxiety, and depression.
Nasal ulcers, hallucinations, psychological dependence, paranoia and risk of h