EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

CANNABIS & AMPHETAMINES

©Emmanuel M. Kingston

CANNABIS ABUSE

• Abuse- use of a chemical substance or a drug for non-therapeutic purposes.

• The effects are caused by chemicals in cannabis, including cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

• Cannabis has both psychological and physiological effects on the human body.

Cannabinoid receptors• G-protein coupled receptor.• CB1 receptors bigger and extraordinarily abundant in the brain: 10

times more plentiful than μ-opioid receptor(morphine).• CB2 receptors are structurally different (similarity 44%), are found

only on cells of the immune system, and seems to function similarly to its CB1 counterpart.

• CB2 receptors are most commonly prevalent on B-cells, NK cells, and monocytes, but can also be found on polymorphonuclear neutrophil cells, CD 8, and CD 4 cells. In the tonsils the CB2 receptors appear to be restricted to B-lymphocyte-enriched areas.

• THC and endogenous anandamide additionally interact with glycine receptors.

Prevalent brain locations:

• Basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and nucleus accumbens (“reward centre of the brain”).

• Others: hypothalamus, amygdala, spinal cord, brainstem and nucleus of the solitary tract (visceral sensations of N,V)

Preparations

Behavioral changes that may be symptoms of prolonged marijuana use include:

• distorted perceptions• impaired coordination• difficulty in thinking and problem solving• ongoing problems with learning and memoryOther signs of marijuana abuse are frequently visible in users:• red, blurry, bloodshot eyes• constant, mucus-filled cough• rapid heartbeat• Hunger & dry mouth• anxiety, paranoia, or fear• poor memory• poor coordination and slow reaction time• Addiction• Cancer of the lungs is also linked to marijuana use because unfiltered marijuana smoke has more

carcinogens than cigarettes.

• Blood-shot eye

AMPHETAMINE ABUSE

• CNS stimulants.• Amphetamine is made up of two distinct

compounds (enantiomers): pure dextroamphetamine and pure levoamphetamine.

• Dextroamphetamine is more potent than levoamphetamine.

• Medications containing amphetamines are prescribed for narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Methods of Use• Dependence liability: Moderate• Routes:• Medical: Oral, nasal inhalationRecreational: Oral, nasal inhalation, insufflations, rectal, intravenous

• Pharmacokinetic data• Bioavailability: Rectal 95–100%; Oral 75–100%• Protein Binding: 15–40%• Metabolism:

Hepatic: CYP2D6, BDH, and FMO(flavin monooxygenase)

• Half life: D-amph:9–11h; L-amph:11–14h

Disorders Medically Treated With Amphetamines

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder • Narcolepsy (uncontrolled episodes of sleep)• Obesity • Parkinson's disease • Nasal congestion• Causes release of dopamine and

norepinephrine in the brain and inhibits their reuptake.

Short-Term Effects• High body temperature • Cardiovascular system failure • Hostility or paranoia • Irregular or increased heart

rate• Increased blood pressure • Increased activity • Euphoria • Decreased fatigue/drowsiness • Decreased appetite• Dry mouth • Dilated pupils

• Increased respiration • Heightened

alertness/energy • Nausea • Headache • Palpitations • Altered sexual behavior • Tremor/twitching of small

muscles • Release of social

inhibitions

Long-Term Effects

• Toxic psychosis • Physiological and behavioral

disorders• Dizziness • Pounding heartbeat • Cardiomyopathies• Difficulty breathing • Mood or mental changes • Unusual fatigue• Cardiac arrhythmias • Repetitive motor activity

• Ulcers • Malnutrition • Mental illness • Skin disorders • Vitamin deficiency • Flush or pale skin • Loss of coordination and

physical collapse• Convulsions, coma, and

death

Das ENDE