What is Drug Abuse Health 9 Quarter 2

What is drug of abuse?

Drug of abuse are drugs commonly abused by users. In the Philippines the three drugs of abuse are shabu, marijuana and inhalants.

Classification of Drugs of Abuse

The Dangerous Drugs Board listed three major drugs of abuse in the Philippines. These are methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu”, cannabis sativa or “marijuana” and inhalants better known as “solvents”. These drugs of abuse are included in the six classifications of drugs.

C. Readings

The six classifications of drugs are the following:

1. Gateway drugs

Gateway drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol are legal drugs that a non-drug user might try, which can lead him/her to more dangerous drugs such as marijuana and shabu. Teenagers who engage in early smoking and early drinking have a higher chance of using and experimenting with dangerous drugs of abuse.

 2. Depressant drugs 

Depressant drugs slow down a person’s central nervous system (CNS). The Central nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Doctors commonly prescribe depressant drugs to help certain persons to be less angry, less stressed or tensed. Depressant drugs relax muscles and nerves. These drugs also make patients feel sleepy and light-headed. Depressant drugs include alcohol, barbiturates and tranquilizers. 

3. Stimulant drugs

Stimulant drugs speed up a person's central nervous system. Stimulant drugs have the opposite effect of depressants. Stimulants make a person’s energy high. Negative effects of stimulants include depression and tiredness. Stimulants include amphetamines which include shabu, caffeine, nicotine and cocaine. 

 

4. Narcotics  

Narcotics are drugs which relieve pain and induce sleepiness. In medicine, these drugs are administered in moderation to patients with mental disorders and those in severe pain like cancer. Narcotic drugs include cocaine, heroin and marijuana. These drugs are illicit and dangerous if taken.

 5. Hallucinogens 

Hallucinogens are drugs which distorts reality and facts. It affects all senses and makes a user see, hear and feel things that don’t exist in the time being.

The name hallucinogen came from the word hallucination which is to perceive illusions. Hallucinogens include lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin obtained from mushrooms and mescaline

6. Inhalants

Inhalants are found in ordinary household chemical products anaesthetics. It is readily available and accessible to young children. Inhalant intoxication is similar to the signs and symptoms of alcohol

 intoxication. One difference is the foul smell of chemicals sniffed, inhaled or huffed by the user. Continuous use and abuse leads to delusions, brain damage, liver damage, coma and death.