NAME: JAMES RACHEAL OREOLUWA

MATRIC NO: 230207010182

COURSE: FUNDAMENTALS OF BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION

DEPARTMENT: MASS COMMUNICATION

TOPIC: DRUG ABUSE

Chapter 2: Types of Drugs

Classification of Drugs
Drugs are substances that, when taken into the body, produce a physiological effect.
The classification of drugs is essential in understanding their effects, potential for
abuse, and medical uses. Broadly, drugs are categorized into the following types
based on their effects:

1. Stimulants: These drugs enhance the activity of the central nervous system,
leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. Common stimulants include:

- Cocaine: A powerful stimulant that increases dopamine levels, creating intense

euphoria.

- Amphetamines: Often prescribed for ADHD; misuse can lead to serious

cardiovascular problems.

- Caffeine and Nicotine: Legally consumed but still potent stimulants that can cause
dependence.

2. Depressants: These reduce arousal and stimulation, often prescribed to treat

anxiety and sleep disorders.

- Benzodiazepines: Such as diazepam and lorazepam, used to manage anxiety.

- Alcohol: The most widely used depressant, which impairs motor functions and
judgment.
 - Barbiturates: Formerly used for anxiety and insomnia; now less common due to
overdose risk.

3. Narcotics/Opioids: Primarily used to relieve pain. They act on the opioid

receptors in the brain.

- Morphine and Codeine: Naturally derived from the opium poppy.

- Heroin: An illegal opioid that is highly addictive.

- Synthetic opioids: Like oxycodone and fentanyl, often prescribed but highly
abused.

4. Hallucinogens: Cause changes in perception, thought, and emotion.

- LSD (Acid): Produces vivid hallucinations and altered sense of time.

- Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): Naturally occurring hallucinogen.

- PCP and Ketamine: Known for dissociative effects.

5. Cannabinoids: Influence perception and mood through interaction with the

endocannabinoid system.

- THC: The psychoactive component in cannabis.

- CBD: Non-psychoactive and used for therapeutic purposes.

- Medical vs Recreational Use: Many regions have legalized cannabis for medical
and/or recreational use.

6. Inhalants: Substances inhaled to produce immediate effects.

- Examples: Paint thinners, glue, gasoline, nitrous oxide.

- Risks: Can cause sudden death from heart failure or asphyxiation.

7. Designer Drugs: Synthetic analogs created to mimic the effects of existing drugs
while avoiding legal restrictions.
 - Synthetic cannabinoids: Marketed as "Spice" or "K2".

- Bath salts: Synthetic cathinones, often linked to violent behavior and psychosis.

Drugs Commonly Abused

Drug abuse affects people of all backgrounds and leads to numerous health, social,
and economic consequences. The most commonly abused drugs include:

1. Alcohol:

- Most socially accepted drug.

- Chronic abuse can lead to liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular problems.

- Associated with domestic violence, accidents, and risky behaviors.

2. Tobacco/Nicotine:

- Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths.

- Leads to diseases like COPD, lung cancer, and heart disease.

- E-cigarettes are increasingly popular among youths.

3. Cannabis:

- Commonly used recreational drug.

- Can impair memory, coordination, and learning, especially in adolescents.

- Risk of dependency exists with heavy use.

4. Prescription Medications:

- Opioids: For pain relief but widely misused (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone).

- Stimulants: Prescribed for ADHD but abused for performance enhancement (e.g.,
Adderall).
 - Benzodiazepines: Used for anxiety but often misused in combination with
alcohol.

5. Illicit Drugs:

- Cocaine: Causes intense but short-lived euphoria; long-term use affects the heart
and brain.

- Heroin: High overdose potential due to its strength and purity.

- Methamphetamine: Extremely addictive; causes rapid deterioration of physical

and mental health.

- Ecstasy (MDMA): Often used in party settings; affects serotonin levels and may
lead to long-term brain changes.

Prescription vs. Illicit Substances

Understanding the difference between prescription and illicit drugs is vital in
prevention and treatment efforts.

1. Prescription Drugs:

- Legal when obtained and used with a doctor’s prescription.

- Misuse includes taking more than prescribed, using someone else’s medication,
or using for euphoria.

- Examples: OxyContin, Adderall, Xanax.

- Long-term misuse can lead to addiction, organ damage, or overdose.

2. Illicit Drugs:

- Not legal to manufacture, sell, or use.

- Often unregulated and contaminated with other substances (e.g., fentanyl in

heroin).
 - Legal consequences include imprisonment, fines, and loss of rights.

- Health effects include dependency, transmission of diseases (via needles), and

psychological disorders.

3. Grey Market Drugs:

- Substances not yet banned or monitored but have abuse potential.

- Often sold online and marketed as supplements or research chemicals.

- Users face unknown risks due to lack of regulation.

4. Harm Reduction Strategies:

- Includes supervised consumption sites, needle exchange programs, and

medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

- These aim to reduce health risks associated with drug use.

Emerging Drug Trends

As the drug landscape evolves, new substances and behaviors emerge, requiring
updated responses.

1. Fentanyl and Analogues:

- Synthetic opioid 50-100 times stronger than morphine.

- Increasingly found in counterfeit pills and other street drugs.

- Overdose deaths linked to fentanyl have surged in recent years.

2. Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones:

- Often marketed as legal alternatives but can have severe side effects.
 - Effects are unpredictable and often more dangerous than natural counterparts.

3. Polydrug Use:

- Taking multiple substances simultaneously (e.g., alcohol + opioids).

- Increases risk of overdose and unpredictable interactions.

4. Microdosing Psychedelics:

- Involves taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses.

- Claimed to improve mood, focus, and creativity.

- Research ongoing into therapeutic potential for depression and PTSD.

5. Teen Drug Use Trends:

- Vaping THC and nicotine among adolescents continues to rise.

- Social media influences and peer pressure contribute to experimentation.

- Prevention programs must adapt to digital environments.

6. Digital Drug Markets:

- Dark web and social media platforms used to distribute drugs.

- Encrypted apps make tracking difficult.

- Law enforcement adapting through cybercrime units.

Conclusion
Combating drug abuse requires a comprehensive understanding of the types of
drugs, their effects, and the emerging trends in their use. Public health education,
early intervention, accessible treatment, and legal reforms play critical roles.
Emphasis on prevention strategies and community involvement can lead to more
informed decisions and healthier societies.
Reference

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