Definitions [1]
Definition: Drug abuse
Drug abuse is the improper or excessive use of drugs that leads to harmful effects on physical, mental and social health.
Key Points
Key Points: Drug Abuse
- Opioids: Source — Papaver somniferum (poppy). Effect — depressant, pain killer. Example — Heroin (diacetyl morphine).
- Cannabinoids: Source — Cannabis sativa (hemp). Effect — daydreaming affects the cardiovascular system. Examples — Marijuana, hashish, charas, ganja.
- Cocaine: Source — Erythroxylum coca. Effect — stimulates the CNS, causes euphoria, irritability, paranoia. Example — Cocaine.
- Hallucinogens: Source — Atropa belladonna, Datura. Effect — unreal perceptions of unreal objects. Examples — LSD, cannabis.
- General Effect: All abused drugs cause addiction, dependence, and impair physical, physiological, and psychological functions.
