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.
