PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS

The Proper Way of Using Drugs

and
What Effect it My Bring to Us
 PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS

are chemical substances that affect the

brain function, causing changes in behavior,
mood, and consciousness. Some are safer
than others, but some may lead us to
addictive, and the worst is death.
 PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS

Patients should inform their health care provider if

they experience any of these side effects. In some
cases, a dosage adjustment or change of
prescription can alleviate any discomfort caused by
them.

Additional medications may also be prescribed to

address severe side effects
. Depressants: they slow down the central nervous
system; ex: Tranquillizers, alcohol, petrol, heroin
and other opiates, cannabis (in low doses)

. Stimulants: they excite the nervous system; ex:

nicotine, amphetamine, cocaine, caffeine.

. Hallucinogens: they distort how things are

perceived; mescaline, “magic mushrooms”,
cannabis (in high doses)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION
MEDICATION
you’re suffering from major depression, antidepressant
medication may relieve some of your symptoms. Side effects are
common in all antidepressants and for many people, the side
effects are serious enough to make them stop taking the
medication.
 ETHYL ALCOHOL

Alcohol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is the second most

widely used psychoactive drugs in the world. While alcohol
is a legal drug, it also has a high potential for abuse.
You can develop problems such as
anemia, which can be brought on
by not taking care of yourself
physically or nutritionally. Some
other common problems can be
ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver,
hallucinations, dementia,"wet
brain" and even death.
 BARBITURATES
Barbiturates, sometimes referred to as downers, are a type
of CNS depressant that causes euphoria and relaxation
when taken in low doses.

barbiturates were viewed as a safe depressant, but

problems with addiction and deadly overdoses soon became
apparent. Barbiturates have a dramatic impact on sleep
patterns, resulting in suppressed REM sleep.

dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, and clumsiness or

unsteadiness. These problems usually go away as the body
adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment
unless they persist or interfere with normal activities.
 BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines are a type of CNS depressant widely

prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, and clumsiness or

unsteadiness. These problems usually go away as the body
adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment
unless they persist or interfere with normal activities
 SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effects of benzodiazepines are
related to their sedating and muscle-relaxing action.
They include drowsiness, dizziness and decreased alertness
and concentration.
Decreased libido and erection problems are a common side
effect.
Depression and disinhibition may emerge. Hypotension

and suppressed breathing may be encountered

CLASSED AS STIMULANTS
Caffeine: Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug
in the world.
 EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue
Dizziness; irritability; nausea; nervousness.
NICOTINE
Nicotine is considered one of the three most widely used
psychoactive drugs in the world, despite the fact that there are
few medical uses for the drug.

Nicotine Gum: Abnormal dreams; diarrhea; difficulty sleeping;

dry mouth; joint pain; muscle pain; nervousness; redness,
itching, or burning at the application site; sweating; weakness.
Nicotine inhaler: Anxiety; coughing; diarrhea; flu-like
symptoms; headache; hiccups; indigestion; mouth or throat
irritation; muscle aches; nausea; pain in the jaw and neck;
runny nose; taste changes.
 COCAINE

Cocaine is an illegal psychoactive drug made from the

leaves of the coca tree.

Chronic pain in the chest and coughing sometimes

accompanied by severe chest pains are common.
Phlegm coughed out is black in color and does not have
blood in it unless the patient has other respiratory problems.
Panic attacks are not uncommon to recovering users and
addicts.
AMPHETAMINES