The debate over whether or not cocaine is addictive is ongoing and complicated. The majority of mental health professionals take the view that regular cocaine users cannot voluntarily stop taking the drug. In this sense, cocaine meets the definition of an addictive drug. Moreover, these experts believe that cocaine use leads to physical changes in the brain that encourage continued use. Journalist Norbert R. Myslinski reports: According to Prof. Karen Bolla of Johns Hopkins University, cocaine impairs memory, manual dexterity, and decision making for at least a month. Her study suggests damage to the brain’s prefrontal cortex, leading to loss of control over consumption of the drug. A deadly spiral is set up, making it more and more difficult for the addict to quit. Continued drug abuse becomes increasingly a matter of brain damage and less a matter of weak character. Another study performed by researchers at Rockefeller University in New York City confirms Bolla’s conclusions and provides a detailed explanation of the brain chemistry of a chronic cocaine user. The Rockefeller University investigators found that repeated exposure to cocaine causes a change at the molecular level that alters a brain protein called Read more [...]

Methamphetamine is one of many stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine, caffeine, nicotine) with a wide variety of molecular structures and chemical mechanisms. What the various stimulants have in common are effects that mimic those of the sympathetic nervous system, both peripheral and central nervous system components, to produce arousing effects similar to epinephrine. The peripheral nervous system effects include vasoconstriction, increased muscle tone, increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and anesthesia. In medical settings, stimulant medications can be used to control bleeding, rescue patients from shock, numb a sore throat, relieve asthma, or clear a stuffy nose. Incorrect use of the same stimulant medications, however, can kill patients by causing fatal elevations of temperature, irregular heart rhythms, stroke, or heart attacks. Central nervous system effects include increased alertness and energy, and decreased appetite. Stimulants are especially helpful in specific disorders such as narcolepsy, attention deficit disorders, HIV, and aspects of depression. Incorrect use of stimulants, however, is associated with seizures, psychosis, anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Chronic use can also aggravate Read more [...]

Although most neurologists and pharmacologists report few lasting adverse physical effects from hallucinogen use, one concern among those who formulate the government’s drug policies is whether hallucinogens might be addictive. Of the scientific studies that have focused on this aspect of hallucinogens, none has concluded that they are addictive. This means that their prolonged use does not create a physiological craving or dependency based on changes in a user’s body chemistry. In addition, unlike drugs known to be addictive, there do not appear to be any physiological withdrawal symptoms or cravings when use of hallucinogens is terminated. Furthermore, unlike users of addictive drugs, users of hallucinogens typically do not have the urge to take their drugs many times a day. In fact, hallucinogenic experiences tend to be exhausting, and users report needing time to rest and recover following a trip. The use of hallucinogens more often than once a week is extremely rare; the majority of regular users report using them once a month or a few sporadic times in the course of a year. One of the reasons given for this low frequency of use is the long duration of a hallucinogen trip, which often lasts many hours. The Read more [...]

Compared to other chronic illnesses, addictions are highly treatable. O’Brien and McLellan (1996) in a review of treatment research found that for alcoholism treatment success rates averaged about 50 percent (range 40-70 percent, opiate dependence 60 percent (range 50-80 percent), cocaine dependence 55 percent (range 50-60 percent), and nicotine dependence 30 percent (range 20-40 percent). One of the major myths is that treatment does not work when it comes to meth addiction. This myth has been fuelled partially by the media and the absence of systematic research on meth treatment modalities. Little systematic research has been conducted on the efficacy of treatment for or prevention of meth addiction, but this is beginning to change. The Matrix model for treating stimulant abuse is the most frequently cited systematic research. The literature has also supported cognitive-behavioral approaches in treating meth and other addictions. This is not to suggest that general data on meth treatment is not available. In congressional testimony, the Executive Director of NASADAD shared data from three states that supported services for meth addiction: • In Colorado, 80 percent of methamphetamine users were abstinent at Read more [...]

Methamphetamine is a synthetic psychostimulant that physicians have legally prescribed as a treatment for attention deficit disorder under the brand name Desoxyn. The drug can be made easily in clandestine labs with over-the-counter ingredients. For addicts, it is relatively inexpensive to purchase and has desired effects that last for hours. The desired effects of meth use can last from six to eight hours, followed by a coming-down period when the user becomes agitated and potentially violent. Drugs, such as meth, labeled as psychostimulants include a diverse range of CNS (central nervous system) stimulants such as amphetamine, cocaine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), methylene dioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy), caffeine, and nicotine, to name a few. A number of prescription drugs, in addition to Ritalin, such as Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), Cylert (pemoline), and Adderall (adderall) are psychostimulants as well. Psychoactive stimulants activate the CNS by increasing pulse rate, alertness, blood pressure, restlessness, euphoria, excitement, increased energy, talkativeness, and other changes. Users of psychostimulants experience euphoria, increased sense of well-being, more energy, more confidence or overconfidence, Read more [...]

Entries are arranged alphabetically and follow a standardized format that allows to easily find information, and also facilitates comparisons of different drugs. Rubrics include: • Official names, Street names: This section lists the alternate names for a substance, including brand names, generic names, and chemical names for drugs, as well as common “street” names for drugs and other substances. • Drug classification: This section lists the type of drug and its classification and schedule by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, if applicable. • Key terms: This is a mini-glossary of terms in the entry that may be unfamiliar to students. • Overview: Historical background is included here, including the drug’s origin, development, and introduction to society. The current impact of the drug is discussed. • Chemical/organic composition: This section includes discussion on the various compositions of the drug, if it is found in pure or altered forms, and whether or not it is often mixed with other substances or drugs. • Ingestion methods: Availability of the drug or substance in different forms, for example, pill or powder, is discussed. • Therapeutic use: This section describes Read more [...]

Opium: Composition, Therapeutic use, Usage trends. Treatment and rehabilitation. Opium effects. Reactions with other drugs.

Nitrous Oxide: Composition, Therapeutic use, Usage trends. Treatment and rehabilitation. Nitrous Oxide effects. Reactions with other drugs.

Nicotine: Composition, Therapeutic use, Usage trends. Treatment and rehabilitation. Nicotine effects. Reactions with other drugs.

Nicotine: Composition, Therapeutic use, Usage trends. Treatment and rehabilitation. Nicotine effects. Reactions with other drugs.