Drugs & Alcohol Abuse | Biology Class 12 - NEET PDF Download

Introduction: Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Tobacco Smoking

Use of drugs and alcohol has been on the rise, especially among the youth. This is really a cause for concern as it could result in many harmful effects. Proper education and guidance would enable youth to safeguard themselves against these dangerous behaviour patterns and follow healthy lifestyles.

Types of commonly abused drugs:

(i) Opioids: Bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Opium Poppy(ii) Cannabinoids: Interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

(iii) Coca alkaloids: Interfere with dopamine transport in the brain.

(i)Opioids

Heroin

Chemical Structure of Morphine

• Also known as: Smack
• Chemical composition: Diacetylmorphine
• Appearance: White, odourless, bitter crystalline compound
• Production process: Obtained by acetylation of morphine, which is extracted from the latex of the poppy plant Papaver somniferum
• Methods of consumption: Snorting and injection
• Effects on the body: Heroin is a depressant that slows down body functions

(ii) Cannabinoids

Natural Cannabinoids

• Source: Obtained from the inflorescences of the plant Cannabis sativa

• Effects on the body: Known for their effects on the cardiovascular system

(iii)  Cocaine (Coca Alkaloid)

• Source: Obtained from the coca plant Erythroxylum coca, native to South America
• Mechanism of action: Interferes with the transport of the neurotransmitter dopamine
• Common names: Coke or crack
• Methods of consumption: Usually snorted
• Effects on the body: Produces a potent stimulating action on the central nervous system, leading to a sense of euphoria and increased energy
• Risks of excessive dosage: Can cause hallucinations

• Other Hallucinogenic Plants: Atropa belladona and Datura

Flowering Branch of Datura

• Drugs such as barbiturates,amphetamines, and benzodiazepines, which are normally used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia, are often abused.
• Morphine, a very effective sedative and painkiller, is useful in patients who have undergone surgery but can be misused.
• When substances with hallucinogenic properties are taken for purposes other than medicinal use or in amounts/frequency that impair physical, physiological, or psychological functions, it constitutes drug abuse.

Tobacco and Smoking

• Tobacco has been used by humans for more than 400 years and is smoked, chewed, or used as snuff.
• Tobacco contains numerous chemical substances, including nicotine, an alkaloid.
• Nicotine stimulates the adrenal gland to release adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream, both of which raise blood pressure and increase heart rate.

Health Risks Associated with Smoking

• Cancers: Smoking is linked to increased incidence of cancers of the lung, urinary bladder, and throat.
• Respiratory Issues: Smoking is associated with bronchitis and emphysema.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Smoking contributes to coronary heart disease.
• Gastric Ulcer: Smoking is a risk factor for gastric ulcers.

Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Chewing

• Tobacco chewing is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the oral cavity
• Smoking increases carbon monoxide (CO) content in the blood and reduces the concentration of haem-bound oxygen, leading to oxygen deficiency in the body.

Statutory Warnings and Addiction

• Cigarette packs carry statutory warnings about the health risks of smoking.
• Despite these warnings, smoking remains prevalent in society among both the young and old.
• Awareness of Dangers: Understanding the dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco, as well as their addictive nature, is crucial for preventing these habits.
• Need for Help: Individuals struggling with addiction require counselling and medical assistance to overcome these habits.

Adolescence and Drug/Alcohol Abuse

• Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage where individuals undergo significant biological and psychological changes. This period, typically spanning from ages 12 to 18, serves as a bridge between childhood and adulthood and is marked by increased vulnerability to various influences, including drug and alcohol use.
• During adolescence, curiosity, a desire for adventure, and the need for excitement often drive young people to experiment with substances like drugs and alcohol. Initial experimentation may stem from natural curiosity, but over time, some adolescents may turn to these substances as a means of escaping problems or coping with stress. Academic pressures and societal perceptions, such as the idea that substance use is "cool," can further exacerbate this behaviour.
• Additionally, factors like unstable family environments and peer pressure play significant roles in influencing adolescents' choices regarding drug and alcohol use.

Key Factors Influencing Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Adolescents

• Curiosity and Experimentation: Adolescents are naturally curious and may initially try drugs or alcohol out of a desire to explore and experiment. What starts as a harmless curiosity can quickly escalate into regular use.
• Stress and Pressure: Increased stress from academic pressures, social expectations, and the need to excel can drive adolescents towards substance use as a coping mechanism.
• Sociocultural Influences: Media portrayals in television, movies, and the internet can glamorize drug and alcohol use, leading adolescents to perceive these behaviours as trendy or acceptable.
• Family Dynamics: Unstable or unsupportive family environments can contribute to a lack of guidance and emotional support, making adolescents more susceptible to substance abuse.
• Peer Pressure: The influence of peers plays a significant role in adolescent behaviour. The desire to fit in or be accepted by friends can lead to experimentation and continued use of drugs and alcohol.

Addiction and Dependence

Drugs and alcohol are often used repeatedly because of their perceived benefits. However, what many fail to realize is their inherent addictive nature. Addiction refers to a psychological attachment to the effects of these substances, such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being. This drives individuals to use them even when they are not needed or when their use becomes harmful.

How Addiction Develops

• With repeated use of drugs or alcohol, the body's tolerance levels increase. This means that the receptors in the body become less responsive to normal doses and require higher amounts to achieve the same effects.
• As a result, individuals may consume greater quantities, leading to addiction.
• It's important to note that even a single use of these substances can be a precursor to addiction.
• The addictive potential of drugs and alcohol can pull users into a vicious cycle of regular use, or abuse, from which they may find it difficult to escape.
• Without proper guidance or counselling, individuals can become dependent on these substances.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Dependence

• Dependence refers to the body's tendency to experience a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome when the regular dose of drugs or alcohol is abruptly stopped.
• Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, shakiness, nausea, and sweating. These symptoms may be alleviated by resuming use.
• In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening, necessitating medical supervision.

Impact on Social Behavior

• Dependence can lead individuals to disregard social norms to obtain the necessary funds to satisfy their cravings.
• This behaviour can result in various social adjustment problems.

Effects of Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse can have severe and immediate effects on individuals and society. The dangers associated with substance abuse are numerous and can lead to significant harm.When individuals abuse drugs and alcohol, they often exhibit reckless behavior, vandalism, and violence. Overdosing on drugs can result in coma or death due to:

• Respiratory failure
• Heart failure
• Cerebral hemorrhage

Mixing drugs or taking drugs with alcohol can lead to overdoses and fatalities.

Common warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse among youth include:

• Declining academic performance
• Frequent unexplained absences from school or college
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Depression and fatigue
• Aggressive or rebellious behavior
• Deteriorating relationships with family and friends
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Changes in sleeping and eating habits
• Weight fluctuations
• Appetite changes

Far-Reaching Implications

Drug or alcohol abusers may resort to stealing if they cannot afford substances. The negative impacts of addiction extend beyond the individual, causing mental and financial distress to family and friends. Individuals who use drugs intravenously are at a higher risk of contracting serious infections like AIDS and Hepatitis B due to sharing infected needles and syringes. These chronic infections are ultimately fatal and can also be transmitted through sexual contact or infected blood.

Long-Term Effects

• Alcohol use during adolescence can lead to heavy drinking in adulthood.
• Chronic use of drugs and alcohol damages the nervous system and liver, potentially leading to conditions like cirrhosis.
• Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can adversely affect the fetus.

Misuse in Sports

Some athletes misuse drugs such as narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics, and hormones to enhance performance. The side effects of these substances can be severe:

Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids

• In Females: Masculinization, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycles, excessive body and facial hair, enlarged clitoris, deepened voice.
• In Males: Acne, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, reduced testicle size, decreased sperm production, kidney and liver dysfunction, breast enlargement, premature baldness, enlarged prostate.

Prolonged use can lead to permanent effects, such as severe acne and stunted growth due to premature closure of growth centers in long bones.

Prevention and Control

The age-old adage of 'prevention is better than cure' holds true here also. It is also true that habits such as smoking, taking drug or alcohol are more likely to be taken up at a young age, more during adolescence. Hence, it is best to identify the situations that may push an adolescent towards use of drugs or alcohol, and to take remedial measures well in time. In this regard, the parents and the teachers have a special responsibility.

Parenting that combines with high levels of nurturance and consistent discipline, has been associated with lowered risk of substance (alcohol/drugs/tobacco) abuse.

Measures for Prevention and Control of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Adolescents

1. Avoid Undue Peer Pressure

• Respect and nurture each child's unique choices and personality.
• Avoid pushing children to perform beyond their limits in areas like studies, sports, or other activities.

2. Education and Counselling

• Teach children to cope with problems and stresses, and to view disappointments and failures as a normal part of life.
• Encourage children to engage in healthy activities such as sports, reading, music, yoga, and other extracurricular activities.

3. Seeking Help from Parents and Peers

• Encourage children to seek help from parents, peers, or trusted friends when facing challenges.
• Getting advice and support from others can help children manage feelings of anxiety and guilt.

4. Looking for Danger Signs

• Parents and teachers should be vigilant and identify danger signs related to substance use.
• If friends notice someone using drugs or alcohol, they should inform parents or teachers for the individual's well-being.

5. Seeking Professional and Medical Help

• Professional help is available through psychologists, psychiatrists, and deaddiction programmes for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
• With sufficient effort and willpower, affected individuals can overcome these challenges and lead normal and healthy lives.