Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease 4

1. The Rising Problem of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Particularly Among Youth

• Surveys and statistics indicate a concerning increase in drug and alcohol use, especially among young people.
• This necessitates proper education and guidance to help youth avoid harmful behaviors and adopt healthy lifestyles.

2. Commonly Abused Drugs and Their Sources:

• Commonly abused drugs include opioids, cannabinoids, and coca alkaloids.
• Many of these drugs are derived from flowering plants; some originate from fungi.

3. Opioids:

• Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
• Heroin (diacetylmorphine), derived from morphine (extracted from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum), is a depressant that slows body functions. It’s typically snorted or injected.

4. Cannabinoids:

• Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors, primarily in the brain.
• Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant (inflorescences, leaves, and resin). Various combinations produce marijuana, hashish, charas, and ganja. These are usually inhaled or ingested orally.

5. Coca Alkaloids (Cocaine):

• Cocaine, derived from the coca plant Erythroxylum coca, interferes with dopamine transport.
• It’s a stimulant, producing euphoria and increased energy, but excessive use causes hallucinations. It’s typically snorted.

6. Other Hallucinogenic Plants:

• Other plants with hallucinogenic properties include Atropa belladona and Datura.
• Cannabinoids are also being misused by some athletes.

7. Misuse of Prescription Drugs:

• Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines, typically used to treat mental illnesses, are often abused.
• Morphine, a powerful sedative and painkiller, is another example of a medication that can be misused.
• Many plants, fruits, and seeds with hallucinogenic properties have a long history of use in folk medicine and religious ceremonies; their non-medicinal use constitutes drug abuse.

8. Tobacco Use:

• Tobacco use (smoking, chewing, snuff) has been prevalent for over 400 years.
• Nicotine, an alkaloid in tobacco, stimulates the adrenal gland, raising blood pressure and heart rate.
• Smoking is linked to various health problems, including cancers, bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease. Chewing tobacco increases oral cancer risk. Smoking reduces blood oxygen levels.

9. Adolescence and Drug/Alcohol Abuse:

• Adolescence (12-18 years) is a vulnerable period of mental and psychological development.
• Curiosity, a desire for adventure, experimentation, and perceived benefits contribute to substance use.
• Stress (academic pressure, etc.), peer pressure, and the perception that substance use is “cool” are significant factors.
• Unstable or unsupportive family structures also play a role. Media portrayals influence perceptions.

10. Addiction and Dependence:

• Repeated drug use leads to addiction, a psychological attachment to the effects (euphoria).
• Tolerance develops, requiring higher doses.
• Dependence involves the body manifesting unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when drug/alcohol use stops abruptly. These can be severe and life-threatening.
• Dependence leads to social adjustment problems (e.g., stealing to fund the habit).

11. Effects of Drug/Alcohol Abuse:

• Immediate effects: reckless behavior, vandalism, violence, coma, death (respiratory or heart failure, cerebral hemorrhage). Mixing drugs/alcohol increases risk of overdose.
• Warning signs in youth: decreased academic performance, absenteeism, poor hygiene, withdrawal, depression, aggression, relationship problems, changes in sleep/eating habits, weight fluctuations.
• Long-term effects: serious infections (AIDS, Hepatitis B) from intravenous drug use, liver damage (cirrhosis), nervous system damage. Prenatal drug/alcohol use harms the fetus.

12. Misuse of Drugs in Sports:

• Some athletes misuse drugs (narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics, hormones) to enhance performance.
• Anabolic steroids have significant side effects in both males and females, some of which are permanent. In adolescents, stunted growth can occur.

13. Prevention and Control:

Prevention is crucial, especially during adolescence. Parental and teacher involvement is essential. Supportive and disciplined parenting reduces risk.

Strategies: * Avoid undue peer pressure. * Education and counseling to help youth cope with stress and challenges. Encourage healthy activities (sports, music, etc.). * Seek help from parents, peers, and trusted friends. * Identify danger signs. * Seek professional and medical help (psychologists, psychiatrists, addiction treatment programs). With help and willpower, recovery is possible.