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C H A P T E R 6 Challenges to effective drug therapy
when their occupation puts them in contact with readily available drugs or when someone else in the home is using a prescription drug. Many of the drugs used illic- itly are addictive and can change a person’s entire life, with drug-seeking behaviour becoming a major factor. Researchers have identified actual changes in the brain and neurotransmitter patterns of people who abuse and become addicted to such drugs. Trying to reverse these changes and return the person to a non-addicted state is a physiological, as well as a psychological, challenge. The use of these drugs can have severe consequences for health, can mask underlying signs and symptoms of
medical problems and can interact with other medica- tions that the user may need. Being informed about drugs available in the com- munity, current trends among teenagers or young adults and community resources available to help people can guide parents and healthcare professionals while dealing with this drug culture problem. Education provides a crucial defence against drug abuse and helps the public and healthcare professionals recognise the problem and deal with it when it occurs. Funded by the Aus- tralian Government Department of Health and Ageing as part of the National Drug Strategy, the Australian
■■ TABLE 6.3 Frequently abused street drugs and their potential health consequences Drug Street names Class Health consequences
Amphetamines
Uppers, whites, dexies
Stimulant
Hypertension, tachycardia, insomnia, restlessness
Amyl nitrate
Boppers, pearls Roids, muscle
Stimulant
Tachycardia, restlessness, hypotension, vertigo Hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, acne, cancer, cardiomyopathy Bradycardia, hypotension, laryngospasm, ataxia, impaired thinking Confusion, fatigue, impaired memory, impaired coordination Drowsiness, elation, dizziness, memory lapse, hallucinations Tachycardia, hypertension, hallucinations, confused thinking Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation Memory loss, hypotension, somnolence Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation Paralysis, loss of sensation, disorientation, psychic changes Hypertension, tachycardia, restlessness, changes in thinking Agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperreflexia, fever Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation
Anabolic steroids
Steroid
Barbiturates
Downers, reds
Depressant
Benzodiazepines
M&Ms, Uncle Milty
Depressant
Cannabis With
Pot, grass, weed,THC; fry sticks; primo
Mixed CNS
formaldehyde With cocaine
Cocaine
Snow, blow, crack
Stimulant
Fentanyl
Jackpot, China white
Opioid
Gamma- hydroxybutyrate
GHB, fantasy, liquid X, liquid E, “date rape” drug Brown sugar, joy, crank, fairy dust, horse, smack
Depressant
Heroin
Opioid
Ketamine
Super acid, special K
Depressant
LSD
Acid, sunshine, blotter acid Hallucinogen Hallucinations, hypotension, changes in thinking, loss of social control
MDMA
Ecstasy, b-bombs, go, Scooby snacks
Hallucinogen Hallucinations, psychic change, loss of memory, hypotension, cardiac arrest
Methamphetamine Crystal, glass, speed, crystal meth, ice, base mother’s cocaine
Stimulant
Methylphenidate
Ritalin
Stimulant
Morphine
Mort, Miss Emma
Opioid
OxyContin
Oxy, Oxycotton, Oxy 80s, hillbilly heroin, poor man’s heroin, cotton
Opioid
PCP
Angel dust, zombie; juices Hallucinogen Acute psychosis, HF, death, seizures, memory loss
with steroids
Peyote
Button, mesc
Hallucinogen Acute psychosis, tremor, altered perception, death
Rohypnol
Rophies Sextasy
Amnesiac
Date rape drug, loss of memory, immobility Severe hypotension, hallucinations, increased sexual function
Viagra/MDMA
Hallucinogen, ED drug
CNS, central nervous system; ED, erectile dysfunction; HF, heart failure; LSD, lysergic acid diethylamide; MDMA, methylenedioxymethamphetamine; PCP, phencyclidine;THC, tetrahydrocannabinol.
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