May M.

Perez CWTS 002 Civic Welfare Training Service 2

BS PSY 1-6

Task 1

1. Discuss the four commonly abused drugs and the effect to one’s body.

● Depressant

Depressants are drugs that depress or suppress the central nervous system, leading to
effects such as relaxation, sedation, and decreased anxiety. They come in various forms,
including tablets, capsules, and liquid. Some depressants, like Zyprexa, Seroquel, and Haldol,
are used to reduce symptoms of mental illness. Others, such as Xanax, Klonopin, and
Librium, are referred to as benzos and used for anxiety and sleep disorders. Barbiturates, like
Amytal, Numbutal, and Seconal, are used as sedatives and sleeping pills. Alcohol is also
considered a depressant, and its use can impair motor skills and judgment. Drinking alcohol
during pregnancy can put the developing fetus at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition
that can cause a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems that last a lifetime.
These problems may include growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, learning and
behavioral problems, and intellectual disability. It is crucial for pregnant women to avoid
alcohol completely to protect the health of their unborn child. Misuse or overdose of
depressants can have serious consequences, including respiratory depression and even
death. It is important to use these drugs only as directed by a doctor and to avoid combining
them with other depressants or alcohol.

● Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the messages between the brain and body, causing
stimulation, alertness, and increased bursts of activity. Examples of stimulants include
caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, and MDMA. They can cause side effects such as
rapid heart rate, raised blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting, and long-term use of strong
stimulants can also cause adverse effects. Amphetamines are legally prescribed by doctors to
treat conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy, while cocaine is made from the leaves of the
coca shrub and is not normally prescribed therapeutically. Caffeine is found naturally in
coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks, while nicotine is found in tobacco products.
 ● Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that cause hallucinations, distorted sensory
perception, delusion, paranoia, and dissociation from oneself. Examples include mescaline
and LSD. Under the influence of hallucinogens, people see images, hear sounds, and feel
sensations that seem real but do not exist. The effects of hallucinogens are caused by
disrupting the interaction of nerve cells and the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is involved
in mood, hunger, body temperature, sexual behavior, muscle control, and sensory perception.
Hallucinogens naturally occur in mushrooms, cacti, and other plants, and have been used for
centuries.

● Narcotics
Narcotics, also known as opioids, are drugs that relieve pain and cause a sense of
euphoria. The term "narcotic" comes from the Greek word for "stupor." Today, narcotics refer
specifically to opium, opium derivatives, and semi-synthetic substitutes. Examples of
narcotics include heroin, OxyContin, Vicodin, codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl.
These drugs can be both illicit and legally prescribed by doctors. Narcotics work by binding to
opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and producing a sense of well-being and
euphoria. However, they can also cause drowsiness, constipation, respiratory depression,
and addiction.

2. Describe the manifestations of drug dependency in terms of the following:

a) Physical
b) Psychological and Emotional
c) Behavioral
Describe only two from each.

a. Physical
Drug dependence is a neurological illness that alters the function and structure of the nervous
system. Some of the immediate physical effects of drug addiction are caused by these
changes, which limit or disrupt normal brain function. One of the unavoidable impacts of drug
misuse, aside from the brain side effects, is a gradual loss in general physical health.
 ➔ More frequent illnesses. Drug abuse can damage the immune system and alter body
chemistry, making addicts more susceptible to illnesses and diseases such as colds,
flus, pneumonia, allergy attacks, and bacterial infections.
➔ Chronic physical health conditions. Long-term drug abuse can also increase the
risk of chronic physical health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure,
stroke, high cholesterol, liver or kidney disease, chronic respiratory problems, skin
disorders, and insomnia. Those who inject drugs and share needles are at an elevated
risk for contracting hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

b. Psychological and Emotional

Drug dependence affects perception, has the potential to cloud reasoning, leads to emotional
instability, and damages a person's sense of self-worth. The following are some of the
emotional and psychological traits of drug addiction:
➔ Impulsivity. Impulsivity and impaired judgment can lead to risky behavior and
decisions that can have negative consequences. Addicts may also feel intense guilt
and shame about their addiction, which can further exacerbate their emotional distress
and lead to a cycle of addiction and self-destructive behavior. It's important for those
struggling with drug addiction to seek help and support in order to overcome these
psychological and emotional challenges.
➔ Hallucinations and delusions. When drug addiction reaches its extreme stages,
individuals who frequently use drugs can experience a loss of connection with reality.
This situation may require urgent medical assistance.

c. Behavioral
Although it may be hard to understand the emotions of individuals addicted to drugs, their
actions will exhibit evident indications of their addiction and the resulting disorder and distress
it has brought into their lives. There are several typical behavior traits that indicate drug
addiction:

➔ Lying and manipulative behavior. Individuals who are caught in the grip of drug
addiction have a tendency to constantly deceive others about their actions and
whereabouts. They do not hesitate to manipulate others to acquire more drugs.
 However, as time passes, they tell so many falsehoods or partially true statements that
it becomes unavoidable for the truth to be revealed.

➔ Blaming others for life problems. Drug addicts tend to justify their behavior and often
hold others responsible for their problems instead of taking accountability for their
actions. They become skilled at making excuses to avoid being held responsible for
their drug use.

3. Explain why the youth must be educated on the matter of illegal drugs.

There are several reasons why educating youth about illegal drugs is important. Firstly, drug
use can have serious negative consequences on a young person's health and development,
including cognitive impairment, mental health problems, and addiction. By educating youth
about the risks associated with drug use, they can make informed decisions and avoid
potentially harmful situations.

Secondly, drug use can also have social and economic consequences, such as increased
crime rates, decreased productivity, and higher healthcare costs. Educating youth about these
consequences can help prevent them from engaging in drug-related criminal activities and
contribute to a safer, healthier society.

Finally, prevention is much more effective than treatment when it comes to drug addiction. By
educating youth about the dangers of drugs and providing them with the skills and knowledge
to make healthy choices, we can help prevent addiction before it starts.

Overall, educating youth about illegal drugs is crucial in protecting their health, preventing
drug-related crimes, and reducing the societal and economic costs associated with drug
abuse.