INDEX

1. INTRODUCTION
2. TYPES OF DRUG ABUSE
3. COMMON DRUG ABUSES
4. DRUG METABOLISM
5. ALCOHOL ABUSE
6. EFFECTS
7. ALCOHOL METABOLISM
8. TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY
DRUG AND ALCOHOL
ABUSE
INTRODUCTION
A drug is a substance that, when introduced into
the body, can alter its normal function. Drugs
can have various effects on the body and mind,
depending on their chemical properties and the
way they interact with biological systems.

Alcohol and drug abuse refer to the harmful or

hazardous use of psychoactive substances,
including alcohol and illicit drugs. Abuse
typically involves consuming these substances
in a way that leads to adverse physical,
psychological, or social outcomes. While
moderate use of substances like alcohol may be
socially acceptable, abuse is characterized by
patterns of excessive or inappropriate
consumption that can lead to addiction, health
complications, and negative impacts on daily
life.
Understanding the biology behind alcohol and
drug abuse is crucial for developing effective
prevention and treatment strategies. By
exploring how these substances interact with
the body and brain, we can better comprehend
the challenges of addiction and the pathways to
recovery. Additionally, awareness and education
about the risks associated with substance abuse
are essential for reducing its prevalence and
mitigating its impact on society.

TYPES OF DRUG ABUSE

Drug abuse can involve a variety of substances,
each with different effects on the body and
mind. Here’s an overview of the main types of
drug abuse:
1. Stimulants
 Examples: Cocaine, methamphetamine,
amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)
 Effects: Stimulants increase the activity of
the central nervous system, leading to
heightened alertness, energy, and euphoria.
They can also increase heart rate, blood
pressure, and body temperature.
 Risks: Abuse can lead to anxiety, paranoia,
heart problems, and addiction. Long-term
use can cause severe mental health issues
and physical deterioration.
2. Depressants
 Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g.,
Xanax, Valium), barbiturates
 Effects: Depressants slow down brain
activity, leading to relaxation, drowsiness,
and a sense of calm. In larger doses, they
 can cause sedation, unconsciousness, and
even death.
 Risks: Abuse can result in impaired
coordination, memory loss, and respiratory
depression. Dependence on depressants is
common, and withdrawal can be life-
threatening.
3. Opioids
 Examples: Heroin, morphine, oxycodone,
fentanyl
 Effects: Opioids bind to receptors in the
brain to reduce pain and produce feelings of
euphoria. They are highly effective for pain
relief but also highly addictive.
 Risks: Abuse can lead to respiratory
depression, overdose, and death. Long-term
use often results in tolerance, dependence,
and a high risk of overdose, especially with
potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
4. Hallucinogens
 Examples: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide),
psilocybin (magic mushrooms), PCP
(phencyclidine)
 Effects: Hallucinogens alter perception,
mood, and thought processes, leading to
 visual and auditory hallucinations, altered
sense of time, and profound changes in
consciousness.
 Risks: While not typically physically
addictive, hallucinogens can cause
psychological distress, including paranoia,
panic, and persistent psychosis in some
users. Long-term use may result in lasting
changes to mood and perception.
5. Cannabinoids
 Examples: Marijuana (cannabis), synthetic
cannabinoids (e.g., Spice, K2)
 Effects: Cannabinoids primarily act on the
endocannabinoid system, producing
relaxation, altered perception, and euphoria.
Marijuana is commonly used for its
psychoactive effects as well as for medical
purposes.
 Risks: Abuse can impair cognitive function,
memory, and motor skills. Long-term use,
especially of high-potency strains or
synthetic cannabinoids, can lead to mental
health issues, including anxiety, depression,
and in some cases, psychosis.
6. Inhalants
  Examples: Solvents (e.g., paint thinner),
gases (e.g., nitrous oxide), aerosols (e.g.,
spray paint)
 Effects: Inhalants produce a rapid, short-
lived high by depriving the brain of oxygen.
This can cause dizziness, euphoria, and
hallucinations.
 Risks: Inhalant abuse can lead to sudden
sniffing death syndrome, as well as long-
term damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and
heart. Chronic use can cause cognitive
impairment and neurological damage.
7. Designer Drugs (Synthetic Drugs)
 Examples: MDMA (Ecstasy), synthetic
cathinones (bath salts), synthetic
cannabinoids
 Effects: Designer drugs are chemically
engineered to mimic the effects of other
drugs, such as stimulants or hallucinogens.
MDMA, for example, produces both stimulant
and hallucinogenic effects.
 Risks: The unpredictable potency and
unknown additives in these drugs can lead to
severe health risks, including overdose,
addiction, and dangerous behavioral
changes. Long-term use can result in
 cognitive deficits and mental health
disorders.
8. Prescription Drug Abuse
 Examples: Painkillers (opioids like
oxycodone), sedatives (benzodiazepines like
Xanax), stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin)
 Effects: Prescription drugs are intended for
medical use but are often abused for their
psychoactive effects. Painkillers can produce
euphoria, sedatives induce calm and sleep,
and stimulants increase focus and energy.
 Risks: Abuse of prescription drugs can lead
to addiction, overdose, and severe health
problems. Misuse of these medications often
involves taking higher doses than prescribed
or using them without a prescription.
Conclusion
Each type of drug abuse presents its own set of
challenges and risks, but they all share the
potential to cause significant harm to the
individual and society. Understanding the
different types of drug abuse is crucial for
developing targeted prevention and treatment
strategies.
SOME COMMON DRUG ABUSE
 HEROIN
As a destructive opioid, heroin can lead to seizures,
psychosis, and hallucinations when it is abused.
 Heroin injections
can also spread
diseases such as

humanimmunodeficiency virus and hepatitis.

This drug is known to cause serious health issues
when it is abused because it interferes with the
brain’s receptors.Once heroin enters the brain, it is
converted to morphine and binds rapidly to opioid
receptors.
With heroin, the rush is usually accompanied by
a warm flushing ofthe skin, dry mouth, and a
heavy feeling in the extremities.
Opioids can depress breathing by changing
neurochemicalactivity in the brain stem, where
automatic body functions such as breathing and
heart rate are controlled.

 COCAINE
Cocaine is a very dangerous stimulant even when
taken in small amounts. It induces euphoria,
increases blood pressure, and accelerates the
heart rate.
The drug may lead to fatal strokes or heart attacks
for some users.
Cocaine, also known as coke, is a strong stimulant
most frequently used as a recreational drug.
Cocaine, also known as coke, is a strong stimulant
most frequently used as a recreational drug.
Cocaine has a small number of accepted medical
uses such as numbing and decreasing bleeding
during nasal surgery.
It is commonly snorted, inhaled as smoke, or
dissolved and injected into a vein.

DRUG METABOLISM
Drug metabolism is the process by which living
organisms, like the human body, chemically break
down drugs through specialized enzymatic
systems. The goal of drug metabolism is to make
drugs easier to excrete and reduce their biological
activity. The liver is the main site of drug
metabolism, but enzymes involved in metabolism
are present in many tissues.
Drug metabolism can involve a variety of reactions,
including:
• Phase I: Modification
• Phase II: Conjugation
• Phase III: Additional modification and excretion
The liver's primary mechanism for metabolizing
drugs is via a specific group of cytochrome P-450
enzymes. These enzymes can convert prodrugs to
active metabolites or active drugs to inactive forms.
Factors that can affect drug metabolism include:
• Age
Newborns and older people have difficulty
metabolizing certain drugs because metabolic
enzyme systems are only partially developed at
birth and enzymatic activity decreases with age.
• Genetics
Genetic variations in how certain drugs are
transported into and out of the liver may increase a
person's risk of drug side effects or drug-related
liver injury.
• Rate of metabolism
Rapid metabolizers can clear the drug very quickly,
so the full therapeutic concentration of the drug in
the blood and tissues may not be fully reached.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that
results in harmful consequences, whether
physical, psychological, or social. It involves
excessive or inappropriate consumption of
alcohol that interferes with a person's daily life
and responsibilities. Unlike occasional social
drinking, alcohol abuse often leads to
dependency and addiction, where the individual
feels compelled to drink despite negative
outcomes.
Health Consequences:
1. Short-Term Effects:
o Impaired judgment, coordination, and

reaction times, leading to accidents and

injuries.
o Alcohol poisoning, which can be life-

threatening, occurs when drinking large

quantities in a short period.
2. Long-Term Effects:
o Liver Damage: Chronic alcohol abuse can

lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver,

hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
o Cardiovascular Problems: Increased risk

of high blood pressure, heart disease, and

stroke.
o Mental Health Issues: Depression,

anxiety, and other mental health disorders

can be exacerbated or caused by alcohol
abuse.
o Cognitive Impairment: Long-term heavy

drinking can lead to memory problems and

cognitive decline.
o Cancer: Increased risk of cancers,

including those of the mouth, throat,

esophagus, liver, colon, and breast.
Treatment and Recovery:
1. Behavioral Therapies:
o Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and

motivational enhancement therapy (MET)

can help individuals change their drinking
behavior and develop healthier coping
mechanisms.

2. Support Groups:
o Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

provide peer support and a structured

program for achieving and maintaining
sobriety.
3. Medication:
o Certain medications can help reduce the

urge to drink or manage withdrawal

symptoms, such as naltrexone,
acamprosate, and disulfiram.
4. Detoxification:
o For those with severe dependence,

medically supervised detoxification may be

necessary to safely manage withdrawal
symptoms.
Conclusion:
Alcohol abuse is a serious condition that can
have devastating effects on an individual’s
health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
However, with the right support and treatment,
recovery is possible. Early intervention and
education are key to preventing alcohol abuse
and helping those affected regain control over
their lives.

EFFECT OF ALCOHOL ABUSE ON THE

HUMAN BODY
EFFECTS OF ADDICTION
 Fatigue
The patient is tired most of the time.
• Memory Loss
The patient's short-term memory is highly
affected.
• Eye
The eye muscles can become significantly
weaker.
• Liver
The patient would have a considerably higher
chance of developing hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis of the liver is an irreversible and
progressive condition.
• Heart Problems
Regular heaving drinking can lead to
cardiomyopathy (damaged heart muscle), heart
failure, and stroke.
• Menstruation
Alcoholism will usually stop menstruation or
disrupt it.
• Cancer
Alcoholics have a much higher risk of
developing several cancers, including cancer of the
mouth, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum, breast,
prostate and pharynx.
• Suicide
Suicide rates among people who are alcohol-
dependent or who abuse alcohol are much higher
than among other people.
ALCOHOL METABOLISM
The liver is the primary organ that metabolizes
alcohol, which is broken down through a series
of processes:
1. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH): This
enzyme breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde,
a toxic substance that can cause cancer.
2. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH): This
enzyme breaks down acetaldehyde into acetate,
a less toxic byproduct.
3. Mitochondria: Acetate is further
metabolized into water and carbon dioxide,
which can be easily eliminated from the body.
The liver metabolizes alcohol at a fairly constant
rate of about one drink per hour. However, if
you consume more alcohol than your body can
metabolize, the excess alcohol will continue to
circulate in your bloodstream. This can lead to a
rise in your blood alcohol content (BAC).
Factors that can affect how quickly your body
metabolizes alcohol include:
• Medications: Some medications can limit the
body's ability to metabolize alcohol.
• Liver damage: Liver damage can also limit
the body's ability to metabolize alcohol.
• Food: Eating food before drinking alcohol
may help your body absorb it.
• Water: Drinking water can help reduce your
BAC.
• Caffeine: Avoid caffeine, as it's a myth that it
can help you sober up faster.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF

ADDICTION
 Alcohol Use Disorder:
o Naltrexone: Reduces the craving for alcohol
by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It
decreases the rewarding effects of alcohol.
o Disulfiram (Antabuse): Causes unpleasant
reactions when alcohol is consumed, such as
nausea and palpitations, which help deter
drinking.
o Acamprosate: Helps reduce withdrawal
symptoms and the physical distress and
emotional discomfort associated with
abstaining from alcohol.

 Opioid Use Disorder:

o Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist that
reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
without producing a high when taken as
prescribed.
o Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that
helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal
symptoms with a lower risk of misuse
compared to methadone.
o Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that blocks
the effects of opioids and reduces cravings. It
is used after detoxification.
 Nicotine Addiction:
o Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):
Includes patches, gum, and lozenges to reduce
withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
o Varenicline (Chantix): Reduces cravings and
the pleasurable effects of nicotine by acting on
the brain’s nicotine receptors.
o Bupropion (Zyban): Originally an
antidepressant, it helps reduce nicotine
cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

 Stimulant Use Disorder (e.g., cocaine,

methamphetamine):
o Currently, there are no FDA-approved
medications specifically for stimulant
 addiction, but research is ongoing. Behavioral
therapies are the mainstay of treatment.
Preventing drug and alcohol abuse involves a
multi-level approach that targets individuals,
families, communities, and society at large.
Effective prevention strategies address risk
factors, promote protective factors, and foster
environments that discourage substance use.
1. Individual-Level Prevention
 Education and Awareness:
o Substance Use Education: Provide

accurate information about the risks and

consequences of drug and alcohol use.
Education should start early and be age-
appropriate.
o Skills Training: Teach skills for resisting

peer pressure, managing stress, and

making healthy choices.
 Mental Health Support:
o Counseling: Offer access to mental

health services for individuals

experiencing stress, anxiety, depression,
or other emotional issues that might lead
to substance use.
o Resilience Building: Develop coping

strategies and resilience to handle life

 challenges without resorting to substance
use.
 Healthy Lifestyle Promotion:
o Physical Activity: Encourage regular

exercise as a healthy outlet for stress and

a means to improve overall well-being.
o Nutrition: Promote balanced nutrition to

support physical and mental health,

reducing the likelihood of substance use
as a coping mechanism.
2. Family-Level Prevention
 Parental Involvement:
o Effective Communication: Foster open,

honest communication between parents

and children about substance use, its
risks, and family values.
o Role Modeling: Encourage parents to

model healthy behaviors and attitudes

towards substance use.
 Family Support Programs:
o Parenting Skills: Provide parents with

skills and strategies for effective

parenting, including setting boundaries
and monitoring their children's activities.
o Family Therapy: Offer family counseling

to address issues within the family that

might contribute to substance use.
3. School and Youth Programs
 School-Based Education:
o Curriculum: Implement comprehensive

drug and alcohol education programs

within the school curriculum, covering the
science of addiction, its effects, and
prevention strategies.
o Peer Programs: Develop peer-led

programs that engage students in

substance use prevention and create a
supportive school environment.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Hoffman, J. P., & Su, S. (2021).

Substance Abuse and Addiction: A
Comprehensive Guide.
2. Kessler, R. C. (2013). The
Epidemiology of Substance Use Disorders.
3. www.drugabuse.gov
4. www.samhsa.gov
5. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2020).
Alcohol Facts and Statistics.
6. www.who.com
7. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). (2021). Alcohol and
Public Health
8. www.ncbi.gov