Ans ADDICTIVE DRUGS
The following are major categories of addictive drugs.
1. Sedatives
, The drugs interact with central nervous system to depress its activities. '" " ' •
Effects -
Sedative drugs induce dizziness, lethargy, slow brain function and depression. Long-term use of sedative induces suicidal thoughts.
2. Narcotics
Narcotics are strong painkillers. These drugs are Often prescribed in conjunction with other less potent painkillers (paracetamol or aspirin).
Uses
These are used to relieve pain for patients with chronic disease such as cancer. These are also used to relieve acute pain after operations. But some people may abuse narcotics for ecstatic effects.
Examples
Morphine and codeine are the narcotics, derived from opium (poppy).
Effects
Morphine acts directly on central nervous system to relieve pain. Morphine has a high potential for addiction. The most commonly abused narcotic i.e. heroin is a semi-synthetic drug from morphine. It affects on central nervous system and causes drowsiness.
3. Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are the drugs that cause changes in perception, through, emotion and consciousness.
Examples
The group includes Mescaline, which comes from a cactus and Psilocin, which comes from a mushroom.
Effects
Physiologically, hallucinogens affect on the sympathetic nervous system, causing dilation of pupils, constriction of some arteries and rise in blood pressure: Hallucinations are perceptions that have no basis in reality, but that appear entirely realistic.