Mechanism of action of drugs

Drugs in the U.S.

Types of Drugs
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Prescription Over-the-counter Recreational alcohol, tobacco, coffee Herbal preparations products of plant origin Illicit (illegal) all are psychoactive Commercial preparations household cleaners, pesticides

Opiates
Opiate Tolerance
receptor desensitization compensatory adaptations in neuronal circuit learning mechanisms

Physical Dependence
compensatory adaptations in neuronal circuit

Drug Withdrawal
removal of opiate unmasks compensatory adaptations

Drug Addiction (extremely rare during treatment of pain)

Drug Terminology (contd)

Tolerance: acquired result of diminished effects from prolonged use Withdrawal: response of body to regain normality without drug in the system Drug misuse: unintentional inappropriate use of drugs Drug abuse: intentional inappropriate use of drugs

Using, Misusing, & Abusing: Defining Addiction Physiological Dependence/Psychological Dependence Inextricably tied together Addiction based on three criteria: 1) Relief of withdrawal symptoms 2) Continued use despite harm to self and others 3) Relapse 4) Tolerance

Using, Misusing, & Abusing Addictions characterized by four common symptoms 1) compulsion (can include obsession) 2) loss of control 3) negative consequences 4) denial

Annual Prevalence of Use for Various Types of Drugs

Table 7.2

How Drugs are Scheduled

<<insert table 7.3>>

Table 7.3

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