Question

Identify and explain the three steps in the process of addiction.

How is the term drug defined in this chapter? What are psychoactive drugs? How do medicines differ from drugs?

Differentiate among drug misuse, drug abuse, and drug dependence.

List the six general categories of drugs. For each category, give several examples of drugs, and explain the effects they would have on the user. What are designer drugs?

Identify and explain the various factors that influence the absorption of alcohol. Why is it important to be aware of these factors?

Answer 1

The three process of drug addiction are - i) Experimentation - In this stage the substance is tried without any desire to continue, just for friends or within the group of friends, there are no negcative consequences. ii) Regular use - some people develop into this stage without being dependent on drug, in this step people can also stop abuse on their own iii) Drug dependency - It is regular use of drug despite of negative consequences, people in this step are unable to stop drug abuse on their own. There is always craving for drug in this step.

Psychoactive drugs have chemical substances which act primarily upon central nervous system, where it alters brain fucntion resulting in temporary changes in mood, perception, consciousness and behvaiour. Difference between medicine and drug - Medicine is a preparation used for treatment or prevention of dieseases. whereas drug is considered as narcotic or hallucinogen stimulant. Medicine does not contribute to factor of addiction, whereas additction to drugs can be harmful.

Drug misuse - is taking drug at wrong time, forgetting to take dose, accepting medical prescription from friend. Drug abuse is using a drug to get high, using without prescription, excedding a recommended use. Drug dependence is caused by changes in body as a result of constant exposeure to drug. It is a disease and not weakness