What is Drug?

A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.

A pharmaceutical preparation or a naturally occurring substance used primarily to bring about a change in the existing process or state (physiological, psychological or biochemical) can be called a ‘drug’.

When drugs are used to treat an illness, prevent a disease and improve health condition, it is termed drug use.

In pharmacology, a drug is "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being." Drugs may be prescribed for a limited duration, or on a regular basis for chronic disorders.

Recreational drugs are chemical substances that affect the central nervous system, such as opioids or hallucinogens. They may be used for perceived beneficial effects on perception, consciousness, personality, and behavior. Some drugs can cause addiction and/or habituation.

Many natural substances, such as beers, wines, and psychoactive mushrooms, blur the line between food and recreational drugs, as when ingested they affect the functioning of both mind and body and some substances normally considered drugs such as DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) are actually produced by the human body in trace amounts.

Nootropics, also commonly referred to as "smart drugs", are drugs that are claimed to improve human cognitive abilities. Nootropics are used to improve memory, concentration, thought, mood, learning, and many other things. Some nootropics are now beginning to be used to treat certain diseases such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. They are also commonly used to regain brain function lost during aging. Similarly, Drugs such as steroids improve human physical capabilities and are sometimes used (legally or not) for this purpose, often by professional athletes.

Types of Drugs:

• Narcotic Analgesics- e.g. Morphine, Codeine, Heroin, Fentanyl.
• Stimulants- e.g. Xanthines, Theobromine, Theophylline, Caffeine, Nicotine, Amphetamines, Methylenediocymethamphetamine- MDMA/Ecstasy, Cocaine, NRIs & NDRIs- Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor & Norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor, Methylphenidate, Modafinil, Adrafinil & Armodafinil, Ampalines, Yohimbine.
• Depressants- e.g. Alcohol, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, Opiodis, Miscellaneous- Alfa & Beta blockers, Anticholinergics, Anticonvulsants, Anti-histamines, Antipsychotics, Dissociatives, Muscle Relaxants.
• Hallucinogens- 3 types: Psychedelics, Dissociatives, & Deliriants.
• Cannabis
• Volatile Solvents
• Other drugs of abuse

Action of drugs on human body:

l. Enzyme Inhibition:

Drugs act within the cell by modifying normal biochemical reactions. Enzyme inhibition may be reversible or non reversible; competitive or non-competitive. Antimetabolites may be used which mimic natural metabolites. Gene functions may be suppressed.

2. Drug-Receptor Interaction:

Drugs act on the cell membrane by physical and/or chemical interactions. This is usually through specific drug receptor sites known to be located on the membrane. A receptor is the specific chemical constituents of the cell with which a drug interacts to produce its pharmacological effects. Some receptor sites have been identified with specific parts of proteins and nucleic acids. In most cases, the chemical nature of the receptor site remains obscure.

3. Non-specific Interactions:

Drugs act exclusively by physical means outside of cells. These sites include external surfaces of skin and gastrointestinal tract. Drugs also act outside of cell membranes by chemical interactions. Neutralization of stomach acid by antacids is a good example.

Mechanism of action of the drug:

l. Killing Foreign Organisms:

Chemotherapeutic agents act by killing or weakening foreign organisms such as bacteria, worms, viruses. The main principle of action is selective toxicity, i.e. the drug must be more toxic to the parasite than to the host.

2. Stimulation and Depression:

Drugs act by stimulating or depressing normal physiological functions. Stimulation increases the rate of activity while depression reduces the rate of activity.

Effects of Drugs on the body:

There are many negative effects of drug addiction on the body, both physically and psychologically. Addictive drugs not only destroy the individual's health but also ruin his personal and family life. Here are some of the destructive effects of drugs on the body.

There are psychological and physiological effects of the drugs on the body-

Psychological effects of the drugs- euphoria, Ecstasy, or inhalant intoxication, to paranoia with marijuana or steroid intoxication, hallucinations or illusions. Anxiety attacks.

Physiological effects of drugs-

• Heart palpitations, blurred vision, severe headaches, insomnia.
• Injecting drugs into the veins also have their own dangerous effects, along with allergic reactions. The toxins are transported to the entire body through the bloodstream. Organs get exposed to these toxins, which hamper their function and destroy them.
• Reduction in appetite, making the person anorexic. It can also cause gastrointestinal complications. Severe and prolonged headaches can end up in seizures and stroke.
• Sharing of needles can increase the risk of contracting hepatitis and AIDS, which can result in death.
• Increase in body temperature, sweating, involuntary teeth clenching (especially while sleeping), muscle cramps, bouts of depression and paranoia.

Consequences of the drugs addiction

• Though each drug is different, the effects on the brain are common.
• There is a circuit in the brain called the ―reward pathway which releases a chemical called dopamine when stimulated.
• Release of dopamine causes the person to experience pleasure.
• All addictive substances affect this circuit directly or indirectly.
• Long term effects on brain
• Prolonged drug use causes.
• Permanent changes in brain.
• Structure and function that persist even years after the person stops taking the drug
• Hence there is always a risk of relapse even after many years of stopping the drug

Process of drugs addiction:

Withdrawal symptoms: Drugs are brain depressants that push down the spring. They suppress your brain's production of neurotransmitters like noradrenaline. When you stop using drugs it's like taking the weight off the spring, and your brain rebounds by producing a surge of adrenaline that causes withdrawal symptoms.

Emotional withdrawal symptoms include:

• Extended periods of depression
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Volatile mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Poor concentration
• Depression
• Social isolation

Physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Chills and sweats
• Cramps and muscle aches/pains
• Sleeplessness
• Runny nose or fever
• Racing heart
• Palpitations
• Muscle tension
• Tightness in the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Tremor

Treatment for Drug abuse:

• Detoxification
• Counseling:
• Family therapy.
• Group therapy.