Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - Scheduling Of Drugs, Natural Narcotics, Semisynthetic Narcotics, Synthetic Narcotics, Depressants, Stimulants, HallucinogensAdditional TopicsUses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - Scheduling Of DrugsThe federal strategy to reduce illicit drug use is based on the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, Title II (PL 91-513)—commonly called the Controlled Substances Act. This act establishes the criteria for "scheduling," or categorizing, all substances regulated under existing federal law. (See Table 2.1.) While less addictive than Schedule I and II dru… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - Natural NarcoticsNarcotics are opium, opium derivatives, or synthetic substitutes used medically to relieve intense pain. (See Table 2.1.) The main source of nonsynthetic narcotics is resin from the poppy Papaver somniferum. (See Figure 2.1.) Opium gum is produced from the resin, which is scraped by hand from cut, unripe seedpods and air-dried. A more modern method of harvesting, known as the industrial poppy stra… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - Semisynthetic NarcoticsSemisynthetic narcotics are derived by altering chemicals contained in opium. The two most commonly produced are heroin and hydromorphone. Heroin was first synthesized from morphine in 1874 but was not used extensively until the Bayer Company of Germany first began commercial production in 1898. It was widely accepted as a painkiller for years, with the medical profession largely unaware of its po… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - Synthetic NarcoticsUnlike products derived directly or indirectly from narcotics of natural origin, synthetic narcotics are produced entirely in the laboratory. The primary objective of laboratory production is to produce a drug that will have the analgesic properties of morphine while minimizing the potential for addiction. The products most widely available—hydrocodone, oxycodone, meperidine, and methadone&… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - DepressantsThe Controlled Substances Act regulates depressants because they have a high potential for abuse and are associated with both physical and psychological dependence. Taken as prescribed by a physician, depressants may be beneficial for the relief of anxiety, irritability, and tension, as well as for the symptomatic relief of insomnia. When taken in excessive amounts, however, they produce a state o… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - StimulantsPotent stimulants make users feel stronger, more decisive, and self-possessed. Because of the buildup effect, chronic users often develop a pattern of using "uppers" in the morning and "downers," such as alcohol or sleeping pills, at night. Such manipulation interferes with normal body processes and can lead to mental and physical illness. Large doses can produce parano… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - HallucinogensHallucinogenic drugs, or psychedelics, are natural or synthetic substances that distort the perceptions of reality. They cause excitation, which can vary from a sense of well-being to severe depression. Time may appear to stand still, and forms and colors seem to change and take on new meaning. The heart rate may increase, blood pressure rise, and pupils dilate. The experience may be pleasurable o… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - CannabisCannabis sativa, the hemp plant from which marijuana is made, grows wild throughout most of the world's tropic and temperate regions, including Mexico, the Middle East, Africa, and India. (See Figure 2.5.) For centuries, its therapeutic potential has been explored, including uses as an analgesic and anticonvulsant. But with the advent of new, synthetic drugs and the passage of the Marijuana… Uses Drugs of Abuse—Origins and Effects - Anabolic SteroidsAnabolic steroids are drugs derived from the male sex hormone testosterone. They are used illegally by some athletes, including weight lifters, bodybuilders, long-distance runners, cyclists, and others who believe that these drugs can give them a competitive advantage or improve their physical appearance. When used in combination with exercise training and a high-protein diet, anabolic steroids ca… Citing this materialPlease include a link to this page if you have found this material useful for research or writing a related article. Content on this website is from high-quality, licensed material originally published in print form. You can always be sure you're reading unbiased, factual, and accurate information. Highlight the text below, right-click, and select “copy”. Paste the link into your website, email, or any other HTML document.
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