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C H A P T E R 6  Challenges to effective drug therapy

when their occupation puts them in contact with readily available drugs or when someone else in the home is using a prescription drug. Many of the drugs used illic- itly are addictive and can change a person’s entire life, with drug-seeking behaviour becoming a major factor. Researchers have identified actual changes in the brain and neurotransmitter patterns of people who abuse and become addicted to such drugs. Trying to reverse these changes and return the person to a non-addicted state is a physiological, as well as a psychological, challenge. The use of these drugs can have severe consequences for health, can mask underlying signs and symptoms of

medical problems and can interact with other medica- tions that the user may need. Being informed about drugs available in the com- munity, current trends among teenagers or young adults and community resources available to help people can guide parents and healthcare professionals while dealing with this drug culture problem. Education provides a crucial defence against drug abuse and helps the public and healthcare professionals recognise the problem and deal with it when it occurs. Funded by the Aus- tralian Government Department of Health and Ageing as part of the National Drug Strategy, the Australian

■■ TABLE 6.3 Frequently abused street drugs and their potential health consequences Drug Street names Class Health consequences

Amphetamines

Uppers, whites, dexies

Stimulant

Hypertension, tachycardia, insomnia, restlessness

Amyl nitrate

Boppers, pearls Roids, muscle

Stimulant

Tachycardia, restlessness, hypotension, vertigo Hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, acne, cancer, cardiomyopathy Bradycardia, hypotension, laryngospasm, ataxia, impaired thinking Confusion, fatigue, impaired memory, impaired coordination Drowsiness, elation, dizziness, memory lapse, hallucinations Tachycardia, hypertension, hallucinations, confused thinking Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation Memory loss, hypotension, somnolence Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation Paralysis, loss of sensation, disorientation, psychic changes Hypertension, tachycardia, restlessness, changes in thinking Agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperreflexia, fever Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation Sedation, arrhythmias, shock, cardiac arrest, decreased respirations, constipation

Anabolic steroids

Steroid

Barbiturates

Downers, reds

Depressant

Benzodiazepines

M&Ms, Uncle Milty

Depressant

Cannabis With

Pot, grass, weed,THC; fry sticks; primo

Mixed CNS

formaldehyde With cocaine

Cocaine

Snow, blow, crack

Stimulant

Fentanyl

Jackpot, China white

Opioid

Gamma- hydroxybutyrate

GHB, fantasy, liquid X, liquid E, “date rape” drug Brown sugar, joy, crank, fairy dust, horse, smack

Depressant

Heroin

Opioid

Ketamine

Super acid, special K

Depressant

LSD

Acid, sunshine, blotter acid Hallucinogen Hallucinations, hypotension, changes in thinking, loss of social control

MDMA

Ecstasy, b-bombs, go, Scooby snacks

Hallucinogen Hallucinations, psychic change, loss of memory, hypotension, cardiac arrest

Methamphetamine Crystal, glass, speed, crystal meth, ice, base mother’s cocaine

Stimulant

Methylphenidate

Ritalin

Stimulant

Morphine

Mort, Miss Emma

Opioid

OxyContin

Oxy, Oxycotton, Oxy 80s, hillbilly heroin, poor man’s heroin, cotton

Opioid

PCP

Angel dust, zombie; juices Hallucinogen Acute psychosis, HF, death, seizures, memory loss

with steroids

Peyote

Button, mesc

Hallucinogen Acute psychosis, tremor, altered perception, death

Rohypnol

Rophies Sextasy

Amnesiac

Date rape drug, loss of memory, immobility Severe hypotension, hallucinations, increased sexual function

Viagra/MDMA

Hallucinogen, ED drug

CNS, central nervous system; ED, erectile dysfunction; HF, heart failure; LSD, lysergic acid diethylamide; MDMA, methylenedioxymethamphetamine; PCP, phencyclidine;THC, tetrahydrocannabinol.