has been smoked at least once than if there has never been marijuana use (SAMHSA, 2020). In recent decades, marijuana growers have been genetically altering their plants to increase the percentage of THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. The average potency of marijuana has more than doubled since 1998 (NIDA, 2019b). The use of marijuana can produce adverse physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral effects. It can impair short-term memory and judgment and distort perception. Because marijuana affects brain systems that are still maturing through young adulthood, its use by teens may have a negative effect on their development (NIDA, 2019b). Youth who report heavy use beginning in adolescence may lose IQ points. Babies of mothers who use marijuana may have problems with attention, memory, and problem solving (NIDA, 2019b). Studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia (NIDA, 2019b). (Box 12) Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive. Marijuana addiction is also linked to a withdrawal syndrome similar to that of nicotine withdrawal, which can make it difficult to quit. People trying to quit report irritability, sleeping difficulties, craving, and anxiety (NIDA, 2019b). Box 12: Marijuana Abuse: Clinical Sign Initial Short-Term Long-Term • Enhanced sensory perception • Euphoria • Drowsiness/ relaxation • Slowed reaction time • Problems with • Mental health problems • Chronic cough • Frequent respiratory • Infections
of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorders, and obesity (NIDA, 2019c). (Box 13) Box 13: Methamphetamines: Common Street Names • Crystal • Meth • Fire • Bikers’ coffee • Crank • Ice • Croak • Shabu • Speed • Trash • Yellow ban Note. NIDA, 2020l. Most amphetamines that are distributed to the black market are produced in clandestine laboratories. Methamphetamine laboratories are by far the most frequently encountered clandestine laboratories in the United States. The ease of clandestine synthesis, combined with tremendous profits, has resulted in significant availability of illicit methamphetamine. Large amounts of methamphetamine are also illicitly smuggled into the United States from Mexico (NIDA, 2019c). Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that increases alertness, decreases appetite, and gives the individual a sense of euphoria or pleasure. Withdrawal can lead to depression (NIDA, 2019c). (Box 14) • Chalk • Dunk • Gak • Scooby Snax • Pookie • Quartz • Rocket fuel • Hugs and kisses • Party and play Pregnant women using methamphetamines may have premature delivery or a placenta abruption from the uterus. Babies born to these mothers are often born with low birth weight, lethargy, and heart or brain problems (NIDA, 2020l). Box 14: Methamphetamines: Clinical Signs Short-Term • Increased alertness • Increased physical activity • Decreased appetite • Tachypnea • Mood disturbances • Hallucinations • Tachycardia • Anxiety • Insomnia • Irregular heart rate Long-Term
balance and coordination • Tachycardia • Increased appetite • Problems with learning • Problems with memory
Note. NIDA, 2019b; 2020k. Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested orally. Methamphetamine users feel a short yet intense rush when the drug is initially administered. The immediate effects of methamphetamine include increased activity and decreased appetite. The drug has limited medical uses for the treatment
• Confusion • Delusions • Weight loss • Severe dental problems (meth mouth)
• Psychotic signs • Violent behavior • Paranoia
• Delusions (sensation of bugs crawling under skin)
Note. NIDA, 2019c; 2020l.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Overview The nonmedical use or abuse of prescription drugs is an ongoing drug problem. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2023), the number of opioid related deaths continue to rise, reaching 80,411 deaths in 2021. Of these deaths, more than 70% occurred among males. The overdose death rate from prescription medication has had a 14-fold increase driven by the In focus: United States Misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers alone costs the country an estimated $78 billion a year in lost productivity, medical costs, and criminal justice costs (NIDA, 2018). Only 0.8% of Americans aged 12 years and older with a substance abuse disorder reported that they received some form of drug treatment in the past year (CDC, 2019). According to CDC (2021), Americans filled 142 million prescriptions for opioid
illicit manufacturing of fentanyl (NIDA, 2021). Overdose rates for all drug types was 29.1 per 100,000 males and 14.4 among females. Overdose rates from opioids are highest among people aged 25 to 34 years (CDC, 2019). The most common drugs involved in opioid-involved overdose deaths are natural and semi-synthetic opioids and methadone (NIDA, 2021). pain relievers making it the most prescribed medication in the United States. There were wide variations of opioid prescription rates across states with Alabama having three times as many per person with Hawaii having the lowest prescribing rate (CDC, 2019). The most common drugs prescribed were oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone.
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Book Code: RPTTX2024
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