41. Alcoholism is the impairment of physical and mental health, which results from the consumption of large amounts of alcoholic beverages. This excessive consumption hinders effective fulfillment of social, family and occupational responsibilities.
42. A typical alcohol dependent person has physical and psychological dependence on the consumption of alcoholic drinks. Such a person shows alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which range from tremors to other serious manifestations of physical dependence. There are also alcohol associated illnesses among these individuals. Individuals will present with an addiction to alcohol where these individuals will use all the money to obtain alcohol.
43. Amphetamines can be introduced into the body through smoking, inhalation, injection or swallowing. Injection is where the drug is delivered into the body through direct inoculation using a syringe and a needle. Smoking is where the drug is the drug is burnt, and the resultant smoke is inhaled. Amphetamines can be swallowed where whole substance is delivered to the body through the oral route. Inhalation is where the drug is delivered through the nostrils by a respiratory current into the body.
44. Cocaine is used through chewing, inhalation, injection and smoking. Inhalation is through using the cocaine powder in the nostrils. The drug goes into the human bloodstream from the respiratory system by diffusion. The substance can be smoked where the smoke enters the lungs and is eventually absorbed into the blood stream. The substance is also chewed and taken up through the gastrointestinal system. There are users who use needles and syringes to inoculate the substance into the bloodstream. The venous route is the most preferred route of administration.
45. Opiates are drugs that are used in the management of pain. These drugs are liable to abuse because of their ability to excite individuals. The methods of abuse of opiates include inhalation, swallowing, injection and rectal administration. Inhalation involves taking in the vapor from the substance through the nose by utilizing the respiratory current. The substance may be chewed or swallowed and delivered to the body through the oral route. Injection is where the substance is introduced into the body using a syringe and a needle. The substance can also be administered through depositing it in the rectum. The substance is absorbed to the bloodstream from where it is deposited.
46. The society today is crippled by drugs. The young generation has become so addicted to drugs that some of them are unable to perform certain tasks without using drugs. This highlights how psychological and physical dependence on drugs has affected the society. Prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants are more abused than cocaine and heroin. The ignorance of the society on the possible harm that may result from this drugs which range from neuropsychiatric effects to addiction contributes to abuse of these drugs. The society is called to action to take part in dealing with the challenge of drugs and drug abuse.
References
Doweiko, H. E. (2011). Concepts of chemical dependency (8th ed. ed.). Belmont: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Health Canada. (2000). Straight facts about drugs and drug abuse. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/pubs/drugs-drogues/straight_facts-faits_mefaits/index_e.html
Health Canada. (2001, September 13). Forum on correctional research. Focusing on Alcohol and Drugs. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/pblct/forum/e133/e133ind_e.shtml
Walton, S. C. (2001). Get the dope on dope: First response guide to street drugs. Calgary: AB: Burnand Holding Co.
