Inhalants

Inhalants

  • Household and workplace products contain chemicals with psychoactive properties when inhaled
  • Rapidly absorbed and reach CNS quickly
  • Most are depressants
  • Long-term use can result in brain damage

Cannabis

  • THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) a key ingredient in cannabis causes psychoactive effects
    • Low to moderate doses produce alcohol-like effects
    • Long-term use has cardiopulmonary and mental health effects
  • Legalization for medical and recreational use is controversial
    • Medical uses
      • Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
      • Appetite stimulant in AIDS patients
    • Illegal synthetic THC derivatives
      • Unpredictable effects
      • More toxic
  • Toxicity
    • Causes:
      • Acute psychotic episodes
      • Tachycardia, hypertension, dysrhythmias, MI (myocardial infarction)
      • Panic and flashbacks
    • Care includes quiet environment and benzodiazepines
  • Withdrawal
    • Heavy cannabis use
    • Irritability, anxiety, anorexia, chills, disturbed sleep, fever, tremors
    • Peaks about 48 hours after cessation
    • Lasts 3-4 days
    • No drug therapy is effective

Caffeine

  • Most widely used psychoactive substance in the world
  • Weak stimulant
    • Increases wakefulness
    • Facilitate motor activity
    • Treat headaches
  • Toxicity
    • Cause cardiac dysrhythmias
    • Hypertension
    • Disturbed sleep
    • Seizures, and anxiety.
  • Dependence
    • Muscle pain or stiffness,
    • Drowsiness, irritability, and headaches after general anesthesia

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