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

About Abuse of Older Persons

For Everyone KEY POINTS Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to violence perpetrated by a caregiver or someone they trust. More research is