Chris+Binns'+Project+Page

= This is Chris Binns' project page... =

= What Many Do Not Realize: The Biological Implication of Substance Abuse and Addiction  =


 * First, I would like to define the term "substance abuse" as it can often be a very broad term. Substance abuse is defined as the usage of a LARGE amount of a substance that results in impairment of normal functioning, personal distress and/or hazardous conditions/situations. The consistent behavior of substance abuse that results in withdrawal and tolerance symptoms is where addiction, also known as substance dependence, comes into the picture. However, not every instance of substance abuse means an addiction is present, just to clarify. Tolerance is somewhat of a broad term that describes the need for increased amounts of a certain substance to achieve the same,desired "high" or effect. Withdrawal is any negative physiological reactions to lowering and/or stopping the usage of a certain substance that has previously been abused and with which a significant tolerance has been built. My goal here is to display the biological ramifications that result from the abuse of several different types of substances. **

** *I am going to focus on categories 1-3* **
 * There are five main categories of Substances that are typically abused today: **
 * 1) ** Depressants **
 * 2) ** Stimulants **
 * 3) ** Opiates **
 * 4) ** Hallucinogens **
 * 5) ** Other (for those that do not fit in the above categories) **
 * Here is a link to a more in depth list of commonly abused substances. This information is provided by the NIDA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which is a government funded institute to who's mission is to "lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drub abuse and addiction. **
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Depressants

 * Depressants are defined as substances that bring about behavioral sedation. The most commonly abused depressant is by far alcohol. Other depressants include sedatives and anxiolytics, also known as anti-anxiety medications. **
 * ** These substances depress the central nervous system and influence several neurotransmitter systems, specifically GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. **
 * ** Prolonged use ad abuse can result in liver damage, sperm motility, and impairment of lung function. **

Alcohol: Abuse vs. Dependence (Alcoholism)

 * Alcohol abuse is one of the largest growing problems in America. Over 50% of the US (>12 years of age) report current use. It is defined as having 5 or more drinks in one session. Binge drinking is known as the excessive abuse of alcohol in one session and is most apparent in young adults. But how does the abuse of alcohol affect our body? **


 * Here is a link to a webpage created by the National Institute of Health and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism that provides great information on how alcohol affects the body (negatively), specifically the brain. Special note should be taken towards sections 5. and 6. **
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 * Here is a link to a youtube video that discusses and demonstrates how alcohol affects our brain when it is consumed. **
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 * Alcohol Dependence is defined as " **
 * when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continue to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may control your life and relationships." -PubMed Health, a U.S. National Library of Medicine. **


 * It is reported that 15 million Americans are alcohol dependent. There is a strong link to genetic vulnerability that can be passed down. **


 * Here is a link to a video created by Bupa, the British United Provident Association, that displays the various cancers and diseases that are linked to alcoholism and which parts of the body are effected, which happens to be pretty much every organ we have. **


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Sedatives and Anxiolytics

 * This class of substances have a "calming" effect on the mind and body and also reduce blood pressure. They are used to treat cases and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Commonly known sedatives are called barbituates. And the most commonly prescribed and abused anxiolytic is benzodiazepine. **
 * ** These drugs exert their influence on the GABA neurotransmitter (inhibitory) that I mentioned above and have effects similar to large doses of alcohol. **
 * ** Research shows that the abuse of benzodiazepines significantly impair a person's ability to learn and access memory that can even lead to severe amnesia at high levels, according to LIVESTRONG.com. **


 * Here is a link to a short youtube video that does a great job at displaying how benzodiazepine and barbituate usage increases the activity of a GABA neurotransmitter binding site. **
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** The role of GABA **

 * "GABA **


 * In 1950, Eugene Roberts and J. Awapara discovered GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), which is also usually an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA acts like a brake to the excitatory neurotransmitters that lead to anxiety. People with too little GABA tend to suffer from anxiety disorders, and drugs like Valium work by enhancing the effects of GABA. Lots of other drugs influence GABA receptors, including alcohol and barbituates. If GABA is lacking in certain parts of the brain, epilepsy results." (Citation below) **


 * ** I took the above excerpt ^ from a website entitled "General Psychology" and was written by a Dr. C. George Boeree. The link is attached below. This is a great and simple explanation of the GABA neurotransmitter, what it does, and how depressants can affect it. **
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Stimulants

 * Stimulants are the most widely abused drug in the United States. Such drugs generally increase alertness and energy. Examples are: amphetemines, cocaine, nicotine, and caffeine. There is a "crash" associated with stimulants that occurs post-usage that imposes "counter" effects that the drug initially causes. **
 * ** Similar to depressants, stimulants significantly disrupt neurotransmitter's in the nervous system. **
 * ** Cocaine and meth-amphetamines particularly effect the dopamine pathways in the brain by overstimulation or the blocking of the reuptake process. **
 * ** Studies also show that high doses of stimulants can permanently damage neuron junctions and endings. **


 * Here is a link to a site entitled "Recovery Road Map." It gives great explanations on the biological effects of stimulant use and abuse on the body, especially the brain and heart. **
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 * __ Amphetemines __**


 * You may have seen these popular types of pictures that display the negative effects that meth abuse can have on appearance. One can only imagine what the inside looks like. **


 * __ Nicotine __**


 * This picture is pretty self-explanatory. Showing what chronic nicotine abuse (smoking) can do to your lungs. **


 * __ Caffeine __**


 * Many of us think of our favorite Starbucks coffee when we hear the word caffeine. This societal viewpoint does not really take into account the severity caffeine overdose can have. Now I am not talking about the occasional coffee drinker, but that the individuals who are constantly popping caffeine pills and and chugging energy drinks to get the "high" or to stay awake for a long time. The negative effects of caffeine are as follows: **
 * ** Increased heart rate causes: skin flushing, heart palpitations, and even possible tremors **
 * ** A study done at the Duke University Medical Center showed that "oral caffeine has a negative effect on carbohydrate metabolism. This can be especially dangerous someone with Type II Diabetes because it enhances their body's already increased insulin resistance. So there MAY be a link to caffeine intake and its increasing the odds of developing Type II Diabetes. (Information gained from LIVESTRONG.com) **
 * ** Caffeine also disrupts the workings of and blocks the reuptake of adenosine, a chemical in the brain that triggers drowsiness when we need to sleep. **

Opiates

 * Opiates are a natural chemicals found specifically in the opium poppy plant. Opiods are the other natural and often sythetic substances that mimic the effects of opiates. Both types of substances are also known as analgesics and are often grouped into this category. **
 * ** Opiates activate the body's enkephalins and endorphins which induces euphoria (or high), drowsiness, and slowed breathing. **
 * ** Opiates constrict the pupils via their effect on the parasympathetic nervous system **
 * ** Effects of opium abuse causes severe suppression of the respiratory system due to the effect it has on the brainstem which plays a role in breathing **
 * ** Opiates significantly decreases heart rate and cause histamine release which dilates the blood vessel lowering blood pressure **
 * ** There are also several effects on the digestive system **
 * ** Addiction results in mental "anguish" and depression and they might take extreme measures to obtain the drug **
 * ** (Information above drawn from LIVESTRONG.com) **


 * Here is an image of the opium poppy plant where opiates are derived from. **