Tarang Chaturvedi

XII C
Roll no. :

5692881

DR. Harish Saraswat

This is to certify that TARANG CHATURVEDi a

student of class XII C has successfully completed
the research on the below mentioned project under
the guidance of dr. harish saraswat (subject
teacher) during the year 2016-17 in the partial
fulfillment of biology practical examination
conducted by AISSCE, New Delhi.

In the accomplishment of this project successfully,

many people have best owned upon me their
blessings and the heart pledged support, this time I
am utilizing to thank all the people who have been
concerned with the project.
Primarily I would thank god being me able to
complete the project with success. Then I would
thank my principle Dr. Ajay Sharma and biology
teacher Dr. Harish Saraswat, whose valuable
guidance has been the ones that helped me patch
this project and it full proof success. His
suggestions and his valuable instructions have
served as the major contributor towards the
completion of this project.
Then I would like to thank my parents and friends,
who have helped me with their valuable
suggestions and guidance.
Last but not the least I would like to thank my
classmates who have helped me a lot.

Introduction
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug Dependence
Classification of drugs
Structure of some Drugs
Effects of drug addiction
Bibliography

A drug is any substance other than food, that when inhaled, injected,
smoked, consumed, absorbed via a patch on the skin or dissolved under
the tongue causes a physiological change in the body.
In pharmacology, a pharmaceutical drug or medicine is a chemical
substance used to treat, cure, prevent, diagnose a disease or promote
well-being. Traditionally drugs were obtained through extraction from
medicinal plants, but more recently also by organic synthesis.
Pharmaceutical drugs may be used for a limited duration, or on a regular
basis for chronic disorders.
Pharmaceutical drugs are often classified into drug classesgroups of
related drugs that have similar chemical structures, the same mechanism
of action (binding to the same biological target), a related mode of action,
and that are used to treat the same disease. The Anatomical Therapeutic
Chemical Classification System (ATC), the most widely used drug
classification system, assigns drugs a unique ATC code, which is an
alphanumeric code that assigns it to specific drug classes within the ATC
system. Another major classification system is the Biopharmaceutics
Classification System. This classifies drugs according to their solubility
and permeability or absorption properties.
Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances that affect the function of
the central nervous system, altering perception, mood or consciousness.
They include alcohol, a depressant, and the stimulants, nicotine and
caffeine. These three are the most widely consumed psychoactive drugs
worldwide and are also considered as recreational drugs since they are
used for pleasure rather than medicinal purposes. ] Other recreational
drugs include hallucinogens, opiates and amphetamines and some of
these are also used in spiritual or religious settings. Some drugs can
cause addiction and all drugs can have side effects. Excessive use of
stimulants can promote stimulant psychosis. Many recreational drugs are
illicit and international treaties such as the Single Convention on Narcotic
Drugs exist for the purpose of their prohibition.

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes

compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the
addicted individual and to those around him or her. Although the initial
decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, the brain changes
that occur over time challenge an addicted persons self-control and
hamper his or her ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs.
Fortunately, treatments are available to help people counter addictions
powerful disruptive effects. Research shows that combining addiction
treatment medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure
success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to
each patients drug abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical,
psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life
without drug abuse.
Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or
heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And as with
other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and
begin abusing drugs again. Relapse, however, does not sign treatment
failurerather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated or
adjusted or that an alternative treatment is needed to help the individual
regain control and recover.

What Happens to Your Brain When You Take

Drugs?
Drugs contain chemicals that tap into the brains communication system
and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process
information. There are at least two ways that drugs cause this disruption:
(1) by imitating the brains natural chemical messengers and
(2) by over stimulating the reward circuit of the brain.
Some drugs (e.g., marijuana and heroin) have a similar structure to
chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, which are naturally
produced by the brain. This similarity allows the drugs to fool the
brains receptors and activate nerve cells to send abnormal messages.
Other drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause the nerve
cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters

(mainly dopamine) or to prevent the normal recycling of these brain

chemicals, which is needed to shut off the signaling between neurons.
The result is a brain awash in dopamine, a neurotransmitter present in
brain regions that control movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings
of pleasure. The overstimulation of this reward system, which normally
responds to natural behaviors linked to survival (eating, spending time
with loved ones, etc.), produces euphoric effects in response to
psychoactive drugs. This reaction sets in motion a reinforcing pattern that
teaches people to repeat the rewarding behavior of abusing drugs.
As a person continues to abuse drugs, the brain adapts to the
overwhelming surges in dopamine by producing less dopamine or by
reducing the number of dopamine receptors in the reward circuit. The
result is a lessening of dopamines impact on the reward circuit, which
reduces the abusers ability to enjoy not only the drugs but also other
events in life that previously brought pleasure. This decrease compels the
addicted person to keep abusing drugs in an attempt to bring the
dopamine function back to normal, but now larger amounts of the drug
are required to achieve the same dopamine highan effect known as
tolerance.
Long-term abuse causes changes in other brain chemical systems and
circuits as well. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that influences the
reward circuit and the ability to learn. When the optimal concentration of
glutamate is altered by drug abuse, the brain attempts to compensate,
which can impair cognitive function. Brain imaging studies of drugaddicted individuals show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to
judgment, decision making, learning and memory, and behavior control.
Together, these changes can drive an abuser to seek out and take drugs
compulsively despite adverse, even devastating consequencesthat is
the nature of addiction.

Why Do Some People Become Addicted While

Others Do Not?
No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to
drugs. Risk for addiction is influenced by a combination of factors that
include individual biology, social environment, and age or stage of
development. The more risk factors an individual has, the greater the
chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:

Biology. The genes that people are born within combination with
environmental influencesaccount for about half of their addiction
vulnerability. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of
other mental disorders may influence risk for drug abuse and
addiction.

Environment. A persons environment includes many different

influences, from family and friends to socioeconomic status and
quality of life in general. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and
sexual abuse, stress, and quality of parenting can greatly influence
the occurrence of drug abuse and the escalation to addiction in a
persons life.

Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with

critical developmental stages in a persons life to affect addiction
vulnerability. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction,
the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to
more serious abuse, which poses a special challenge to adolescents.
Because areas in their brains that govern decision making,
judgment, and self-control are still developing, adolescents may be
especially prone to risk-taking behaviors, including trying drugs of
abuse.

Drug dependence occurs when you require one or more drugs to function
normally. You may have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure
or chronic pain, which requires you to take drugs to maintain your quality
of life. This might be considered drug dependence, but is probably not
a problem. Drug dependence becomes a health concern, however, when
an individual abuses illegal or prescription drugs.
Intermittent abuse can evolve into dependence. Eventually, you cant live
a normal life without the drug. You may use larger doses or other types of
drugs to overcome the tolerance that develops with regular use.

Addiction vs. Dependence

Drug addiction and drug dependence are sometimes interchangeable.
Many addicts depend on drugs to function. It is possible, however, to be
dependent on drugs without being addicted. This often occurs if you rely
on medications to control a chronic medical condition. It is also possible
to be addicted to drugs without your body becoming dependent on them.
Characteristics of Addiction

use of drugs despite the consequences

inability to stop using drugs

neglect of social and work obligations

Characteristics of Dependence
Features of dependence may include some or all of the features of
addiction, plus:

high tolerance as the body physically adapts to the drug, often

leading to the desire for larger or more frequent doses
physical symptoms of withdrawal when attempting to stop using the
drug

How Drug Abuse Can Lead to Dependence

Drug addicts often begin using drugs socially and become dependent
over time. In some cases, drugs may have been initially prescribed to
treat a medical condition (e.g. pain medication). This normal and safe use
can sometimes develop into abuse and dependence.
Compulsive drug use may be triggered by:

a family history of addiction (addictive personalities may be genetic,

and watching family members abuse substances can make drugs
seem more normal or desirable)
living in an environment where illegal drugs are frequently used and
easy to access
a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions

Stages of Drug Use

According to the National Institutes of Health, drug users typically pass
through certain stages on the way to drug dependence:
1. You use drugs for recreation. Drugs are taken infrequently and in social
settings.
2. You start using drugs on a regular basis, often abandoning family and
friends in favor of drug use. You become concerned about losing access
to drugs.
3. You become addicted to drugs and preoccupied with getting access to
them. You may abandon most or all of your previous interests and
relationships.
4. You become dependent on drugs and unable to live without them. Your
physical and mental health deteriorates.

Recognizing the Signs of Drug Dependence

It can be difficult to differentiate the symptoms of dependence and the
symptoms of addiction. Both conditions are characterized by a
preoccupation with drugs, secretive behavior, and avoidance of activities
and relationships that were once important. Drug addicts may also
neglect their appearance and may suffer extreme fluctuations in weight.
You can often determine whether an addiction has evolved into
dependence by observing the addicts behavior when he or she has not
had access to drugs for a significant period of time. Physical symptoms of
withdrawal occur when the body becomes stressed without the drug.
Symptoms may include:

anxiety
depression

muscle weakness

nightmares

body aches

sweating

nausea

vomiting

Treating Drug Dependence

When drug abuse escalates to dependence, treatment becomes
complicated. Ultimately, you must stop the using the drug, but doing so
abruptly can cause harsh physical side effects. You may need to enter a
residential detoxification program or attend one on an outpatient basis.
Substances that mimic the effects of illegal drugs may be given to reduce
the symptoms of withdrawal during treatment. Detox programs use a
combination of therapy and medical care to ease dependence and
ultimately stop the addiction. Ongoing therapy sessions may be required
for an extended period of time after you are released from a treatment
program.
Extreme cases of intoxication, withdrawal, or overdose may require
emergency care before addiction and dependence can be treated.

Long-Term Outlook for Drug Dependence

If left untreated, drug dependence is very dangerous. You may increase
your drug use as your body adapts to the drugs, which can result in
overdose and death.
Treatment may reverse dependence if it is caught early and if you are
willing to be treated. Sometimes treatment is successful the first time,
but relapse is common among drug addicts. Ongoing therapy and support
groups can help recovering addicts stay on track and address signs of
relapse.
In regards to addiction treatment and rehabilitation, the drug
classifications used most often are the following five classes
regulated by the Controlled Substances Act:

Narcotics
Depressants

Stimulants

Hallucinogens

Anabolic steroids

All of these drugs, with the exception of anabolic steroids, are considered
to be psychoactive meaning they affect one or more of the mental
faculties including mood, feelings, thoughts, perception, memory,
cognition, and behavior. Additionally, use of these drugs can be
associated with a host of physical, mental health, and personal
complications, including alcoholic liver cirrhosis, cannabis-induced
psychosis, social problems like stigma, occupational difficulties, financial
problems, and even legal problems.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),
substances from any of these classes may lead to the

development of chemical dependence in one or both of the

following forms:

Physical dependence to a drug suggests that the body has

become habituated to the presence of a drug. Consequently,
physical dependence is reflected in both the development of
tolerance and the presence of a withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance
refers to reduced effects compared to what was experienced with a
previous amount of the substance. Withdrawal develops when
excessive or prolonged use of a drug is sharply reduced or
stopped. The onset of withdrawal often prompts the dependent
individual to resume use of the drug (or one similar to it) to avoid
withdrawal. For example, withdrawal symptoms such as shaking,
sweating, nausea, vomiting, or seizures may occur once alcohol use
is stopped after regular or excessive use.
Psychological dependence is manifested in the form of craving
for a drug. A person with psychological dependence has an
excessive, irresistible, uncontrollable desire to use the drug.
Psychological dependence may not cause physical symptoms, but
can lead to drug-seeking behavior.

Chemical Classifications of Drugs

Each of the regulated drugs that act on the central nervous system or
alter your feelings and perceptions can be classified according to their
physical and psychological effects. The different drug types include the
following:

Depressants. Drugs that suppress or slow the activity of the

brain and nerves, acting directly on the central nervous system to

create a calming or sedating effect. This category includes

barbiturates (Phenobarbital, thiopental, butalbital), benzodiazepines
(alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, midazolam),
alcohol, and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Depressants are taken
to relieve anxiety, promote sleep and manage seizure activity.
Stimulants. Drugs that accelerate the activity of the central
nervous system. Stimulants can make you feel energetic, focused,
and alert. This class of drugs can also make you feel edgy, angry, or
paranoid. Stimulants include drugs such as cocaine, crack cocaine,
amphetamine, and methamphetamine. According to the recent
World Drug Report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime, amphetamine-derived stimulants like ecstasy and
methamphetamine are the most commonly abused drugs around
the world after marijuana.

Hallucinogens. Also known as psychedelics, these drugs act on the

central nervous system to alter your perception of reality, time,
and space. Hallucinogens may cause you to hear or see things that
dont exist or imagine situations that arent real. Hallucinogenic
drugs include psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), lysergic acid
diethylamide (LSD), peyote, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Opioids. These are the drugs that act through the opioid
receptors. Opioids are one of the most commonly prescribed
medicines worldwide and are commonly used to treat pain and
cough. These include drugs such as heroin, codeine, morphine,
fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, buprenorphine, and methadone.

Inhalants. These are a broad class of drugs with the shared trait of
being primarily consumed through inhalation. Most of the
substances in this class can exist in vapor form at room
temperature. As many of these substances can be found as
household items, inhalants are frequently abused by children and
adolescents. These include substances such as paint, glue, paint
thinners, gasoline, marker or pen ink, and others. Though ultimately
all of these substances cross through the lungs into the
bloodstream, their precise method of abuse may vary but can
include sniffing, spraying, huffing, bagging, and inhaling, among
other delivery routes.

Cannabis. Cannabis is a plant-derived drug that is the most

commonly used illicit drug worldwide. It acts through the
cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Cannabis is abused in
various forms including bhang, ganja, charas, and hashish oil.

New psychoactive substances (NPS). These are drugs designed

to evade the existing drug laws. Drugs such as synthetic
cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, ketamine, piperazines, and

some plant-based drugs such as khat and kratom are examples of

NPS.

An addiction can start for a variety of reasons. A very common factor is

that of peer pressure: young people dont like to be different from their
friends and want to be part of the group.
If that group enjoys drinking or taking drugs then it can very difficult to
resist especially if not doing so means that they are excluded from the
group.
Experimentation is another reason. Many young people like to dabble in
new and sometimes risky activities and drugs/alcohol/smoking are part of
that. It is often done out of a sense of curiosity but it is easy to become
hooked. Sometimes, teenagers try illicit substances as an act of rebellion
or to defy their parents or teachers. They see it as part of being an adult
or growing up. Others are attracted by the fact that the more dangerous
or illegal a substance is the more desirable it becomes.
Some young people choose to take drugs or drink as a means of escaping
a chaotic home life or a deprived background.
Teenagers tend to be impulsive and take risks so illegal substances are
no different in this aspect.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DRUG ADDICTION

The psychological effects of drug addiction come from the reason the
user is addicted to drugs, as well as the changes that take place in the
brain once a person becomes a drug addict. Initially, many people start
using drugs to cope with stress or pain (read about: what causes drug
addiction) An effect of drug addiction is creation of a cycle where anytime
the user encounters stress or pain, they feel the need to use the drug.
This is one of the psychological effects of drug addiction involved in
"craving" of the drug. Craving is an effect of drug addiction whereby the
addict is obsessed with obtaining and using the drug, to the exclusion of
all else. One of the psychological effects of addiction involved in craving
is the belief the addict cannot function or handle life without use of the
drug.
Other psychological effects of drug addiction include:

Wild mood swings, depression, anxiety, paranoia, violence

Decrease in pleasure in everyday life

Complication of mental illness

Hallucinations

Confusion

Psychological tolerance to the drug's effects creating a desire to do

ever-increasing amounts of the drug

Desire to engage in risky behavior

Physical Effects of Drug Addiction

Physical effects of drug addiction vary by drug but are typically seen in all
systems of the body. Some of the primary physical effects of drug
addiction take place in the brain. Drug addiction changes the way the
brain functions and impacts how the body perceives pleasure. These
effects of drug addiction are because the drug repeatedly floods the brain
with the chemicals dopamine and serotonin during drug use. The brain
adapts and comes to expect, and depend on, these drug-induces highs.
Physical effects of drug addiction are also seen in babies of drug abusers
as well as in mortality statistics. One effect of drug addiction is: children
born to drug-using mothers can be cognitively affected throughout life.
Regarding mortality, one-in-four deaths are due to the effects of drug
addiction. Other physical effects of drug addiction include:

Contraction of HIV, hepatitis and other illnesses

Heart rate irregularities, heart attack

Respiratory problems such as lung cancer, emphysema and

breathing problems

Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea

Kidney and liver damage

Seizures, stroke, brain damage

Changes in appetite, body temperature and sleeping patterns

Drug Side Effects: Types

Side effects fall into several categories:
Allergic reactions can happen with any drug and can range from itching
and rash all the way up to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Some drugs cant help but trigger side effects because of their chemical
structure. One example is the common allergy drug diphenhydramine
(also known by the brand name Benadryl). Though it eases allergy
symptoms, it also suppresses the activity of the body chemical
acetylcholine, and that leads to drowsiness and a host of other side
effects, including dry mouth.
Some drugs typically have barely noticeable side effects when dosed
properly. For example, Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), used to prevent
blood clots, is usually well tolerated, but serious internal bleeding can
occur.
Side effects may only occur when certain drugs are mixed with certain
other things. These might also be considered drug interactions. Drinking
alcohol with narcotic painkillers has caused an alarming increase in
accidental overdose deaths. Drinking grapefruit juice can affect the blood
levels of several drugs, including some blood pressure and cholesterol
medicines.
To find more about a drug's side effects, information about them is
available on the label of over-the-counter drug products and on package
inserts or printed materials dispensed with prescription drugs. Because
the inserts include such a long list of possible bad effects, it is very
helpful to also talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions
regarding a drug's side effects.
Drug Side Effects: The FDA's Role
Before a drug can come on the market it must be approved by the FDA.
The New Drug Applications (NDAs) submitted by pharmaceutical
companies contain, first and foremost, clinical evidence that the drug has
the therapeutic effect its supposed to have and is safe. This proof comes
from testing of the drug, first in animals and then in humans. Once the
basic questions of safety and efficacy are settled, the FDA will approve
the drug if it deems that its benefits outweigh its risks.

Slideshare.net
NCERT Biology Text Books

Exam Idea

Wikipedia