0071483446.pdf

(^74) CHAPTER 4 Substance Abuse
to an epileptic episode. The user may also have palpitations, loss of concentra-
tion, lightheadedness, weakness, tremors, postural hypotension, ataxia (stagger-
ing gait) and a sense of floating. As the dose increases, the effects of the drug
progresses from relief to dis-inhibition, excitement, and anesthesia. Respiratory
and vasomotor depression and even collapse can occur with high doses.
Hashish is metabolized in the liver and is eliminated in bile and feces. Only
a trace amount of hashish is detectable in urine. Hashish may affect the metab-
olism of drugs that require protein binding. These include ethyl alcohol, barbi-
turates, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and atropine.
Hashish has withdrawal symptoms. These include minor discomfort for a few
days. Insomnia, anxiety, irritability and restlessness may persist for a few weeks.
The person may have intermittent craving for a few months, which is best treated
by exercise. No pharmacological intervention should be given.
HALLUCINOGENS
Hallucinogens are natural and chemically manufactured drugs that alter percep-
tion and feeling. These drugs alter the mind and change a person’s perception
of time, reality, and the environment. Hallucinogens disrupt the normal activity
of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that sends signals throughout the
brain. Hallucinogens cause abnormal activation of serotonin in the part of
the brain responsible for coordinating and processing hearing and sight. The result
is that people taking hallucinogens hear voices and see images that don’t exist.
Researchers are unsure if hallucinogens permanently alter the brain’s chem-
istry, however, some patient’s who have taken hallucinogens experience chronic
mental disorders.
The following are commonly used hallucinogens.
LSD
Lysergide, better known as LSD, is a potent hallucinogenic that results in a psy-
choactive effect that heightens perception, creates distortions of the body, and
causes visual hallucinations. The person taking LSD can experience unpredictable
mood swings from euphoria to depression and panic, which is commonly referred
to as a “bad trip.” LSD also causes hypertension, dilated pupils, hyperthermia,
and tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
LSD takes effect within 20 minutes and lasts up to two hours altering the
user’s state of consciousness. This can lead to psychosis and trigger flashbacks
called “latent psychosis.” The experience is frequently unpleasant.