Contrast the signs and symptoms of the most commonly abused drugs/chemicals.

When a person uses certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain then this is defined by the term known as drug or chemical abuse. It is an addictive use of drugs for non medical purposes that can lead to various physical and mental damages.They flood your brain with a chemical called dopamine. This triggers a feeling of intense pleasure.  it can cause changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well. They can hurt your:

• Judgment

• Decision-making

• Memory

• Ability to learn

Together, these brain changes can drive you to seek out and take drugs in ways that are beyond your control.

Drug categories

Drugs of abuse fall into three groups and these include:

• Depressants: These cause depression of the brain's faculties .

Example-  sleeping pills (barbiturates) and heroin.

• Stimulants: These cause stimulation of the brain, giving rise to alertness and increased bursts of activity. A rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, raised blood pressure, nausea or vomiting and behavioral changes such as agitation, and impaired judgment may also result. 

Example- Cocaine, Amphetamines

• Hallucinogens: These cause hallucinations and an "out of this world" feeling of dissociation from oneself. Hallucinogens may cause distorted sensory perception, delusion, paranoia and even depression. 

Examples- ecstasy, mescaline and LSD.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE & ADDICTION-

There are certain warning signs that may indicate that someone is using drugs and drinking too much alcohol.

 Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse: • Neglected responsibilities at school, work, or home because of drug use.

 • Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.

 • Drug use is causing legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.

 • Drug use is causing problems in relationships, such as fights with a partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.

 Common signs and symptoms of drug addiction: 

• A drug tolerance is built up. More of the drug is needed to experience the same effect one used to attain with smaller amounts.

 • Drugs are taken to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. Going too long without drugs causes symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety. 

• Lost control over the drug use. Often doing drugs or using more than planned, even when promising self not to. Wants to stop using, but feels powerless. 

• Life revolves around drug use. Spends a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s effects

. • Abandoned activities previously enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of drug use.

 • Continues to use drugs, despite knowing it hurts you. Drug use causes major problems — blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia — but uses anyway

 Physical warning signs of drug abuse:

 • Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual. 

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or gain.

 • Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits. 

• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.

 • Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

 Behavioral signs of drug abuse: •

 Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.

 • Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.

 • Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.

 • Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.

 • Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).

 Psychological warning signs of drug abuse: 

• Unexplained change in personality or attitude. 

• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.

 • Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.

 • Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.” 

• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.