k. Hallucinogens - These are mind-altering substances. They tend to cause
distortion and intensification of sensory perception. The scientific term for
these substances is "psychotomimetic."
These drugs include marijuana, mescaline, peyote, lysergic acid diethylamide 25
(LSD), psilocybin, MDA, STP, DET, and DMT.
l. Narcotic - Legally defined, any drug regulated under national-
international narcotic laws is a narcotic.
The Comprehensive Drug Abuse
Prevention and Control Act of 1970 defined narcotics, which include opium,
opiates and cocaine.. Medically defined, a narcotic is any drug that produces
sleep or stupor or also relieves pain.
m. Physical Dependence - This is a physical adaptation of the body to the
presence of a drug.
In effect, the body develops a continuing need for the
drug.
Once such dependence has been established, the body reacts with
predictable symptoms if the drug is abruptly withdrawn.
The nature and
severity of withdrawal symptoms depend on the drug being used.
The daily
dosage level attained is also a deciding factor.
n. Psychological Dependence - This is a mental attachment to drug use. It
arises from a drug's ability to satisfy some emotional or personality need of a
person.
This attachment does not require a physical dependence.
However,
physical dependence may seem to reinforce psychological dependence.
One may
also be psychologically dependent on substances other than drugs.
o. Psychosis - This is a major mental disorder; it is any serious mental
derangement. "Psychosis" replaces the old term "insanity."
p. Sedative - An agent which quiets or calms activity is said to be a
sedative.
q. Stimulant - This may be any of several drugs which act on the central
nervous system. They produce excitation, alertness, and wakefulness. Medical
uses include the treatment of mild depressive states and overweight
conditions.
r. Tolerance - With many drugs, a person must keep increasing the dosage
to maintain the same effect.
This characteristic is called tolerance.
Tolerance develops with the opiates, with barbiturates, and with amphetamines
and related compounds.
3.
Types of Narcotics.
a. Opium is an extracted juice.
It comes from the unripened pod of the
poppy plant, Papaver Somiferum.
(1) Opium is obtained by making incisions on the poppy and allowing it
to bleed for 8 to 10 hours.
After it is hardened somewhat the juice is
collected.
MP0100
6-4
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