Amphetamines drug abuse

The CNS stimulants include the analeptics, drugs tiiat stimulate the respiratory center of the CNS the amphetamines, drugs witii a high abuse potential because of dieir ability to produce euphoria and wakefulness and the anorexiants, drugs used to suppress die appetite... 

In a summary of the human abuse literature on anorectic phenylethylamines, Griffiths et al. (1979) found there was a good correlation between the results of self-administration studies in animals and information about the subjective effects and abuse in man. Specifically, amphetamine, diethyl-propion, and phenmetrazine have been associated with numerous clinical case reports involving abuse, and these three compounds as well as benz-phetamine and /-ephedrine have shown similar subjective effects in drug abuser populations (Griffiths et al. 1979). In addition, fenfluramine was associated with low incidence of abuse in humans and did not maintain self-injection responding in animals. Chlorphentermine was similarly associated with low incidence of abuse in man, but did not maintain selfinjection uniformly in animals (Griffiths et al. 1979). 

The stimulation of locomotor activity by MDMA and the importance of mesolimbic dopamine in this response reflect similarities with the prototype phenylethylamine stimulant, amphetamine. It is important to note that these parameters are frequently associated with rewarding aspects of drugs and drug abuse. Additionally, the behavioral profiles of MDMA and I E share certain characteristics with hallucinogen-Iike agents. This unique mixture of stimulus properties and neurochemical actions may contribute to a dangerous behavioral toxicity and neurotoxic potential for drugs like MDMA. 

Other knockout models that could be used to validate candidate genes include mice that lack monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which have demonstrated altered behavior and alcohol tolerance [54]. Transgenic mice in which the dopamine transporter gene has been deleted show striking hyperactivity via enhanced persistence of dopamine which is not altered by cocaine or amphetamine administration [55]. Knockouts of the serotonin IB receptor are also available and are best used as models of vulnerability to drug abuse [56]. 

Becker IB, Beer ME, et al (1984) Striatal dopamine release stimulated by amphetamine or potassium influence of ovarian hormones and the light-dark cycle. Brain Res 311(1) 157-160 Becker IB, Molenda H, et al (2001) Gender differences in the behavioral responses to cocaine and amphetamine. Implications for mechanisms mediating gender differences in drug abuse. Ann N Y Acad Sci 937 172-187... 

Drug abuse and dependence These drugs are chemically and pharmacologically related to the amphetamines and have abuse potential. Intense psychological or physical dependence and severe social dysfunction may be associated with long-term therapy or abuse. If this occurs, gradually reduce the dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

Drug abuse and dependence Studies in healthy volunteers, subjects with a history of multiple drug abuse, and depressed patients showed some increase in motor activity and agitation/excitement. In individuals experienced with drugs of abuse, a single dose of 400 mg bupropion produced mild amphetamine-like activity as compared with placebo. 

Violent acts are a part of the drug abuse scene. Such acts may result from psychosis and excitable states produced by substances such as amphetamines and similar, from frustrated attempts to obtain substances, by merciless substance vendors - the pushers (who may themselves be abusers), and from the criminal sub-culture which can attract and prey on those who hopelessly substance dependant. One should take care in managing all situations with substance abusers to avoid personal risk, which must also include the risk of infection with HIV and hepatitis. 

King VL, Kidorf MS, Stoller KB, Carter JA Brooner RK (2001). Influence of antisocial personality subtypes on drug abuse treatment response. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 189, 593-601 Kintz P (2001). Deaths involving buprenorphine a compendium of French cases. Forensic Science International, 121, 65-9 Klee H (1992). A new target for behavioural research - amphetamine use. British Journal of Addiction, 87, 439-46 Klee H, Faugier J, Hayes C, Boulton T Morris J (1990). Aids-related risk behaviour, polydrug use and temazepam. British Journal of Addiction, 85, 1125-32... 

UNODC (Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific), Amphetamine-type Stimulants in East Asia and the Pacific Analysis of2003 Regional ATS Questionnaire, Bangkok 2004 and UNODC (Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific), Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP), 2007. 

September Under President Gerald Ford the Domestic Council Drug Abuse Task Force issues a report that recommends that enforcement be concentrated on the most dangerous drugs such as heroin, amphetamines, and barbimrates, while marijuana should be given a low priority. November 25 After Colombian police seize an unprecedented 600 kilos of cocaine at the Cali airport. Drug traffickers assert their power by killing 40 people in the city in one weekend. 

Rush, C.R. et al., Reinforcing and subject-rated effects of methylphenidate and D-amphetamine in non-drug-abusing humans, J. Clin. Psychopharmacol., 21, 273, 2001. 

Drug abuse This term usually applies to the misuse of addictive drugs, which include barbiturates and amphetamines, as well as the opiates, cocaine and heroin. These drugs create severe psychological and physiological problems. This leads to a variety of personal problems for the user. 

Prescription amphetamines come in tablet or capsule form. The most common way amphetamines are ingested is by swallowing amphetamine pills or capsules. However, drug abusers also crack open the capsules for the amphetamine powder or grind the tablets into a powder. That powder can then be inhaled or snorted. Mixed with tobacco or marijuana, it can be smoked. The ice form of methamphetamine looks like shaved glass slivers or rock salt and can be smoked in a glass pipe. 

No specific total amphetamine-use statistics are available. However, according to the year 2000 report of the Drug Abuse Warning Network, there was a 35% increase from 1999 to 2000 in the number of hospital emergency department (ED) cases in which amphetamines were mentioned. DAWN is a national surveillance system that collects data on drug-related emergency department visits. 

Early onset of drug abuse is associated with early sexual activity, crime, and educational failure. Young amphetamine users risk exploitation by adults and are more likely to become involved in criminal or violent behavior and prostitution—having to resort to sex for survival. Consequently, they are also more likely to become infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases and by tuberculosis or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Chronic amphetamine abusers are also more at risk for mental and emotional disorders including anxiety, phobias, and depression. They are at higher risk of suicide. 

Before 1970, amphetamines were subject to numerous and sometimes confusing laws regulating their manufacture and distribution. In 1970, the U.S. Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and... 

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