Center for Development of
Human Services
Examining the Effects of Parental
Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Children
Stephen Webster, PharmD Student
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Center for Development of Human
Services
Credits
• William A. Prescott Jr., Pharm. D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Department of Pharmacy Practice
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Center for Development of Human
Services
Credits
• James Brustman, CDHS Child Welfare
Trainer
• Phyllis Harris, CDHS Administrator
• William Rea, CDHS Child Welfare Trainer
• David Peters, Senior CDHS Child Welfare
Trainer
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Introduction
• Substance abuse has a major impact on the
child welfare system.
* It is estimated that 9 % of children in the U.S.
(6 million) live with at least one parent who
abuses alcohol or other drugs.
* Between 1/3rd and 2/3rds of child
maltreatment cases involve substance abuse
* 85 % of states reported substance abuse
was one of the two major problems exhibited
by families in which maltreatment was
suspected.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Project Goals
1. Training Manual for CDHS Trainers
2. Handbook for Child Welfare Caseworkers
Overall: Educate trainers and caseworkers
on the effects of parental drug/alcohol
abuse on children.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Today’s Agenda
1. Overview of Substance Abuse and
Addiction
2. Summary of each Commonly Abused
Substance
3. Family-related Consequences of
Parental Substance Abuse
4. Conclusion
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Overview of Substance Abuse
and Addiction
• What is physical addiction ?
• What is psychological addiction ?
• What is tolerance, withdrawal, and
potentiation ?
• How quickly can someone become
addicted to a drug ?
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Overview of Substance Abuse
and Addiction
• Why do some individuals become
dependent/addicted and others not ?
• Are substance dependent parents more
likely to abuse/neglect their children ?
• What does a family history of substance
abuse mean for its members ?
• Is it possible to be an effective parent if
you are abusing drugs ?
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Drug Sections
• - Each drug section will discuss:
* Common street names
* Mechanism of action
* Route of administration
* Indicators of intoxication
* Long-term effects
* Withdrawal
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• The most commonly abused substance in
the United States
• Alcohol dependence has both genetic and
environmental factors.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• Mechanism of Action
- Alcohol is a depressant that slows central
nervous system functioning.
- Alcohol is immediately absorbed into the
blood stream from the stomach and small
intestine resulting in a rapid onset of
effect.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• Immediate Physiological Effects
- Decreased blood pressure, heart rate,
breathing, body temperature, and
coordination
- Feeling of well-being Slowed cognition
Drowsiness
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
- Severe drowsiness
Confusion
Aggression
Hypotension
Emotional blunting
Memory impairment
Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Decreased heart rate
Increased irritability
Decreased body temperature
Severe respiratory depression
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Addiction, Tolerance, Withdrawal
- Long-term Physiological Effects
Liver cirrhosis, kidney damage,
immune system impairment,
gastric ulceration and cancer,
heart disease, and high blood
pressure.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• Withdrawal
- Severity: The potential to be life-threatening.
- Approximately 25% will have seizures.
- Approximately 10% will have hallucinations.
- Delirium tremens, the most serious alcohol
withdrawal syndrome, occurs in 5% of cases. It
is characterized by hyperagitation, tremor,
disorientation, persistent hallucinations, and
marked increases in heart and respiratory rates
and blood pressure.
- Roughly 5% of those experiencing Delirium
tremens will die
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• Withdrawal
- Symptoms:
* Increased heart rate, blood pressure,
body temperature, respiration, sensitivity
to light and sound
* Pupil dilation, hallucinations, paranoid
delusions, DT’s, alcohol craving, tremors,
agitation, anxiety, disorientation, nausea,
diarrhea, vomiting, headache
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Alcohol
• Withdrawal
- Timeline: . Major withdrawal symptoms
peak between 24 and 72 hours after the
last drink and last between 5 and 7 days.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cannabinoids
(Marijuana and Hashish)
• Two drugs derived from different parts of
the plant Cannabis sativa
• Approx. 40% of Americans over the age of
12 have tried marijuana at least once
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cannabinoids
• Common Street Names
blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, mary jane,
pot, reefer, weed, chronic, boom
• Administration
smoke, swallowed
• Mechanism of Action
The major active chemical in cannabis is THC.
THC binds to areas in the brain that influence
pleasure sensation, memory, thought,
concentration, sensory and time perception, and
coordination.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cannabinoids
• Immediate Physiological Effects
Euphoric feeling
Increased heart rate
Increased anxiety Drowsiness
Altered sensation
Loss of time perception
Increased hunger
Eye redness
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cannabinoids
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
Altered sensation Loss of time perception
Intense hunger Eye redness
Hallucinations
Poor coordination
Poor judgment
Poor reaction time
Rapid heart beat Anxiety/Confusion
Euphoric feeling Short-term memory
impairment
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cannabinoids
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Craving and withdrawal symptoms
including irritability, difficulty sleeping,
anxiety, and aggression
- Depression, memory impairment, lack of
motivation
- increased risk of lung infections, chronic
cough, bronchitis, emphysema, lung
cancer
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cannabinoids
• Withdrawal
- Severity: mild to moderate when longterm user abruptly stops using the drug.
- Symptoms: irritability, increased
aggression, difficulty sleeping, decreased
appetite, drug craving, and anxiety.
- Timeline: Peak severity is approximately
one week following the last use of the
drug.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cocaine/Crack
• Cocaine is the second most commonly
used illicit drug in the United States
• Approx. 10% of Americans over the age of
12 years have tried cocaine at least once.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cocaine/Crack
• Common Street Names
blow, bump, C, candy, Charlie, coke, flake, rock,
snow, toot
• Administration
smoked, snorted, injected
• Mechanism of Action
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant.
Cocaine’s euphoric effect is attributed to its
inhibition of dopamine removal and subsequent
accumulation in the central nervous system.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cocaine/Crack
• Immediate Physiological Effects
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate,
body temperature, energy, and alertness
- Dilated pupils
Decreased appetite
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cocaine/Crack
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
Intense euphoria Paranoia
Muscle twitches Increased alertness
Tremors
Increased energy
Heavy sweating Increased Irritability
Erratic and violent behavior
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cocaine/Crack
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Addiction, Tolerance, Withdrawal
- Long-term psychological effects
paranoid psychosis, mood disturbances,
auditory hallucinations, and personality changes
-Long-term physiological effects
heart attacks, ventricular fibrillation, chest pain,
respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, abdominal
pain, weight loss, loss of the sense of smell, and
nosebleeds
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Cocaine/Crack
• Withdrawal
- Severity: Cocaine-withdrawal syndrome is
similar to severe depression. Symptoms are not
life-threatening, but may require hospitalization
due to precipitating psychiatric disturbances
- Symptoms: Severe depression, slowed motor
response, emotional blunting, hypersomnia,
excessive eating, social withdrawal, paranoid
delusions, suicidal thoughts and behavior, drug
craving
- Timeline: Peak severity is 1 to 3 days after the
last use, mild symptoms may persist for 2 weeks
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Hallucinogens
LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin
• LSD is a semi-synthetic compound
• Mescaline is found in peyote cactus
• Psilocybin is found in psilocybe
mushrooms
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Hallucinogens
• Common Street Names
Mescaline: buttons, cactus, mesc, peyote
Peyote: magic mushroom, purple passion, LSD:
acid, blotter, boomers, cubes, microdot
• Administration
smoked, swallowed, absorbed through mouth
tissues
• Mechanism of Action
Act on specific serotonin receptors in areas of
the brain that control mood, cognition, and
sensory perception
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Hallucinogens
• Immediate Physiological Effects
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and
body temperature
- Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Dry mouth
Sweating
Nausea
Tremors
Pupil dilation
Altered senses
Altered emotions
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Hallucinogens
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature
- Violent outbursts
Dizziness
Euphoria
Hallucinations
Sweating
Nausea
Dizziness
Anxiety
Tremors
Pupil dilation
Emotional instability
Altered sensory perception
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Hallucinogens
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Tolerance
- Long-term psychological effects
1) Drug-related psychosis characterized by
frequent mood swings and visual disturbances
which can potentially persist for years
2) Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder
(HPPD), better known as “flashbacks”, in which
the user experiences spontaneous recurrent
episodes of sensory distortion
- No Withdrawal Syndrome
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine use is rapidly
increasing across the country and
devastating entire communities
• Amphetamines are frequently prescribed
for children and adults with ADHD
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine use in the
United States
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
• Common Street Names
Meth: chalk, crank, crystal, fire, glass, ice, meth,
speed
Amph: bennies,crosses, hearts, LA turnaround,
speed, truck drivers, uppers
• Administration
injected, swallowed, smoked, snorted
• Mechanism of Action
Causes a release of excess dopamine, a
chemical which plays an important role in
pleasure regulation in the brain
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
• Immediate Physiological Effects
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing
rate, body temperature, energy, and attention
- Decreased appetite
Dry mouth
Dilated pupils
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
Heavy sweating Intense irritability
Chills
Euphoria
Hyper-sexuality Heavy breathing
Paranoia
Fever
Increased self-esteem and confidence
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
• Consequences of Long-Term Use
- Addiction, Tolerance, Withdrawal
- Long-term Pyschological Effects
Chronic methamphetamine use has been
associated with psychosis, most resembling
paranoid schizophrenia. Visual and auditory
hallucinations, intense paranoia, mood
disturbances, repetitive motor activity, and outof-control rages that can be coupled with
extremely violent behavior are all symptoms of
methamphetamine addiction psychosis.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
• Consequences of Long-Term Use
- Long-term Physiological Effects
irreversible heart damage, stroke, weight
loss, dental damage, violent behavior,
anxiety, confusion, and insomnia
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
• Withdrawal
- Severity: Meth.-withdrawal syndrome is similar
to severe depression. Symptoms are not lifethreatening, but may require hospitalization due
to precipitating psychiatric disturbances
- Symptoms: Severe depression, slowed motor
response, emotional blunting, hypersomnia,
excessive eating, social withdrawal, paranoid
delusions, suicidal thoughts and behavior, drug
craving
- Timeline: Major withdrawal symptoms peak
between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and
subside after 5 to 7 days.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Ecstasy/MDMA
• MDMA is the main ingredient in Ecstasy
• MDMA contains chemical variations of the
stimulant methamphetamine and
mescaline, a hallucinogen.
• Ecstasy is considered a “club drug”
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Ecstasy/MDMA
• Common Street Names
Adam, clarity, Eve, E, lover's speed, peace,
STP, X, XTC
• Administration
swallowed
• Mechanism of Action
MDMA is a psychoactive drug containing both
stimulant and hallucinogenic properties.
MDMA affects the brain by increasing the activity
of at least three chemicals; serotonin, dopamine,
and norepinephrine.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Ecstasy/MDMA
• Immediate Physiological Effects
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature, and energy
- Mental stimulation Decreased anxiety
Blurred vision
Chills
Muscle cramping
Sweating
Nausea
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Ecstasy/MDMA
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate
- Sense of well-being
Decreased anxiety
Hypersexuality
Fever
Enhanced sensory perception
Intense thirst
Altered time perception
Empathy towards others
Heavy sweating
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Ecstasy/MDMA
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Tolerance, Addiction ?, Withdrawal ?
- Long-term Psychological Effects
increased incidences of confusion, depression,
changes in cognition, memory, attention, and
motor function
- Long-term Physiological Effects
weight loss, and heart, kidney, and liver toxicity.
- Withdrawal
Impossible to discern withdrawal symptoms from
those attributed to neurologic damage caused
by ecstasy use
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Heroin
• Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid derived
from morphine
• The U.S. heroin market is supplied entirely
from foreign sources of opium.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Heroin
• Common Street Names
brown sugar, dope, H, horse, junk, skag, skunk,
smack, white horse
• Administration
injected, smoked, snorted
• Mechanism of Action
Heroin activates receptors in the brain, spinal
cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When heroin
enters the brain, it is converted to morphine,
causing increased feelings of pleasure and
blockage of pain messages from the spinal cord.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Heroin
• Immediate Physiological Effects
Pain relief Intense euphoria
Decreased respiration, cardiac function
Alternating wakeful and drowsy states
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Heroin
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
Intense euphoric state
Alternating wakeful and drowsy states
Impaired mental function
Heavy-feeling extremities
Staggering gait
Pupil constriction
Nausea
Vomiting
Severe Itching
Dry mouth
Warm flushing of the skin
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Heroin
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Addiction, Tolerance, Withdrawal
- Long-term Physiological Effects
collapsed veins, bacterial infections of
blood vessels and cardiac tissue, liver and
kidney disease, lung complications
including pneumonia and tuberculosis,
arthritis, and constipation.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Heroin
• Withdrawal
- Severity: Heroin withdrawal resembles a
severe case of influenza and is not considered
life-threatening. Heroin withdrawal symptoms
are regarded as the most severe of all opioidrelated substances
- Symptoms: Drug craving, pupil dilation,
nausea, vomiting, restlessness, bone and
muscle pain, diarrhea, malaise, cold flashes,
and insomnia
- Timeline: Peak severity is 1 to 3 days after the
last use, symptoms subside after 7-10 days.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
Codeine, Morphine,Hydrocodone,
Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Methadone,etc.
• Opium is an analgesic derived from the seeds of
the unripe poppy plant.
• The term opiate refers only to the natural opium
alkaloids (codeine, morphine) and the semisynthetics derived from them (hydrocodone,
hydromorphone, and oxycodone).
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
Codeine
- Robitussin A-C, Tylenol w/ Codeine,
Tylenol #2,#3 & #4
- Common Street Names
Captain Cody, Cody, schoolboy; doors &
fours, loads, pancakes and syrup
- Administered
injected, swallowed
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
Fentanyl
- Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze
- Common Street Names
Apache, China girl, dance fever, friend,
goodfella, jackpot, murder 8, TNT,
Tango and Cash
- Administered
buccal, injected,
smoked, snorted,
transdermal
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
Morphine
- Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin,
Roxanol
- Common Street Names
M, Miss Emma, monkey, white stuff
- Administered
injected, swallowed,
smoked
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
Oxycodone
- Endocet, Oxycontin, Percocet, Roxicet,
Roxicodone
- Common Street Names
Hillbilly heroin, Kickers, Blue, Oxy, O.C.,
Killer, Percs, Percodoms
- Administered
injected, swallowed, snorted
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
Hydrocodone
- Lorcet, Lortab, Norco Vicodin
- Common Street Names
Vike, Watson-387
- Administered
swallowed
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
Propoxyphene
- Darvocet, Darvon
- Administered
swallowed
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
• Mechanism of Action
- An opioid is any agent that acts on the
brain and body by binding to opioid
receptors located in the brain, spinal cord,
and gastrointestinal tract.
- Opioid drugs block the perception of pain
to varying degrees. Some opioids can
also produce a euphoric effect by affecting
the pleasure centers of the brain
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
• Immediate Physiological Effects
Pain relief
Drowsiness
Pupil Constriction Flushing
Vomiting
Nausea
Euphoric feeling Decreased body temp.
Confusion
Decreased respiration
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
Decreased respiration
Hypothermia
Warm flushing of the skin Euphoria
Pupil constriction
Drowsiness
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Confusion
Itching
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Addiction, Tolerance, Withdrawal
- Long-term Physiological Effects
confusion, constipation, and immune
system impairment
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Opioids
• Withdrawal
- Severity: Opioid withdrawal resembles a
severe case of influenza and is not considered
life-threatening. Symptoms are less severe than
those related to heroin withdrawal, but the
duration is longer.
- Symptoms: Drug craving, pupil dilation,
nausea, vomiting, restlessness, bone and
muscle pain, diarrhea, malaise, cold flashes,
and insomnia
- Timeline: Peak severity is 2 to 4 days after the
last use, symptoms may endure for more than
14 days.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Sleep aids
• During the 1950’s, it was noted that barbiturates
were related to high incidences of side effects
and abuse.
• During the 1960’s, benzodiazepines appeared on
the market and rapidly replaced barbiturates as
the class of choice for sedative-hypnotics.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
Barbiturates
- Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarb
- Common Street Names
barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies,
yellows, yellow jackets
- Administered
injected, swallowed
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
Benzodiazepines
- Ativan-lorazepam, Halcion- temazepam,
Librium-chlordiazepoxide, Valiumdiazepam, Xanax-alprazolam
- Common Street Names
candy, downers, sleeping pills, tranks
- Administered
injected, swallowed
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
Sleep Aids
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Zaleplon (Sonata)
Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Administered
swallowed
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
• Mechanism of Action
Most depressants cause CNS depression
by either increasing the activity or
production of gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA). GABA is the most important
inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
• Immediate Physiological Effects
Slowed respiration
Drowsiness
Decreased heart rate Pupil constriction
Feeling of well-being Dizziness
Slowed muscle response
Decreased blood pressure
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
Severe drowsiness
Severe respiratory
Confusion
Aggression
Emotional blunting
Hypotension
Memory impairment
Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Decreased heart rate
Fever
Increased irritability
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Addiction, Tolerance, Withdrawal
- Long-term Psychological Effects
Depression, visual disturbances, vertigo,
impaired memory, judgment, anxiety
- Long-term Physiological Effects
Impaired fine motor skills, slurred speech,
chronic fatigue, loss of coordination
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
• Withdrawal
- Severity: Depressant-withdrawal syndrome
resembles stimulant intoxication. Barbiturate
withdrawal is more severe than benzodiazepine
withdrawal, but both are potentially lifethreatening. Seizures, hallucinations, and
delirium tremens are possible serious symptoms
of both barbiturate and benzodiazepine
withdrawal
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
• Withdrawal
- Symptoms:
* Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature, respiration, light and sound
sensitivity
* Auditory and visual hallucinations, seizures,
delerium tremens, muscular weakness,
depression, paranoid delusions, tremors, pupil
dilation, agitation, anxiety, disorientation,
convulsions, sleep disturbances, headache,
nausea
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Prescription Depressants
• Withdrawal
- Timeline: Long-term benzodiazepine or
barbiturate use is associated with acute
withdrawal symptoms that precipitate within 24
hours following the last administered dose.
* For short-acting depressants, major
withdrawal symptoms peak between 2 and 4
days following the last administered dose and
last for about 7 days.
* For long-acting depressants, major
withdrawal symptoms peak between 4 and 7
days following the last dose and last for about 2
weeks.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Dissociative Drugs
Phencyclidine, Ketamine, Dextromethorphan
• Phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine were
originally developed as anesthetics for surgery.
• The most common source of abused
dextromethorphan is extra-strength cough syrup.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Dissociative Drugs
• Common Street Names
Ketamine: cat Valiums, K, Special K, vitamin K
PCP: angel dust, boat, hog, love boat, peace pill
• Administered
injected, snorted, smoke, swallowed
• Mechanism of Action
- Disrupts the activity of the chemical glutamate,
which plays a large role in learning, memory,
emotion, and pain perception.
- PCP also affects dopamine activity
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Dissociative Drugs
• Immediate Physiological Effects
Increased blood pressure
Rapid/Shallow breathing
Random muscle contractions
Increased body temperature
Decreased sense of pain
Increased heart rate
Blurred vision
Dizziness
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Dissociative Drugs
• Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication
Uncoordinated movements Euphoria
Sensory detachment
Hallucinations
Feeling of Vulnerabiltiy
Panic
Hyperthermia
Dizziness
Suicidal thoughts
Disorientation
Feeling of increased strength
Aggression
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Dissociative Drugs
• Consequences of Long-term Use
- Addiction, Tolerance, Withdrawal
- Long-term Physiological Effects
memory loss, numbness, and depression
which can persist for up to a year after
drug use stops.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Dissociative Drugs
• Withdrawal
- Severity: While dissociative drug-related
withdrawal is not considered life-threatening,
medical attention may be necessary because of
precipitating psychiatric disturbances.
- Symptoms:
Hyperactivity
Agitation
Increased pain threshold Hyperflexia
Increased heart rate
Delusions
Violent behavior
Depression
Increased blood pressure Memory loss
Visual/Auditory hallucinations
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Dissociative Drugs
• Withdrawal
- Timeline
The peak severity of dissociative drugrelated withdrawal can occur from days to
weeks following the last administered
dose. Withdrawal symptoms can persist
for months.
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Family-related Consequences of
Parental Substance Abuse
• Parental Effects
- Decreased parental monitoring
- Poor problem-solving ability
- Increased incidence of aggression
- Less emotional sensitivity
- Lower positive engagement with the child
- Antisocial behavior including child avoidance
- Poor intellectual stimulation of the child
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Family-related Consequences of
Parental Substance Abuse
• Parental Effects
- Negative parent/child relationship
- Increased parental stress
- Poor and inconsistent family management
- Increased incidence of child neglect than
abuse
- Ineffective socialization and discipline
- Negative parent/child relationship
- Increased incidence of child abandonment
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Family-related Consequences of
Parental Substance Abuse
• Effect on the Family
- Poor family functioning
- Increased levels of conflict
- Poor communication
- Increased incidence of domestic violence
- Unpredictable home life
- Poor organization, including cleaning,
timeliness, planning
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Family-related Consequences of
Parental Substance Abuse
• Effect on the Child
- Increased incidence of physical,
sexual, and verbal abuse
- Increased risk of neglect
- Increased risk of early drug and alcohol
abuse
- Increased incidence of disruptive
behavior problems
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Family-related Consequences of
Parental Substance Abuse
• Effect on the Child
- Increased incidence of emotional
disorders including chemical
dependence, eating disorders, anxiety,
depression, aggression, suicidal
behavior, phobias, low self-esteem
- Increased incidence of physical
problems including asthma,
hypertension, headaches, and allergies
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Family-related Consequences of
Parental Substance Abuse
• Effect on the Child
- Increased incidence of impaired
cognitive and verbal skills
- Increased incidence of learning
disabilities
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group
Conclusion
Thank you all for coming!
© 2005-2006 CDHS/Research Foundation of
SUNY/BSC College Relations Group