21 DRUG DEPENDENCE

sperm count. Other complications that can arise from chronic cannabis use include braindamage and the amotivational syndrome characterized by chronic apathy.TreatmentThere is no specific treatment for cannabis abuse. The issue of whethermarijuana is dangerous is fraught with lots of controversy. This is because of thelegalization and decriminalization of the drug in some societies. There is no physicaldependence but evidence point towards psychological dependence. Marijuana is anaddictive drug and its effect includes tolerance leading to dependence. For a long time ithas been considered a classic “gateway drug.”Methamphetamine Hydrochloride commonly known as “Ice” crystal or glass.This substance is a particularly insidious and dangerous form of amphetamine. Ithas more potent effect on the CNS than amphetamine, thus being more popular for drugabusers. Ice is usually smoked, in similarly fashion to heroin. It rapidly enters thebloodstream. Large doses are eliminated in the urine for up to 72 hours after ingestion.It has also a usually long duration of action up to 12 hours.It is profoundly addictive. Symptoms of abuse include social deterioration,paranoia, schizophrenia, and a tendency towards unpredictable violent behaviour. Theuser could develop irrational delusions. If used continuously, it causes insomnia,depleted energy and nutritional deficiencies. Withdrawal symptoms include depressionand fatigue lasting up to 48 hours. Depression can be so severe that suicidal tendenciesemerge. Chronic ingestion leads to restlessness, tremors, palpitations, cardiacarrhythmias, hypertension and circulatory collapse.Treatment involves the use of anti-psychotics and anticonvulsants (prophylaxisagainst seizures). The patient should be kept isolated in a dark, cool and quiet room.Those profoundly addicted to the drugs eventually experience convulsion, coma anddeath.Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)This is a designer drug also known as Ecstasy or Snow White or Playboy. Itexerts its effect by heightening awareness of one’s emotions and sensoryexperiences ….. similar to marijuana. Its effects include increased heart rate, dry mouthand sweating (increase in autonomic activity). Peak effect occurs two hours afteringestion and most of the drug is eliminated in the urine unchanged.Concern for the drug stemmed from the fact that a dose four times that of anormal dose can cause irreversible neurological damage, by its effect on brain serotinin,reducing its level and damaging serotonin neurons. Its potential toxicity should thereforenot be minimized.4