Chapter 21 Human Health and Diseases Part 2 smoking alcoholism drug addiction
Smoking. Smoking of tobacco dried and cured leaves of plant ‘Nicotiana tobacum’ and N. rustica in the form of cigars, cigarettes, bides etc. is very toxic to the body. Smoke of tobacco contains about 300 compounds. The main compounds are nicotine, CO, HCN, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, certain other stimulating products etc.
Nicotine in the blood stimulates the nervous system, relax the muscles, release adrenalin hormone and increase the rate of heart beats. In pregnant ladies growth of fetus decreases and loss of weight may takes place.
Other Harmful Components of Tobacco Smoke : Besides the nicotine the tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and tar.
Tobacco smoking mutates and inactivates P 53 gene which checks cancer growth.
Alcoholism. Regular consumption of alcohol either in low concentration (beer, wine, etc.) or in high concentration (brandy, whisky, rum, gin, Vodka, etc.) causes dependency on alcohol which is called alcoholism. The person who
has become a habitual drinker is called an alcoholic.
Ethyl alcohol is consumed as fermented beverages with low content of alcohol (beer, wine, toddy) and as distilled beverages with a relatively high alcohol percentage (brandy, rum, whisky, gin, vodka). This alcohol is rapidly absorbed from the wall of stomach and enters the blood stream within minutes of ingestion. In the liver alcohol is converted into a more toxic substance – acetaldehyde.
The organ which is most affected by alcohol, is Liver.
Intoxication begins from the first sip of drink containing alcohol but early signs are not visible. With the increase in its dose the body loses its control. And, gradually, the individual loses his consciousness and in extreme cases death may occur. People who get into the habit of drinking begin with a small dose, but soon many of them become addicted and they start consuming alcohol frequently and in large quantities. When they come to realize that they have become the victims of the hazards of alcohol, then it is too late for them to give up the habit.
Research studies have revealed that the people who resort to drinking offer one or more of the following reasons: (1) Social pressure, (2) Feeling of independence, (3) Liking of the taste, (4) Desire of excitement, (5) Desire to escape from such realities of life as disappointments and failures, and (6) hardships and monotony of everyday life.
When a person drinks alcohol, it passes to the stomach. Some amount of alcohol is also carried to the small intestine. Alcohol is quickly absorbed in the stomach and upper part of small intestine and is transferred to the blood. This blood carries alcohol to the liver. Liver synthesises fat from alcohol. The excess fat reduces the formation of glycogen, enzymes and structural proteins. The liver is an important centre of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. But due to excess of fat in the liver makes the liver only a store house of fat. From the liver alcohol follows the following route through blood. Liver ® heart ® lungs ® heart ® various body parts (tissues). Its oxidation starts so that a some amount of energy is produced which gives false impression of warmth in the skin.
Many people think that alcohol is a stimulant. But alcohol is not a stimulant. Actually alcohol acts as sedative (lessens functional activity), analgesic (relieves pain) and anaesthetic (causes loss of sensation).
Drug Addiction.
Thus addiction can be defined as a physical and mental dependence on any of the above mentioned factors and get temporary relief and feel pleasure.
The common factors are :
The regular use of such drugs causes the drug addiction in human and they become habitual of these drugs.
Drugs such as aspirin and antihistamines when taken with alcohol may have dangerous effects. Including death.
Barbiturates are synthetic drugs derived from barbituric acid and are called sleeping pills.
Opium and its Derivatives : Opium is the extract from the unripe capsules of the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). It has bitter taste. The opium addict loses weight fertility and interest in work. Its derivatives are morphine, codeine and heroin. Opium derivatives immediately reduce respiratory and cardiovascular activity, constricts the pupils of the eye, reduce the visual activity and cause nausea and vomiting. An overdose leads to respiratory arrest and death. If the supply of the drug is not available, the addicts exhibit terrible “with-drawal symptoms” in the form of muscle cramps, running nose, vomiting and epilepsy.
hallucination which ultimately lead to damaged mental functions and insanity. The misuse may also produce severe headache, convulsion or death due to cardiovascular or respiratory failure.
Type of Drug |
Examples |
Effects |
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(1) Sedatives and (depressant) |
tranquillisers |
Benozodiazephines Barbiturates) |
(e.g., |
Valium |
Depress brain activity and produce feelings of calmness, relaxation, drowsiness and deep sleep (high doses). |
(2) Opiate narcotics |
Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Pethidine, Methadone |
Suppresses brain function, relieves intense pain. |
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(3) Stimulants |
Caffeine (very Amphetamines |
mild), |
Cocaine, |
Stimulates the nervous system; makes a person more wakeful, increases alertness and activity, produces excitement. |
|
(4) Hallucinogens |
LSD, Mescalin, psilocybin, Bhang (Hashish), Ganja Charas, Marijuana |
Alters thought, feelings and perceptions cause illusions. |
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Combination |
Effect |
Alcohol + barbiturates |
Dramatically increased depressant effect |
Alcohol + antihistamines |
Marked drowsiness |
Alcohol + Valium |
Rapid increase in sedative effect |
Alcohol + Marijuana or Hashish |
Decreased coordination, increased reaction time, impaired judgement |
Alcohol + Aspirin |
Increased risk of damage to gastric mucosa. |