“ Drug Abuse & Mental Health ”

1. “Drug Abuse & Mental Health” LAW Yiu Kwun Advanced Practice Nurse (Psy.) Substance Abuse Clinic, Kowloon Hospital, H. K.

2. “Drug Abuse & Mental Health” According to the 58th Report (1999-2008) of “Central Registry of Drug Abuse” (CRDA), Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, Hong Kong S.A.R. Reported Drug Abusers (DA): 2007 : 13 591 2008 : 14 175 (↑4.3%)

4. “Drug Abuse & Mental Health” • Rising trend for young DA (＜21’) • 2008 : 3 430 • An increase of 51% in 3 years • Total number of reported DA only ↑0.4% An worrying rising trend!

6. “Drug Abuse & Mental Health” 2008 : Heroin Abusers : 7 243 Psychotropic substance Abusers : 8 306

8. “Drug Abuse & Mental Health” Major Types of Psychotropic Substances: Ketamine Methylamphetamine (Ice) Triazolam/Midazolam/Zopiclone Ecstasy Cannabis Cocaine Cough Mixture

10. “Drug Abuse & Mental Health” Ketamine 氯胺酮 K 仔

11. Ketamine 分離式麻醉藥 (Dissociative anesthetic)

12. Ketamine Immediate effect • Blurred vision • Impaired motor coordination • Slurred speech • ‘near death’ experience • Urology, cardio, pulmonary problem • Impaired long-term memory and cognitive functioning

13. Psychological effects • Euphoria and relaxation • Feeling of dissociation • Hallucinations and distorted sensory • Disorganized thoughts • Anxiety, agitation, paranoia • Panic

14. Methamphetamine(冰毒) • Street names : ice, speed, fast • “psychostimulants” -speed up the messages going to and from the brain to the body

15. Immediate Effects • Speed up bodily functions: -breathing, heart rate, ↑BP, sweating, -enlargement of pupils • Reduced appetite • More energy and alertness: -feel energetic and full of confidence -alert, talkative, restless and excited -difficulty sleeping

16. Psychological effects • “Amphetamine Psychosis” -paranoid delusion -hallucinations : visual, audio, tactile -bizarre aggressive or violent behaviour

17. Triazolam/Midazolam/Zopiclone (三唑侖/咪達唑侖/佐匹克隆) 白瓜子, 藍精靈 Sedative Hypnotics

18. Effect • Muscle weakness • Sexual problem • Menstrual irregularities • Lethargy and lack of motivation • Drowsy and sleepiness • Dependence

19. Psychological effects • Personality change • Anxiety • Irritability • Paranoia • Aggression • Depression

20. Ecstasy Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) • 搖頭丸Fing 頭 E 仔 狂喜

21. 1950 Laboratory use • 1960/70 Happies • 1976 USA Pychologist– “empathy agent” ) • 1980/90 Rave party

22. Immediate Effects • Dilated pupils • Heightened sensation • Jaw clenching, teeth grinding • Increased heart rate / BP/Temp. • Sweating • Poor muscle control

23. Psychological effects • Increased confidence and energy • Loss of inhibition • Feeling of well being • Feeling of closeness to others • Anxiety • Pananoia, agression and psychosis

24. Cannabis(大麻) • A depressant drug -not make you feel depressed -but, slow down the activity of CNS • Major chemical : Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) -psychoactive agent

25. Immediate Effects • ↑ heart rate, ↓BP • Reddened eyes • ↓coordination and balance • Feel relaxed, less inhibited • Affect vision and perception of time and space • Affect memory, confused and disoriented

26. Cocaine(可卡因 Street names : “Coke”, 可樂, “Crack” The most common form is “Cocaine hydrochloride” -a white, crystalline powder with a bitter, numbing taste

27. Immediate Effects • Dilated pupils • ↑Body Temp, heart rate & BP • More awake & no need for sleep • Euphoria, pleasure • ↑libido • Anxiety, paranoia, agitation

28. Long-term effects • Insomnia, exhaustion • Eating disorder • Hypertension and irregular heart beat • Cerebral atrophy • Anxiety, paranoia • Depression • Hallucinations

29. Cough Medicine(咳藥) • Cough Mixture or Cough Syrup (咳藥水) Long term overdose • Dental problem • Respiratory depression • Constipation • Loss of appetite • Dizziness • Depression

30. Thank you!