Marijuana and Cannabis & Other Related Compounds
Cannabis sativa contains more than 400 compounds in addition to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Marijuana and Cannabis. Marijuana cigarettes are prepared from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant, and a typical marijuana cigarette contains 0.5 to 1 g of plant material. Hashish is prepared from concentrated resin of Cannabis sativa and contains a THC concentration of 8 and 12% percent by weight. Hash oil," a fat soluble plant extract, may contain a THC concentration of 25 to 60% and may be added to marijuana or hashish to increase potency. Smoking is the most common form of marijuana or hashish use. During smoking more than 150 compounds in addition to THC are released in the smoke.
Categories: Addiction Tags: Hash oil, LSD, Withdrawal symptoms
Treatment of Opioid (opium) Abuse
Withdrawal symptoms are generally opposite to that of acute drug intoxication like nausea, vomiting, coughing, sweating, salivation, tearing, running nose, twitching of muscles, fever, increase in respiratory rate and increase in blood pressure. There is intense craving for the drug, with sleeplessness and yawning. With shorter acting drugs like morphine and heroin, the withdrawal symptoms generally develop within 8 to 16 hours of taking the last dose. Symptoms become severe in 2 to 3 days and disappear in 5 to 8 days. But some of the symptoms may persist for more than 6 months and probably contribute to relapse.
Treatment of withdrawal symptoms: A thorough physical examination including assessment neurological function is done. Look for systemic or local infection and abscess. Blood should be tested for hepatitis B and HIV. Before starting treatment, proper nutrition should be provided with vitamins and mineral supplementation.
Categories: Addiction, Health Information Tags: modalities of treatment, opium withdrawal in infants, Withdrawal symptoms
