Assessment of disorders after chronic psychoactive drug abuse in patients hospitalized in detoxification units
Chrostek Maj, J.; Kroch, Sław.; Kamenczak, A.; Polewka, A.; Szerszeń-Motyka, J.
Przeglad Lekarski 61(4): 317-319
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2240 PMID: 15521592 Document Number: 583010
The aim of this study was the assessment of disorders after chronic intake of psychoactive drugs, like marijuana, amphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine and opiates. In 2002 in the Department of Clinical Toxicology detoxification unit were treated 117 chronic drug abusers. The 76 of them use the opiates predominantly, the next 41 persons (35 men, 6 women), were heavy abusers of psychostimulant drugs. In opiate abusers typical withdrawal signs and symptoms were observed. In the group of psychostimulants users, the mean time of marijuana use was 6 years, amphetamine--5 years. The cocaine was used rarely. Among 25 persons (61%) from these group the withdrawal syndrome were established. The excitation of neurovegetative system, depression, or psychomotor effects were observed. We concluded the necessity of estimation of neurobiological changes after using of psychostimulants and that more controlled research might uncover a clinically diagnosable withdrawal syndrome in human psychostimulants users.