You may know psychotropics as one type of drug that is dangerous because it can cause addiction if misused. On the other hand, in the medical world, psychotropic substances are often used to treat various health conditions or problems.
Psychotropics are chemicals or drugs that can change brain function and change a person's perception, mood, awareness, thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
In the medical field, several types of psychotropic drugs are used for the treatment of certain mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, sleep disorders, and schizophrenia.
But, unfortunately, these drugs can also be abused. Substances that are psychotropic are not only found in drugs, but also certain herbal medicines. If not used as indicated, drugs or psychotropic substances can cause dangerous addiction effects and even death.
Because of the effects that can cause addiction (addiction), psychotropic substances may only be used for medical purposes based on a doctor's prescription.
Various Classes of Psychotropic Drugs
In Indonesia, psychotropic drugs are divided into 4 groups, namely:
Group I
Class I psychotropic substances and drugs are psychotropic substances with very strong addictive or opiate effects. Examples of class I psychotropics are MDMA/ecstasy, LSD, and psilocin.
This type of psychotropic is prohibited from being used for therapy and only for the purpose of developing or researching medical science.
Group II
Class II psychotropics also have a strong opiate effect, but can be used for research and treatment purposes (under doctor's supervision). Examples of class II psychotropic drugs are amphetamines, dexamfetamine, ritalin, and methylphenidate.
Group III
Class III psychotropics are psychotropics that have moderate addictive effects and can be used for research and treatment. Examples of class III psychotropic drugs are codeine, flunitrazepam, pentobarbital, buprenorphine, pentazosin, and glutetimide.
Group IV
Class IV psychotropics have addictive or mild opiate effects and may be used for treatment. Examples of this class of psychotropic drugs are diazepam, nitrazepam, estazolam, and clobazam.
The effects of addiction arising from the use of psychotropic drugs can vary, ranging from mild to causing dependence. Therefore, the Indonesian government through Law No. 35 of 2009 prohibits the use of psychotropic drugs without a doctor's prescription.
Medical Benefits of Psychotropics
Medically and legally, psychotropic drugs should only be used according to the prescription and supervision of a specialist. These drugs are usually used to treat certain conditions or diseases, such as:
- Mental or psychological disorders
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease
- Sleep disorders, eg insomnia or narcolepsy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
In addition, psychotropic drugs are also often used as anesthetics or anesthetics to prevent and treat severe pain due to certain medical procedures, such as surgery.
The Impact of Psychotropic Abuse
Although it is legally prohibited, the use of psychotropic drugs illegally or without clear medical indications is still quite common. Some types of psychotropic drugs that are quite often abused are crystal meth or methamphetamine, ecstasy or amphetamines, musroom, LSD, marijuana and putau.
If misused, psychotropic drugs can actually cause dangerous side effects, for example:
- Impaired brain and heart function
- Heavy drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Nausea and vomiting
- Kidney and liver damage
- Overdose
- Infections due to the use of dirty needles, such as HIV and hepatitis
Psychotropic drugs can also make a person more at risk for various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Abusing psychotropic drugs is not only harmful to the health of the body, but can also lead to criminal sanctions. People who are proven to use, distribute, or produce psychotropic drugs illegally can be subject to sanctions and penalties in accordance with Indonesian legislation.
Therefore, anyone is advised to avoid using psychotropic drugs without a clear medical purpose so as not to get addicted or other side effects and not to deal legally with the authorities.
If it has caused dependence, psychotropic users must undergo rehabilitation organized by the government. In the rehabilitation program, users of psychotropic drugs will undergo treatment and guidance from a team of doctors and therapists so that their addiction can be overcome.