Drug Abuse Essay, Research Paper
DRUG ABUSE
Psychology I
2-20-00
Drug Abuse
Drug use is generally defined as the use of a drug with such frequency that the user has physical or mental harm or it impairs social abilities. The substances that are discussed in this report consist of hallucinogens, opiates, stimulants, and depressants. These drugs affect moods, emotions, feelings and thinking processes, or they can alter the workings of the mind.
A person dependant on drugs usually carries three basic characteristics that are indicators. First, the user continues to use the drug for an extended period of time. Difficulties in stopping usage is the second characteristic which may lead to one or more of the following results: dropping out of school, trouble with the law, jail, losing a job, and family problems. Mental distress and/or physical pain due to withdrawal are the final characteristics of a drug dependent.
Why would people continue to be dependent on and use drugs even though
consequences are so severe? Most of the time, drug abusers either are unable to see the penalties or reduce the severity of them in their mind. Their mind and body craves the feeling of them. Let?s take a look at the brain and it?s functions. Inside of the brain, natural chemicals are produced called endorphins. These chemicals make a person feel pleasure and take away pain either during sexual orgasm, physical exercise or spiritual uplifting. Drug abuse is way of imitating these naturally occurring chemicals in the brain. Drug abusers find the sense of pleasure is quite easy to obtain through drug usage. When drugs are repeatedly used to simulate endorphins, the body cuts down on the production of them. This causes the drug user to continue to abuse. Endorphin release is also why some people can become compulsive in exercising or even become an extreme sex enthusiast.
Let me first talk about the drug classification called hallucinogens. This classification of drugs includes LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, and marijuana. These drugs can either be man made or grown naturally. Moreover they can be taken orally, injected, or eaten. Hallucinogens produce radical changes in the mental state, involving distortions of reality and acute hallucinations. These drugs affect all the way person experiences their sense of taste, smell, hearing, touch, and vision. Anxiety, tremors, and panic are all some of the few immediate effects of hallucinogenic drugs.
Lysergic Acid Diathylamide (LSD) was first made in 1938 by a chemist in Switzerland named Albert Hoffman whom first tested it on animals. No psychedelic disturbances were noticed so it was shelved until 1943 when he accidentally ingested the LSD. Hoffman described: ?I was seized by a peculiar cessation of vertigo and restlessness. Objects, as well as the shape of my associates in the laboratory, appeared to undergo optical changes. With my eyes closed, fantastic pictures of extraordinary plasticity and
intensive color seemed to surge toward me.? After testing it under a controlled substance, he later noted that it brought forth fear and disorganization. His sense of time had disappeared and he thought that he had died. (Julien, 179)
Expansion of the mind has been a remote reason for the use of LSD. Many artists, actors, and film producers believed their works have been helped due to the psychedelic experiences while using LSD. In the 1960?s many music entertainers would not perform unless under the influence of LSD. In a study of four artists that were given LSD, they concluded that the lines and colors were less controlled and more free, and the drawings seemed to be more imaginative and to have greater esthetic value (Barber, 53). Although creativity may be enhanced, problem solving deteriorates significantly.
LSD is made into the form of a liquid and can be onto almost anything. Usually it is ingested by a tiny piece of paper or sugar cube. This drug is so strong that several doses could be put on the head of a pin. Direct death by LSD overdose has not been reported but fatal accidents and suicides are known to occur during intoxication. A single dose can range from five to ten dollars. The effects can last from seven to twelve hours. If you compare prices of any other drugs against the length of intoxication, LSD is the ?best bargain?.
Another hallucinogenic that can be comparable to LSD is mescaline. Another word for mescaline is peyote. Peyote is a plant that is commonly seen in the western United States and Mexico. This spineless cactus forms a crown or ?button? on it, which is dried out to form a brown disc. The only ways to obtain the psychedelic effects are for it to be ingested orally. In some Native American churches in the north, the government has permitted limited use for religious purposes. The effective single dose of mescaline persist for approximately twelve hours and usually takes thirty to ninety minutes for it to take effect after being eaten.
Members of the Native American Church regard peyote as sacramental, much as members of other churches regard bread and wine as sacramental. One must conclude that the use of peyote for religious purposes is not considered abuse. Indeed peyote is seldom abused by members of the Native American Church, and the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that no federal control will interfere with the freedom of religion, a ruling that allows the church to continue to use mescaline in religious services.
Psilocybin is yet another drug similar to the effects of LSD and mescaline. It and it?s closely related compound, psilocin, are twp psychedelic agents found in at least 15 species of mushrooms. Being 200 times less potent than LSD, these mushrooms can be eaten five to forty at a time depending on the type. Many poisonous mushrooms are easily mistaken for psychedelic mushrooms. The distortion of time and space when intoxicated
by the psychedelic mushroom is comparable to LSD. The duration of action is only two to four hours compared to ten to twelve while on LSD.
Marijuana is also another drug classified as a hallucinogen. It, being a weed, can be grown almost anywhere in the world. Although tolerance and withdrawal are mainly components in hallucinogens, marijuana has none. Although no withdrawal symptoms may occur, there are many adverse effects. Apathy, dullness, lethargy, and impaired judgment are all components seen in marijuana users. Marijuana increases the heart rate weakening the contractions and limiting oxygen to it Effects on sperm formation, menstrual cycles, and other reproduction functions have been reported, but their significance is not yet clearly identified (Leavitt, 143).
Moving on to another classification of drugs are the opiates. Opiates are referred to as narcotic analgesics, or strongly addictive analgesics. ?The term opiate refers to any natural or synthetic drug that exerts actions upon the body similar those induced by morphine and codeine, the major pain-relieving agent obtained from the opium poppy. Medical use of opiates is for the relief of pain, treatment of diarrhea, and the relief of coughing. Because physiological and psychological dependence, many drugs like morphine have been synthesized in attempts to duplicate it?s usefulness and avoid the addictive qualities (Julien, 121).?
Psychological effects of codeine and morphine are a feeling of euphoria, and well being. Because of these sensations which are pleasurable, opiates are seriously addictive and easily subject to abuse. (Abel, 193) Usually when doctors prescribe medicine to a patient such as codeine or morphine, it comes in the from of a pill. When used on the streets, it may come in various forms that can either be smoked, inhaled through the nose, or shot directly into a vain. Many abusers of the drug prefer direct injection because of how quick the drug takes effect.
Alcohol, being a legal depressant should not be overlooked considering it is in fact a drug. Many people have abused this drug for years leading to not being able to perform their normal daily functions that they could get done before. Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are severe including trembling, seizures, hallucinations, delirium, and even death. ?Alcoholics tend to engage in other life-impairing behaviors such as smoking (Leavitt, 139).? The only beneficial effect of alcohol seen today is when emotional factors inhibit or cause excessive eating, alcohol can normalize appetite.
The psychological effects of alcohol are just as severe as many illegal drugs. A person can either be relaxed and euphoric in one scene, and in another they might be violent and withdrawn. Mental set and setting become progressively less important with increasing doses since sedation dominates and behavioral activity decreases. With the
dependency of alcohol and lack of vitamins and proper nutritional needs leading to vitamin deficiency and nutritional diseases.
Many, if not all, of the drugs I have described above have been known to be abused. Due to the large amount of abusers, significant amounts of rehabilitation programs have been established. For example Alcohol Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and various inpatient and outpatient programs in hospitals have been reputable. The problem of distinguishing drug abuse from religious and moderate use is difficult because most of the time it is up to the individual to assess their relationship with the drug/drugs. Then their is the problem of what is legal and what is illegal and what that means in the process of it all. Education for the future seems to be the only effective way of prevention avoiding the pain that can come with experience.
Works Cited
Abel, Ernest. Drugs and Behavior. Wiley-Interscience Publication: New York, NY 1974.
Barber, Theodore. LSD, Marijuana, Yoga, and Hypnosis. Aldine Publishing Company: Chicago, Illinois, 1970.
Julien, Robert M.D. A Primer of Drug Interaction. W.H. Freeman and Company: New York, NY, 1988.
Leavitt, Fred. Drugs and Behavior. Sage Publications Inc.: Thousand Oaks, California, 1995.
Другие работы по теме:
Cocaine Essay Research Paper Cocaine
Cocaine Essay, Research Paper Cocaine The potent drug cocaine was first prescribed as an anesthetic and a painkiller by doctors who believed that it was a safe substitute for morphine.
Welfare Reform Essay Research Paper One hotly
Welfare Reform Essay, Research Paper One hotly contested aspect of the recent welfare debate is the unsubstantiated characterization of welfare recipients as having alcohol and drug problems, according to authors of a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. In their study, the authors present the most recent national estimates of alcohol and drug use, abuse and dependence among recipients in five social service programs.
Act For The Drug Essay Research Paper
Harrison Act (1914) – 1st fed law to regulate to faree distribution of opium or drugs Opium Poppy Act (1942) – Prohibits growing opium Except for the license
Drug Epidemic Essay Research Paper I read
Drug Epidemic Essay, Research Paper I read this question and immediately one answer came to mind, yes we are in the midst of a drug epidemic. Drugs seem to be a huge problem to this present date. You can walk down any side street in New York City and buy pot or several other drugs. I would call that an epidemic. Everywhere you look you see the issue of drugs being brought up, and the topic of legalizing certain drugs.
Youth And Adulthood Essay Research Paper A
Youth And Adulthood Essay, Research Paper A strong relationship has been established between negative events and circumstances during childhood and the development of drug use and drug-related problems in adolescence and young adulthood. Individuals who report parental strife or separation as a child, physical and sexual abuse, parental drug abuse and depression, frequent family geographic relocation, and failure in school, also tend to report a high rate of experimentation with drugs, abusive consumption, and a range of psychological problems associated with heavy drug use.
Ritalin Essay Research Paper Ritalin is a
Ritalin Essay, Research Paper Ritalin is a drug used to quell HYPERCATIVE children and perk up the inattentive. Six times as much ritalin was used in 1995 than in 1990
Drugs Essay Research Paper For several decades
Drugs Essay, Research Paper For several decades drugs have been one of the major problems of society. Not only has the drug problem increased but also drug related problems are on the rise. Some people are born addicts, while others become users. The result of drug abuse is thousands of addicts in denial. One controversial solution to the drug problem is the proposal of legalizing drugs.
Regional Drug Taskforce Essay Research Paper Northeast
Regional Drug Taskforce Essay, Research Paper Northeast Texas Regional Drug Taskforce has increased activity 60 percent last year. The additional drug busts were not easy as the area’s most widely manufactured drug – a cheap form of methamphetamine called “crank” – is now produced literally on the road in automobiles.
The Drug War Essay Research Paper Everyday
The Drug War Essay, Research Paper Everyday someone is thrown in state prison for anywhere from 3 years to life for the “illegal” use of the drug known as marijuana. It has come down to it that thousands of pounds of marijuana are smuggled over the border of Mexico and into the United States. Regardless of the fight or struggle of people to insure the so said safety of our younger generations from the use of these drugs more and more comes into the Unites States.
Heinz And The Chemist Essay Research Paper
Heinz and the Chemist This essay will prove why Heinz had the right to take the drug from the chemist to save his wife’s life. There are many points that are morally right and humanly right. Not only does Heinz save a life but also teaches the chemist that he can not put a price on life.
Teens And Drugs Essay Research Paper American
Teens And Drugs Essay, Research Paper American adolescences are exposed to many different drugs. Some drugs are more popular among teens than others. Teenagers abuse drugs to escape the reality of everyday life. Drug abuse will destroy America if it continues to rise. Teens and society are facing the devastating effects of these drugs.
Weed Essay Research Paper The Marijuana Reform
Weed Essay, Research Paper The Marijuana Reform Party believes: That adults who choose to use marijuana in the privacy of their own homes should not be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.
Drug Abuse Essay Research Paper Drug Abuse 2
Drug Abuse Essay, Research Paper Drug Abuse: Cracking Down On Those Who Use An estimated 14.8 million Americans were current users of illegal drugs in 1999, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.(?Highlights?) Drugs have been a problem in America for many years. There have been many proposals on how to reduce the problem, none of which have had much success.
Abuse Of Drugs Essay Research Paper Drug
Abuse Of Drugs Essay, Research Paper Drug AbusePeople Abused vs. Drugs Abused Drug abuse most often refers to the use of drugs with such frequency that it causes physical or mental harm to the user and impairs social functioning, according to the definition stated in “Software Toolworks Encyclopedia”. This term also refers to the use of a drug prohibited by the law, regardless of whether it was actually harmful or not.
The Banning Of
“E For Ecstasy” By Nicholas Saunders Essay, Research Paper The Banning of “E for Ecstasy” by Nicholas Saunders The book entitled E for Ecstasy, by Nicholas Saunders, is a book of
Drug Abuse Essay Research Paper Addiction to
Drug Abuse Essay, Research Paper Addiction to drugs is a very serious problem. This can be defined as the continued involvement with a substance or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. These behaviors usually provide a sense of pleasure in the beginning. These pleasures can only be achieved through drug use and other harmful acts.
Drugs And AIDS Essay Research Paper Hopkins
Drugs And AIDS Essay, Research Paper Hopkins University. In the U.S gay men still make up the primary risk group,although 750,000 to 1 milliondrug addicts are believed to be at risk to AIDS nationally. The problem here is thesharing of needles, which is causing the spread of AIDS. IV drug abusers arekilling our nation at an amazingly fast speed.
Alcoholism Essay Research Paper AlcoholismAlcoholismAn overwhelming desire
Alcoholism Essay, Research Paper Alcoholism Alcoholism-An overwhelming desire to drink alcohol, even though it is causing harm. Alcohol is a drug. In the United States alcoholism is the most widespread form of drug abuse, effecting at least 5 million people. About one third of high school students in the US are though to be problem drinkers.
An Unbalanced Equation Essay Research Paper An
An Unbalanced Equation Essay, Research Paper An Unbalanced Equation I think the number one cause of youth association of drugs is the un-involvement of the parents. All major causes of youth drug abuse can be prevented if the parents had more impact and/or were more involved in their children?s lives. Here are my personal, significant reasons of youth drug abuse:
LSD Essay Research Paper LSD is a
LSD Essay, Research Paper LSD is a hallucinogen. In fact, it is the most potent hallucinogen known to man. LSD is 100 times more potent than psilocybin or psylicin and is 4000 times more potent than mescaline. It was synthesized in 1938 by a chemist who worked in Switzerland. There were no benefits for this drug that were found, so its study was discontinued.
Drug Legalization Essay Research Paper 42797EthicsEssayDrugs Should
Drug Legalization Essay, Research Paper 4/27/97 Ethics Essay Drugs Should NOT Be Legalized I remember when I was in High School over fifteen students got suspended or arrested for drug related incidents. Students were charged with possession, selling, or caught using drugs. Many students often used to show up to class high waiting to get caught.
Drug Use Essay Research Paper Drug use
Drug Use Essay, Research Paper Drug use is part of life in the United States. Some people use drugs for medical purposes and some use them to escape from reality or as a way to
Drug Dependence Essay Research Paper Drug Dependence
Drug Dependence Essay, Research Paper Drug Dependence In order for a chemical to be considered a drug it must have the capacity to affect how the body works–to be biologically active. No substance that has the
Drug Abuse Essay Research Paper Drug AbuseDrug
Drug Abuse Essay, Research Paper Drug Abuse Drug abuse affects many people all through the world. Drug use among Americans has risen to very high levels since the 1970’s. Drugs can be very dangerous if used in the wrong way. The purpose of this research report is to discuss the use and abuse of drugs. It also discuss’ the prevention programs against drugs.
Drug Abuse Essay Research Paper Swinsick 1DRUG
Drug Abuse Essay, Research Paper Swinsick 1 DRUG ABUSE The term drug abuse is most often referred to as the use of a drug that causes physical or mental harm to the user or impairs the bodies functions (Drug Abuse 279). The information in this paper will help inform the reader on the sale, effects, and types of illegal drugs.
Theories On Drug Legalization Essay Research Paper
Theories of Drug Legalization If Drugs were legal they would be easily accessable and legal, Goverment would receive revenue, It deters crime of people obtaining drugs, and gives better emotional state of americans. The other side of this is the highly possible death by overdose, psychological problems because of drug abuse, anarchy over the alleged govermental control over drugs increase the number of drug addicts, lead to more children using drugs,increase the number of hard-core addicts, increase drug-related problems and costs, and increase crime There is another argument of Prohibition, and the war on drugs in theory isn’t valid, because like in 1919 , when alcohol was outlawed, all that prove to do was defeat the purpose of prohibition by glamorizing Drugs and Alcohol through the black market because people need Drugs and Alcohol, and that’s reality.
Should Drugs Be Legalized My View Essay
, Research Paper Should Drugs Be Legalized; My View It seems as if the cry of “legalize drugs!” is heard everywhere. Some argue that legalizing drugs is the way to “win” the drug war. Drug enforcement does place a burden on us. Economic resources are used up that could be used elsewhere. But the consequences of legalizing drugs would make an already large problem out of control.
How To Pass A Drug Test Essay
, Research Paper How To Pass A Drug Test. To pass a drug test it is very important to estalish the length of time which the metabolties will be in your body. If you can establish this and then cease
Legalizing Hard Drugs Essay Research Paper Legalizing
Legalizing Hard Drugs Essay, Research Paper Legalizing Hard Drugs I believe that the State and Federal governments should legalize hard drugs. The legalization of hard drugs will benefit many people for many reasons. First of all, there will no longer be a black market for illegal drugs, which will minimize the nation s crime scene significantly.
Be Healthy And Drug Free Essay Research
Paper Be Healthy and Drug Free To be healthy and drug free means much more than it sounds. It means turning down peer pressure, not using drugs, and not feeling the need to use
That Drugs Should Be Legalized Essay Research
Paper Explanation of Views That drugs should be legalized. There are great numbers of people in Australia who believe that legalizing hard-drugs, such as heroin, speed, cocaine etc, would improve the drug problem. This may be a true statement, however such legalization is yet to be proven, and can cause some severe consequences, which outweigh the possible benefits.