Drug Abuse Essays -- Drugs Narcotics Research Papers

Drug AbuseDrug Abuse is generally defined as the use of a medicine with such frequencythat the drug user has physical or psychic harm or it impairs social abilities. Thesubstances that atomic number 18 discussed in this report are called psychoactive drugsthose drugs that influence or substitute the workings of the mind, affect moods,emotions, feelings, and thinking processes.Drug Dependence/AddictionThere are three basic characteristics that indicate that the user isdependent on a drug. First, the user continues to use the drug for an extendedperiod of time. Second, the user finds it difficult to stop using the drug. Theymay drop out of school, steal, go to jail, lose their jobs, or leave theirfamilies in order to keep using. Finally, the user has withdrawal symptoms whendrug use is stopped. They may undergo physical pain or mental distress.The drug mimics a natural process in the drumhead called neurotransmission.This is when a brain cell releases a signal to another brain c ell. The signalthen returns to the initiatory brain cell. The signal is called a neurotransmitter.One major neurotransmitter is called dopamine, which is involved in feelings ofpleasure. When the drug is released into the brain, it blocks the dopamine fromreturning to the first brain cell. Repeated use changes the brain cells so thatnormal messages put forwardt be sent between brain cells. The drug must always bepresent in order for neurotransmissions to take place. The user is only able tofeel pleasure from the cocaine rather than the things he/she used to findpleasurable. This is called drug addiction or dependence.Drug ClassificationDrugs are generally categorized into two groups, stimulants anddepressants. Stimulants are drugs that speed up signals done the nervoussystem. They produce alertness, arousal and excitability. They also inhibitfatigue and sleep. They include the amphetamines, such as cocaine, caffeine, andnicotine. Depressants slow down the signals through the nerv ous system. Theyproduce relaxation, lowering of anxiety, drowsiness, and sleep. They includesedatives (such as barbiturates, alcohol, and tranquilizers) and narcotics(heroin, morphine, opium, codeine), which dull the minds perception of pain.Some drugs are not include in the stimulant/depressant categories. Anexample is the hallucinogens, such as PCP and LS... ...nclude nausea, diarrhea, and pain,but they vary between drugs. Cocaine users report depression when denied thedrug. Since heroin is a very addictive drug, it has many withdrawal symptoms.For example, insomnia, muscle cramps, nausea, sweating, chills, panic, tremors,loss of appetite, yawning, runny nose, and watery eyes.Drug TreatmentA drug addict generally goes through denial before he/she acceptshis/her drug addiction. When they are confronted by a family member or friend,they refuse to accept that they are addicted. This is sometimes called a mentalblock. The user isnt ready or able to deal with thier addiction. The time period of denial varies from person to person.When the person has come to accepting their problem, they may go totherapy for treatment. multitude therapy has had excellent results. They encounter tocome to terms with their problem with the support of other people who are goingthrough the same thing that they are. They also learn tools that they can use tohelp them through the recovery period, such as prayer, excercise, and meditation.Drug abuse is a serious problem, but through treatment and therapy, it can beovercome.