Drugs By Tim Elberse For Dr Con
Drugs Bytim Elberse For Dr Con
Drugs have been taking a toll on the country for a long time, both positively and negatively, playing important roles in society. The term drug can be defined as substances that change the way a body or mind works (Dictionary). While drugs can be harmful to health, causing side effects and damaging vital organs such as the brain and heart, they also serve crucial medical purposes. They are used to find cures, prevent, diagnose diseases, and enhance physical or mental well-being (Merriam-Webster).
There are three primary types of drugs: depressants, hallucinogens, and stimulants. These categories influence how individuals think, feel, and behave. Depressants slow down the central nervous system, affecting concentration and coordination by reducing message transmission to and from the brain, which hampers quick responses. They often produce relaxation and decreased inhibitions; however, in large doses, these substances can cause vomiting, unconsciousness, and death.
Examples of depressants include alcohol, cannabis, GHB, opiates, and heroin. Hallucinogens distort perception and sensory experiences, leading users to see or hear things that are not present or to perceive reality in a distorted manner. Other effects encompass emotional euphoria, panic, paranoia, nausea, and gastric upset. Common hallucinogens include ketamine, LSD, PCP, psilocybin mushrooms, and cannabis.
Stimulants function by accelerating the central nervous system, increasing alertness and confidence. They speed up communication between the brain and body, resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, diminished appetite, agitation, and insomnia. In high doses, stimulants can provoke anxiety, paranoia, stomach cramps, and panic. Examples include caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine.
The methods of drug consumption vary and include inhalation, oral ingestion, injections, topical application, and smoking. The impact of drugs on the human body varies individually and based on the specific substance. Each category of drugs carries both potential benefits and risks, influencing health and societal dynamics in complex ways.
Harmful effects of drug use extend into legal and health realms. Many drugs are illegal in various regions, and their possession or use can lead to legal issues such as fines, imprisonment, and loss of driving privileges, complicating future employment prospects (Nova Recovery Center). Physical health consequences are widespread; substances can elevate heart rates, trigger heart attacks, and cause infections from injections, including vein infections and endocarditis (World Health Organization).
Financial problems are common among addicts, as the pursuit of drugs often leads to significant monetary expenditure, sometimes resulting in bankruptcy, especially when responsible for families. Addiction can be financially devastating, draining resources and disrupting economic stability.
Conversely, drugs also have vital medical applications. They are used to treat life-threatening conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and cancer. Medicines derived from plants like cannabis are notable; cannabinoids like THC and CBD have therapeutic effects, including nausea reduction during chemotherapy, pain relief, and muscle spasm mitigation associated with cancer (National Cancer Institute).
For example, medical cannabis has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of various diseases. Cannabinoids help patients manage nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, and some studies suggest potential neuroprotective effects (Galjat et al., 2020). This exemplifies how certain drug compounds can be life-saving and enhance quality of life, highlighting the importance of appropriate medicinal use of drugs.
Despite the negatives, the positive potential of drugs in medicine underscores the need for responsible use and regulation. Society should promote awareness on how drugs are used, balancing their benefits against possible adverse effects. Proper education and medical oversight are essential to maximize benefits and minimize harm.
References
- Galjat, A., et al. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in neurodegenerative diseases. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 592. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00592
- Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Drug. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/drug
- Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Drug. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drug
- Nova Recovery Center. (n.d.). Positive and Negative Consequences of Continued Drug Use. Retrieved from https://novarecoverycenter.com/treatment-programs/behavioral-therapies/consequences-drug-use/
- World Health Organization. (2019). Substance use and health. WHO Fact Sheets. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/substance-use
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq
- Hall, W., & Weier, M. (2015). Assessing the public health impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis use in the United States. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 97(6), 607-615.
- Northrop, H., & Johnson, B. (2019). Prescription drugs: balancing risks and benefits. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 76(11), 812-818.
- Rehm, J., et al. (2017). The health impact of alcohol and other drugs in the Americas. Lancet Global Health, 5(8), e787-e788.
- Leppert, W., et al. (2016). Pharmacological management of pain in patients with cancer. Pharmacological Reports, 68(4), 736-744.