Why Would Someone Possibly Use A Drug That Could Cause Them

Why would someone possibly use a drug that could cause them to engage in such vile acts?

The case of Angelo Vidal Mendoza, a 34-year-old man from Bakersfield, California, who allegedly committed horrific acts under the influence of PCP, raises critical questions about the effects of certain drugs on human behavior and decision-making. PCP, or phencyclidine, is a dissociative anesthetic known for its potent psychoactive properties, which can induce hallucinations, distortions of perception, and severe psychotic episodes (Jansen, 2011). Understanding why individuals use such substances despite their dangerous effects involves examining the complex web of psychological, social, and physiological factors that drive drug abuse.

Initially developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s, PCP was later discontinued for human use due to its severe side effects, including hallucinations, agitation, and violent behaviors (Graham et al., 2019). The drug's mechanism involves disrupting normal neurotransmitter activity, particularly affecting glutamate and dopamine pathways, which are crucial for perception, mood regulation, and impulse control (Krystal et al., 2019). When under the influence of PCP, individuals often experience euphoria, hallucinations, or paranoid delusions that can escalate into violent actions. In Mendoza's case, the influence of PCP may have precipitated his violent attack on his son and subsequent self-mutilation.

The reasons behind drug use are multifaceted. Psychological factors such as underlying mental health conditions, trauma, or a desire for escape from reality often motivate individuals to experiment with or become addicted to substances like PCP (McLellan et al., 2019). Social factors, including peer pressure, socioeconomic status, and environmental stressors, also play a significant role. For some, drug abuse may be seen as a way to cope with difficult life circumstances or mental health struggles. Moreover, the intense effects of PCP can temporarily alter a person's perception of reality, leading to unpredictable and often dangerous behaviors (Hofmann et al., 2018).

From a neurobiological perspective, the compulsive nature of drug addiction is linked to the brain's reward system, which reinforces drug-taking behavior through the release of dopamine (Volkow et al., 2019). Once dependence develops, individuals may continue to use harmful substances despite adverse consequences, driven by cravings and altered decision-making processes. This neuroadaptation can impair judgment and impulse control, making it more likely for individuals to engage in reckless or violent acts while intoxicated.

The specific case of Mendoza also underscores the danger of drug-induced psychosis, where individuals lose touch with reality and commit acts they would not ordinarily consider. The hallucinations and paranoid delusions associated with PCP can make users perceive threats or enemies where none exist, leading to violent reactions (Marcus & Haney, 2017). The case demonstrates how drug abuse not only impacts the user but also poses a significant risk to others, especially when involving vulnerable populations such as children.

Preventing such tragedies requires a multifaceted approach: reducing drug availability through policies and law enforcement, increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, and implementing educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Moreover, addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and trauma, can help diminish the underlying factors that contribute to substance abuse (VanderWeele, 2017).

In conclusion, the use of drugs like PCP can lead to severe behavioral disturbances due to their profound neurochemical effects on perception, mood, and impulse control. Understanding the reasons why individuals turn to such substances — including psychological vulnerability, social influences, and neurobiological changes — is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. The tragic case of Angelo Vidal Mendoza illustrates the destructive potential of drug-induced psychosis and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare and social support systems to prevent similar incidents in the future (Kilkenny et al., 2018).

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Angelo Vidal Mendoza, a 34-year-old man from Bakersfield, California, who allegedly committed horrific acts under the influence of PCP, raises critical questions about the effects of certain drugs on human behavior and decision-making. PCP, or phencyclidine, is a dissociative anesthetic known for its potent psychoactive properties, which can induce hallucinations, distortions of perception, and severe psychotic episodes (Jansen, 2011). Understanding why individuals use such substances despite their dangerous effects involves examining the complex web of psychological, social, and physiological factors that drive drug abuse.

Initially developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s, PCP was later discontinued for human use due to its severe side effects, including hallucinations, agitation, and violent behaviors (Graham et al., 2019). The drug's mechanism involves disrupting normal neurotransmitter activity, particularly affecting glutamate and dopamine pathways, which are crucial for perception, mood regulation, and impulse control (Krystal et al., 2019). When under the influence of PCP, individuals often experience euphoria, hallucinations, or paranoid delusions that can escalate into violent actions. In Mendoza's case, the influence of PCP may have precipitated his violent attack on his son and subsequent self-mutilation.

The reasons behind drug use are multifaceted. Psychological factors such as underlying mental health conditions, trauma, or a desire for escape from reality often motivate individuals to experiment with or become addicted to substances like PCP (McLellan et al., 2019). Social factors, including peer pressure, socioeconomic status, and environmental stressors, also play a significant role. For some, drug abuse may be seen as a way to cope with difficult life circumstances or mental health struggles. Moreover, the intense effects of PCP can temporarily alter a person's perception of reality, leading to unpredictable and often dangerous behaviors (Hofmann et al., 2018).

From a neurobiological perspective, the compulsive nature of drug addiction is linked to the brain's reward system, which reinforces drug-taking behavior through the release of dopamine (Volkow et al., 2019). Once dependence develops, individuals may continue to use harmful substances despite adverse consequences, driven by cravings and altered decision-making processes. This neuroadaptation can impair judgment and impulse control, making it more likely for individuals to engage in reckless or violent acts while intoxicated.

The specific case of Mendoza also underscores the danger of drug-induced psychosis, where individuals lose touch with reality and commit acts they would not ordinarily consider. The hallucinations and paranoid delusions associated with PCP can make users perceive threats or enemies where none exist, leading to violent reactions (Marcus & Haney, 2017). The case demonstrates how drug abuse not only impacts the user but also poses a significant risk to others, especially when involving vulnerable populations such as children.

Preventing such tragedies requires a multifaceted approach: reducing drug availability through policies and law enforcement, increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, and implementing educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Moreover, addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and trauma, can help diminish the underlying factors that contribute to substance abuse (VanderWeele, 2017).

In conclusion, the use of drugs like PCP can lead to severe behavioral disturbances due to their profound neurochemical effects on perception, mood, and impulse control. Understanding the reasons why individuals turn to such substances — including psychological vulnerability, social influences, and neurobiological changes — is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. The tragic case of Angelo Vidal Mendoza illustrates the destructive potential of drug-induced psychosis and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare and social support systems to prevent similar incidents in the future (Kilkenny et al., 2018).

References

• Graham, D. J., et al. (2019). Pharmacology and toxicology of PCP. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 51(4), 312-319.
• Hofmann, A., et al. (2018). Hallucinogenic drugs and psychosis: A review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 88, 202-210.
• Jansen, K. L. (2011). Pharmacology and toxicology of PCP. In H. A. Roth (Ed.), Drugs of Abuse (pp. 85-97). Academic Press.
• Krystal, J. H., et al. (2019). NMDA receptor antagonists and psychosis. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 40(1), 17-28.
• Marcus, S. C., & Haney, M. (2017). Understanding the psychosis-inducing effects of PCP. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(8), 52.
• McLellan, A. T., et al. (2019). Substance use disorder treatment and recovery. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(22), 2212-2222.
• VanderWeele, T. J. (2017). Social determinants of health and preventive interventions. Annual Review of Public Health, 38, 215-231.
• Volkow, N. D., et al. (2019). The neuroscience of addiction. American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(1), 3-11.
• Graham, K. M., et al. (2019). Effects of PCP on behavior and neural circuits. Neuropharmacology, 153, 241-254.
• Kilkenny, S., et al. (2018). Psychosis and substance abuse: Clinical implications. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(5), 18m12245.