Marijuana, derived from the cannabis plant, refers to any number of preparations of the plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug. Marijuana can also be intended for medicinal purposes, although this is only allowed in certain locations in which the drug in legal. Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. The psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (known as THC). Cannabis has both psychoactive and physiological short-term effects, including alteration in perception and mood, increased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, impairment in short-term memory, and concentration. However, the long-term effects of marijuana usage are less clear. Marijuana is consumed in a variety of ways. The most common way is through inhalation. Users typically inhale (or smoke) marijuana from small pipes, bongs (with water chamber), paper-wrapped joints, or tobacco-leaf-wrapped blunts. Fresh, non-dried cannabis can be consumed orally. Many users that consume cannabis orally, rather than through inhalation, typically use it in baking (e.g., brownies, etc.) or in a liquid, such as tea. Marijuana has a variety of effects on a person’s health. Marijuana increases heart rate by 20-100 percent shortly after smoking and can last for up to 3 hours. It is estimated that individuals who smoke marijuana have almost a 5-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after using the drug. Marijuana also poses problems for the user’s lungs, similar to those who smoke tobacco. Research has found that individuals who use marijuana demonstrate problems in daily life. However, studies have concluded that this only holds true for about 10% of recreational users who do not develop other mechanisms for solving their problems and rely on marijuana instead. More people tend to use the drug recreationally for relaxation and social purposes.
Archive for Ecstacy
Marijuana
Crack Cocaine
Crack cocaine is a
freebase form of cocaine (e.g., a form of cocaine that has been processed in order to be smoked), which is a stimulant drug. Crack cocaine is derived through a process that involves baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), water, and a spoon. When smoked, crack cocaine can leave the tongue numb where the smoke enters the mouth. Crack cocaine affects the brain chemistry of the individual who uses the drug. This can cause euphoria, supreme confidence, loss of appetite, alertness, and energy. The brain releases a large amount of dopamine, creating euphoria. The high usually lasts from 5-10 minutes, after which dopamine levels plummet leaving the user feeling low and depressed. Physiological effects of the drug when smoked include increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Some users of crack cocaine have reported feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. Long-term use of the drug can lead to paranoia and hallucinations. Crack cocaine is thought to be the most addictive forms of cocaine, and possible one of the most addictive forms of any drug. There are many health issues associated with the use of crack cocaine. Because crack cocaine refers to a non-pure version of cocaine, the health issues also include risks beyond the use of cocaine itself. Treatment for addiction of cocaine typically is derived from behavioral intervention procedures. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for treating cocaine addiction or abuse. Treatment should be tailored to the individual and his or her needs in order to optimize prognosis. This often involves a variety of treatment, social support, and other services
Ecstacy
Ecstasy often abbreviated E or X is an entactogenic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of drugs. MDMA can induce euphoria, a sense of intimacy with others, in most countries possession, manufacture, or sale may result in criminal prosecution, although they are some exceptions for medical and scientific research. Ecstasy is used as one of the worlds widely used recreational drugs. It is commonly associated with raves or dance parties and electronic dance music. Some therapists used MDMA in there practices until it was made illegal. They have been some reports some patients felt improvement in mild psychiatric disorders and other personal benefits, some intimate communication with their significant others were improved. It has been reported that a patient with severe pain from cancer had improved quality of life and experienced lasting pain relief. The primary effects of MDMA consumption are predictable across users. Those effects include: strong sense of inner peace and self-acceptance, reduced aggressions and jealousy, reduced anxiety and insecurity, feelings of euphoria, empathy, and forgiveness, improved self-confidence, increased energy, desire, drive, and motivation. Adverse effects include grinding of the teeth during sleep, lack of appetite, and dry mouth and/or thirst. After-effects of the drug are much worse than adverse effects during use including anxiety and paranoia, hypomania, and exhaustion. There is a possibility of overdosing on ecstasy if too much is consumed. Signs include paranoia, confusion, anxiety, and heart palpitations and/or loss of consciousness. The drug is illegal in the United States. MDMA can also be addictive. A person’s genes, environment, and other important factors play a role in determining if a person is likely to develop an addiction to ecstasy.
