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.
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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
Methadone
Methadone, a prescribed medication, is used to relieve pain, particularly moderate to severe pain that has not been relieved by non-narcotic pain relievers. It can also be prescribed to avoid withdrawal symptoms in individuals who were addicted to opiate drugs. Methadone is in a class of medications known as opiate analgesics or narcotic analgesics. Methadone works to relieve pain by altering the way the nervous system and brain responds to pain. It has also been proved to work as a substitute for opiate drugs of abuse, such as heroin, by providing similar effects and preventing intense, sometimes fatal, withdrawal symptoms in people who have stopped the use of such drugs. Methadone comes as a tablet, a solution, and a concentration solution. Your doctor should decide the dose of methadone necessary. It may be taken every 4 to 12 hours when used as a pain reliever. The medication can be habit-forming and patients are typically advised of this precaution. Other precautions include avoiding the use of alcohol or other depressants, alerting your doctor if you smoke cigarettes (e.g., tobacco has been shown to reduce the effectiveness), and being sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist of all other medications (including herbal treatments) that you are taking. Methadone has also been shown to cause a variety of side effects such as: drowsiness, weakness, headaches, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, weight gain, sweating, and swelling of the hands, arms, feet, and legs. As with any other medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of taking methadone for your condition. It is also important to follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
