




Facts
Despite stiffer federal penalties for drug offenses enacted during the 1950s, popular use of psychedelic substances, such as LSD, in addition to heroin, marijuana, and cocaine saw a resurgence in the 1960s and early 1970s. The estimated number of heroin users rose from approximately 50,000 in 1960 to about 500,000 by 1970. Methadone, a synthetic drug created by German scientists during the second World War due to a shortage in morphine, was introduced in the United States in 1947 and was widely used in the 1960s to treat heroin addicts. In 1971, an estimated 24 million Americans reported use of marijuana at least once, and others reported experimental use of cocaine. At the same time, press accounts noted a growing use of marijuana and heroin by U.S. soldiers in Vietnam. Marijuana hinders the user's short-term memory (memory for recent events), and he or she may have trouble handling complex tasks. With the use of more potent varieties of marijuana, even simple tasks can be difficult. Many addicts who start a methadone treatment program will have difficulties following the plan. Some quit and go back to hard drugs. Others falter here and there, or become dependent on another drug such as cocaine. Some combine methadone with other brain-altering drugs or alcohol. This greatly complicates the treatment process. Many youth often think that using marijuana is cool, fun and a lot less dangerous than most other illicit drugs. The great majority of youth who first turn to tobacco and alcohol (gateway drugs) then experiment with marijuana, believing that it is slightly harmful or not harmful at all. The fact is that marijuana has numerous negative direct and indirect effects. Although the effects depend on the does, the strength of the drug, the user, other drugs in the body and the setting, some of the immediate effects of marijuana use include the following: an increase in heart rate (as much as 50%); reddening of the eyes; dryness of the mouth and throat; hoarseness, coughing, laryngitis and bronchitis due to cancer-causing chemicals; relaxation and feelings of euphoria; short-term memory impairment; sense of time and space are altered; and the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration, swift reactions and coordination is reduced. Some of the immediate problems that marijuana users may experience include: vomiting, headache and dizziness; seizures can be triggered in people with epilepsy; possible traffic accidents, other injuries or arguments due to marijuana's intoxicating effect; poor job or school performance and legal problems may also occur due to the drug's mental effects. |
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is defined as the chronic or habitual use of any chemical substance to alter states of body or mind for other than medically warranted purposes. Drug abuse is a problem which has an effect on people of all income levels,
ages, and stations in life. Quite often the last person to see that there is a
problem is the drug abuser them self. Every year, more and more people become
drug addicts in their pursuit to get "high".
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what happens when a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol discontinues use. There are numerous symptoms that take place both physically and emotionally when an addicted individual stops using. Withdrawal can last a few days to a few weeks and may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. Keep in mind; this only occurs if a person has regular, heavy use of a drug or alcohol. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable without professional help. Treatment for withdrawal from alcohol or drugs may require a medical professional to be present. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is often the best way to overcome withdrawal and its symptoms as well as recovery from drug addiction.
Tolerance
Tolerance to a drug takes place when an individual is exposed to the same drug repeatedly and begins to build up an resistance to the drugs effects. The body then adapts and develops a tolerance for the drug. The addiction that is produced is so powerful that it creates cravings in the user. These cravings for the drug are the result of its impact on the individual's memory with feelings of pleasantness and euphoria which the individual has come to associate with the taking of the drug.
Relapse
Relapse is a term used to describe when an individual who has quit using drugs starts using once again. A relapse can mean just a one time use, a long term continues period of using or anything in between after a period of sobriety has taken place. An individual begins to experience a psychological relapse long before their first use after
quitting. Some things that can lead to relapse both physically or psychologically include: 1. Being in the presence of drugs or alcohol, drug or alcohol users, or places where you used or bought chemicals. 2. Feelings we perceive as negative, particularly anger; also sadness, loneliness, guilt, fear, and anxiety. 3. Positive feelings that make you want to celebrate by using. 4. Listening to others past drug use stories and just dwelling on getting high. 5. Believing that you no longer have to worry (complacent). That is, that you are no longer stimulated to crave drugs/alcohol by any of the above situations or by anything else – and therefore maybe it’s safe for you to use occasionally.
Drug Side Effects
Drug addiction and abuse comes with a heavy price. There are drastic drug side effects associated with drug misuse and abuse. Drug side effects from legal and illegal drugs can range from mild itching to comas and death. In addition to the physical drug side effects mentioned, there are many psychological drug side effects of drug abuse; the most serious being drug addiction and overdose.
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