Drug Abuse

This is another major problem which people face. Due to peer pressure and the increase in the supply of drugs from places such as Afghanistan, Mexico and Columbia many more youngsters are exposed to it. The use of drugs usually follows a set pattern in most cases. People start using drugs for recreational purposes and over a period of time it becomes a severe addiction.

Drugs can wreak havoc on the body and cause a person to lose weight, have migraines and develop eating disorders. Mood swings and other mental illnesses are also quite common among those who abuse drugs. The physical and emotion response to drugs will differ from person to person. Some people have a higher capacity to handle these substances while others cannot handle even smaller amounts.

Marijuana

This is one of the most commonly abused drugs around the world. Marijuana is available freely in most countries and it is considered to be a mild halogen. While marijuana does not cause death of overdose in most cases, it can cause several respiratory and lung problems. However, the main problem is the not the drug itself. Most recreation drug users tend to start with marijuana and escalate to other substances such as heroin and cocaine.

Marijuana is often used as a pain killer especially during chemotherapy. The use of marijuana is similar to smoking and several cardiovascular problems and breathing problems can occur in the long run among users. The problem with marijuana is that it is not pure.

Since there are a lot of dirty substances in the joint, the lungs tend to get spoilt quickly. Marijuana increases a person’s heart rate and dulls the memory as well. People under the influence of this substance find it difficult to concentrate on anything for a particular length of time.

Cocaine

Cocaine and crack cocaine which is a harder version are among the most abused drugs in the world. They are extremely addictive and past users say that they feel the turk even a year after quitting the substance. This drug gives the user a sudden rush and sense of wellbeing. While some people like the feeling many first time users do not like the rush. The feeling of euphoria lasts for as long as 45 minutes and this depends on the physical nature of the user. Cocaine is usually found in the form of powder and users frequently snort’ lines’. Crack cocaine is found in rock form and has to be smoked. Sudden death from overdose is quite common as well. Cocaine tends to quicken up the heart rate and the blood vessels tighten up as well. This can lead to heart attacks and other cardio vascular problems. Cocaine is quite expensive and a ‘bag of rock’ can cost quite a bit of money.

Heroin And Pain Killers

These are common street drugs which are often sold in shady corners. Heroin is available quite easily and it is made from the poppy plant. The pain killer morphine is made from the same substance and can be abused as well. Many soldiers and accident victims get addicted to morphine after surgery and kicking the habit can be quite hard. Heroin directly affects the nervous system of the body and sends pleasure signals to the brain. Heroin is commonly injected using a surgical syringe.

A heroin overdose is also common and the brain tends to shut down due to lack of oxygen. In such a case the user goes into a coma and dies. HIV and hepatitis are also common problems faced by heroin users. Shared needles can lead to such blood transfusion based diseases. Users of heroin experience a feeling of ‘goodness’. The high resembles activities such as having sex or eating something pleasurable.

Sadly, addiction to pain killers has been on the rise over the past few decades. Pain killers are often used as recreation drugs and they can lead to overdose as well. The behavioral pattern of users will change and people will be subject to constant mood swings as well.

Most over the counter pain killers may not lead to severe addiction and prescription pain killers are the main problem. Over a period of time the body will adjust to the use of pain killers and this lead to increased levels of tolerance. However, the side effects are quite heavy and many cases of liver failure and heart problems have occurred.

Methamphetamine/ Meth

Methamphetamine which is commonly known as meth is a white powder which can be smoked, or snorted or injected. It is a highly addicted stimulant and it is very powerful. Meth can increase the heart rate and cause problems such as hyperthermia in some cases.

Prolonged exposure and use of meth leads to quite a few mental issues such as anxiety, hallucinations, and depression. Users of meth tend to grind their teeth and this can cause dental problems as well. Heavy grinding is quite common among frequent meth users.

Moreover, the acidity nature of the drug can lead to wear and tear. Since most users inject the drug, the use of syringes can lead to hepatitis and HIV infections as well. The usage of this drug around the world has been steadily increasing over the years and the number of overdose cases has increased too.

Other Party Drugs

There are quite a few party drugs which have been developed in the recent past. Drugs as ecstasy and roofies are quite common in clubs and other social gathering. ‘X’ is the street name or ecstasy and it is easily available these days. The date rape pill is often mixed with alcohol and mostly used by sexual predators. Women who consume the date rape pill will not be aware of their surroundings and they are often taken advantage off.

There have been many cases of people overdosing on ‘x’ as well. Some people have an allergic reaction to the mixture of alcohol and ecstasy. This reaction can lead to convulsions, tremors, frothing and sometimes even death. These drugs are strong sedatives and have a hypnotic effect on the user.

While they are not as harmful to the body as heavy drugs such as cocaine and heroin, they can leave a user in many a precarious situation. The date rape pill is commonly known as roofies and it is quite commonly available.

Ketamine is another party drug which can lead to bad consequences. Heavy usage of ketamine can cause seizures and comas too. LSD or acid often sold in the form of tablets, paper and powder.

They are powerful and cause instant hallucinations. These drugs are often sold at concerts and parties. Some users panic and face anxiety situations while using the drug as well. Some of the physical effects of the usage of this drug include tiredness, increase in body temperature, loss of appetite and increase or decrease in blood pressure.

Tobacco

This probably the only substance which does not affect the mind per se!  However, tobacco can cause several health problems and people with tobacco addictions suffer quite a bit. Tobacco is available readily and even teenagers can purchase them illegally. Tobacco is often smoked and also chewed in some cases.

Tobacco addiction can lead to lung and heart problems along with several types of cancer. Studies have shown that people who smoke one to four cigarettes a day will face heart problems in 25 years. Chewing tobacco causes mouth, throat and lip cancer as well. While chewing is not common in most countries, some developing countries still allow this. s

Prolonged exposure to smoke and nicotine can cause lung failure and breathing difficulties as well. Smokers are often found with a constant cough and respiratory problem.  Cigarettes contain tar and this increases the possibility of lung and throat cancer. Cardiovascular diseases are often caused by carbon monoxide. Smoking while pregnant can cause health problems for the fetus and in some cases even miscarriages. Nicotine is one of the most harmful substances on the planet and getting addicted to it is quite easy. Second hand smoke can lead to respiratory illnesses and even cancer in children.

With the introduction of e-cigarettes and nicotine patches or gum, many addicts have found an alternative. These are helpful in controlling addiction and eventual quitting as well. The problem with tobacco is that addiction can start at a very early age. Many teenagers start smoking due to peer pressure and over the years this develops into a serious addiction. Once this happens, most people tend to regret staring in the first place.

The withdrawal symptoms of tobacco aren’t as bad as some of the other substances. Users will through a period which resembles flu like symptoms. The withdrawal period will be characterized by heavy coughing, sneezing and phlegm. Constant irritation in the throat is also common as the suppressed hair begins to rise up again.

As the lungs start clearing most of the phlegm is expelled. In some cases, blood may also be present along with the phlegm. The withdrawal symptoms last for about a week. Nicotine can remain in the body for up to a year and the best way to get rid of it is to flush it out with water. Doctors recommend increasing the consumption of water and other liquids after quitting. Nicotine will be flushed from the system through sweating and urinating.

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