The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 2008 that 20.1 million Americans age 12 and older were users of illicit substances. Drug addiction is a disease that, over time, alters the brain. Because of these brain changes, individuals cannot stop using drugs with willpower alone. Drug abuse and drug addiction can be successfully treated. There are several categories of drug abuse, each of which is capable of causing serious side effects that can be life-threatening.
Hallucinogenics Abuse
Naturally occurring hallucinogens found in plants have been used for centuries for a wide variety of practices. In recent years, more potent synthetic hallucinogens have been produced. LSD, ketamine, mescaline and mushrooms alter perception, thought and mood. Forms and colors are altered and because of the unpredictability of how the drug will affect its user, the experience can be pleasurable or extremely frightening. Physically, hallucinogens cause elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure and dilated pupils. The 2008 National Survey Drug Use and Health published study reported 36 million Americans age 12 years and older reported trying hallucinogens at least once.
Stimulant Abuse
Cocaine and methamphetamine are two powerful stimulants. Methylphenidate and other ADHD drugs prescribed by doctors are also abused. Stimulants change the way nerve cells in the brain communicate. A release of the neurotransmitter dopamine produces feelings of euphoria, increased mental alertness and decreases the need for sleep. Physical effects of stimulants include increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Nausea, dilated pupils and confusion also occur. The heart must work harder because stimulants constrict the blood vessels causing decreased blood flow to the heart. Stimulants can be snorted, smoked or injected. Repeated use of stimulants can cause paranoia, aggressiveness, extreme anxiety and hallucinations. Tolerance leads abusers to seek out and use higher doses of stimulants increasing the risk of overdose.
Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana, the most common drug abused in the United States, is derived from the hemp plant cannabis sativa. Marijuana is smoked though a pipe or rolled up and smoked like a cigarette. Marijuana acts on cannabiniod receptors and can cause distorted perception, problems with coordination and difficulty thinking. Long-term use can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms include irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite and anxiety.
Solvent Abuse
In 2008, the National Institute of Drug Abuse reported that 12 million Americans age 12 and older had abused inhalants. Breathing chemical agents such as gasoline, paint thinners, nitrous oxide, propane and aerosols produce a high that leads to loss of sensation, euphoria, loss of coordination and dizziness. The high from inhaling solvents doesn't last long, so many users repeatedly inhale which can lead to death. Inhaling solvents can cause serious and irreversible side effects including bone marrow damage, central nervous system damage and brain damage.
Narcotics
Narcotics, in the context of drug abuse, refer to substances that bind to opiate receptors. Drugs such as opium, heroin and prescription pain medication derived from opium produce morphine-like effects. Narcotics act as a depressant and signs of narcotic intoxication include drowsiness, sedation, flushing of the face, nausea, vomiting and respiratory depression. Narcotics decrease anxiety and tension which contribute to their use. Tolerance and dependence occurs with repeated use. Symptoms of withdrawal include watery eyes, runny nose, nausea, pain in the muscles and muscle spasms. These symptoms will disappear in seven to 10 days if the narcotic is avoided.
