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All sorts of different drugs can be misused, including illegal drugs, prescription medicines and other medicines.
Drug misuse refers to the use of a drug for purposes for which it was not attended or using a drug in excessive quantities. Drug addiction is a state of physical or psychological dependence on a drug. Physical addiction is characterised by the presence of tolerance (needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms that disappear when further medication is taken. All sorts of different drugs can be misused, including illegal drugs (such as heroin or cannabis), prescription medicines (such as tranquilisers or painkillers) and other medicines that can be bought off the supermarket shelf (such as cough mixtures or herbal remedies). In the UK we have high levels of drug misuse, including high rates of heroin and crack cocaine use. People who misuse drugs often have a range of health and social problems, which may lead them to misuse drugs or may be a consequence of their addiction. Drug misuse can affect people's relationships and have impacts on their family, friends and the wider community.
Treatments include psychological therapies and medication. Specific areas that may be focussed on during treatment include: detoxification (coming off the drug if physically addicted) preventing relapse coping with relapse longer term rehabilitation.
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Heroin
Heroin is an opiate processed directly from the extracts of the opium poppy. It was originally created to help cure people of addiction to morphine. Upon crossing the blood-brain barrier, which occurs soon after introduction of the drug into the bloodstream, heroin is converted into morphine, which mimics the action of endorphins, creating a sense of well-being;. One of the most common methods of heroin use is via intravenous injection.
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Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It is both a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant, giving rise to what has been described as a euphoric sense of happiness and increased energy. It is most often used recreationally for this effect. Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant. Its effects can last from 20 minutes to several hours, depending upon the dosage of cocaine taken, purity, and method of administration. The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and euphoria. The euphoria is sometimes followed by feelings of discomfort and depression and a craving to experience the drug again. Side effect can include twitching, paranoia, and impotence, which usually increases with frequent usage.One of the best treatment for drug addiction is to consult with cocaine rehab centers for recovery.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy (MDMA) is a semisynthetic psychedelic entactogen of the phenethylamine family that is much less visual with more stimulant like effects than most all other common trip producing psychedelics. The primary effects of MDMA include an increased awareness of the senses, feelings of openness, euphoria, empathy, love,happiness, heightened self-awareness, feeling of mental clarity and an increased appreciation of music and movement. Other side effects, such as jaw clenching and elevated pulse, are common.
Marijuana
Cannabis, known as marijuana in its herbal form, is a psychoactive product of the plant Cannabis sativa. Humans have been consuming cannabis since prehistory, although in the 20th century there was a rise in its use for recreational, religious or spiritual, and medicinal purposes. It is estimated that about four percent of the worlds adult population use cannabis annually. It has psychoactive and physiological effects when consumed, usually by smoking or ingestion. The minimum amount of THC required to have a perceptible psychoactive effect is about 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. The state of intoxication due to cannabis consumption is colloquially known as a high; it is the state where mental and physical facilities are noticeably altered due to the consumption of cannabis. Each user experiences a different high, and the nature of it may vary upon factors such as potency, dose, chemical composition, method of consumption and set and setting.
Drug Categories
Drugs come in various forms, and can be taken numerous ways. Some are legal and others are not. Drug abuse and misuse can cause numerous health problems, and in serious cases death can occur. Treatment for drug abuse is often sought to aid in recovery.
Stimulants
These drugs speed up the bodys nervous system and create a feeling of energy. They are also called uppers because of their ability to make you feel very awake. Stimulants have the opposite effect of depressants. When the effects of a stimulant wear off, the user is typically left with feelings of sickness and a loss of energy. Constant use of such drugs can have very negative effects on the user. In order to prevent extreme negative side effects of these drugs and the impact they have on life, drug treatment centers are often recommended. Types of drugs include:
Inhalants
Inhalants are sniffed or huffed and give the user immediate results. Unfortunately, these immediate results can also result in sudden mental damage. When inhalants are taken, the body becomes deprived of oxygen, causing a rapid heart beat. Other effects include liver, lung and kidney problems, affected sense of smell, difficulty walking and confusion. Types of drugs include:
Cannabinoids
These drugs result in feelings of euphoria, cause confusion and memory problems, anxiety, a higher heart rate, as well as staggering and poor reaction time. Types of drugs include:
Hashish Marijuana
Depressants
Depressants slow down activity in the central nervous system of your body. These drugs are also called downers because they slow the body down and seem to give feelings of relaxation. Depressants are available as prescription drugs to relieve stress and anger, although drowsiness is often a side effect. The relaxation felt from these drugs is not a healthy feeling for the body to experience, to stop abuse of this drug, drug treatment is suggested. Types of drugs:
Anabolic Steroids
Steroids are taken to improve physical performance as well as to enlarge muscles and increase strength. Negative effects of steroids include baldness, cysts, oily hair and skin, acne, heart attack, stroke and change in voice. Hostility is also a frequent side effect of anabolic steroids. Types of drugs include:
Hallucinogens
When taking hallucinogens, switching emotions is frequent. These drugs change the mind and cause the appearance of things that are not really there. Hallucinogens affect the bodys self-control, such as speech and movement, and often bring about hostility. Other negative side effects of these drugs include heart failure, increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and changes in the bodys hormones. Types of drugs include:
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs can be very helpful drugs when used properly and when under the guidance of a qualified physician. These drugs can be used as aids in surgery, to treat medical conditions and while controlling various symptoms. Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs however can be very dangerous. Types of drugs include:
Opiods: Codeine, Oxycodone, Morphine Central nervous system depressants: barbiturates, benzodiazepines Stimulants: dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate