Drugs are substances that are used for medicinal, intoxicating, or performance-enhancing purposes. These substances can be beneficial since it can cure or prevent a disease or enhance one’s physical and mental being, personality, and behavior. On the other hand, there are also various prohibited drugs that can cause addiction and yield negative effects on the human body. Although there are some drugs that are considered legal and widely accepted, various countries around the world still prohibit the use of numerous recreational drugs because of the negative effects.
Hence, here are five of the most commonly used prohibited drugs today.
1. Methamphetamine
This type of psychoactive drug acts as a stimulant. When given in low dosages, it can trigger alertness, increased concentration, focus, and energy. It also gives the feeling of euphoria, increased libido, and triggers reward-motivated behavior because dopamine is being released. Hence, it has been approved by the FDA to treat patients with ADHD and exogenous obesity.
Despite its medicinal benefits, too much Meth can destroy the body in the long run. For first time users, they have the tendency to try it again in order to get that “feeling.” As a result, prolonged use of this type of drug can cause permanent damage to one’s cognitive abilities by changing brain chemistry and destroying the pleasure centers of the brain.
Worse, it can even lead to destructive and violent behavior because high doses of adrenaline are being released. Aside from brain activity, Meth destroys the body’s tissues and blood vessels, causes meth mouth or the rotting of teeth, convulsions, increased heart rate, liver damage, and worse, death.
2. Heroin
According to reports, there are more than 50 million all over the world ages 15 to 24 years old use heroin. This type of drug, which is a derivative of morphine, is prescribed as an analgesic for the treatment of acute pain due to serious injuries or heart attack. Unfortunately, the product of a poppy plant is being used other than getting rid of the pain.
When a person uses heroin, there is a rush or an intense feeling of pleasure and a feeling of euphoria. Once the rush subsides, drowsiness and uncoordinated movements will follow.
Aside from this, nausea, vomiting, and itching may also occur. When used for a long time, addiction may occur, which eventually leads to tolerance and dependence. There is also a higher risk of acquiring bacterial infections or serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis especially when needles are shared.
3. Cocaine
Cocaine is a type of drug that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. It acts as a stimulant, an appetite suppressant, or a topical anesthetic that can be snorted, injected, and even smoked. Because it is capable of stimulating the brain, it has the ability to process and release dopamine.
Like any other drug, cocaine gives a feeling of euphoria that can last up to 30 minutes. Hyperstimulation, mental alertness, and reduced fatigue may also be experienced during this stage.
However, there is a risk of developing the symptoms of increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and constriction of blood vessels. Over time, addiction, especially to those who prefer to smoke instead of snort or inject, and dependence on cocaine can result in chest pain, heart attack, seizures, and even stroke.
4. Ecstasy
A popular name for methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA, ecstasy is one of the widely-used drugs, particularly in clubs. It was once considered as a diet pill but was later on banned by the US Drug Enforcement Agency because of its potential to cause brain damage. Further, ecstasy interferes with the body’s ability to metabolize, hence the difficulty to break down the drug which produces ‘extended’ effects.
Ecstasy is also a stimulant that produces a euphoric state of being and increased energy levels once it is taken. It can even suppress basic physical needs such as eating, sleeping, and drinking, which explains why most clubs and parties employ the use of ecstasy for a “longer” duration.
Physiological effects include hallucinations, sweating and chills, increased perversion, blurred visions, and muscle cramps. When a person takes too much ecstasy, its effects include high blood pressure, panic attacks, seizures, lightheadedness, and even loss of consciousness. In extreme cases, it can also cause heat stroke, heart failure, or death.
5. Marijuana
Marijuana is the most popular and most frequently used drug all over the world. Coming from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, marijuana has an active ingredient known as THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which creates a distortion effect in the body. It can also be smoked as a cigarette, mixed with food, or brewed and mixed in tea.
It is believed that marijuana has some important medical effects. Nonetheless, smoking marijuana can be very addicting and those who depend highly on this drug may experience withdrawal symptoms such as aggression, depression, and anxiety when there is no pot.
A person smoking marijuana may experience various effects in minutes. This includes rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased appetite. It can also produce a euphoric feeling or calmness, anxiety, or paranoia. The effect of marijuana depends on the user. While the side effects may wear off after a few hours, it will take a week or month before the effects of this drug wear off, depending on the frequency of use. For stoners, it may take some time before the body gets rid of THC.
Take note that all of these drugs have beneficial effects on the body and can even help treat any illnesses, especially when properly used and regulated. However, the problem lies with the prolonged and consistent use of these prohibited substances which results in addiction. Unable to control the use of these drugs can definitely yield negative effects in the entire body in the long run and in worse cases, can even lead to death. Unless you want to preserve your life, stay away from any of these drugs and think of other more useful and positive ways to channel your energy.