Types of Drugs - Effects and Prevention

A substance which changes physically and psychologically will be in the form of liquid, solid or gas is called as “DRUG”. Drug effects on central nervous system and brain which changes the feelings, behavior and thinking. These drugs are known as ‘Psychoactive drugs’.

Drugs are classified to legal and illegal drugs. Legal drugs have the control of laws and regulations for availability, quality and price.
E.g. selling tobacco to age fewer than 18 is a crime. Illegal drugs are illegally sold such as heroin and ecstasy.

Drug addiction causes brain disease which is harmful and changes in functionality of brain. Repeating drug abuse may effect in self controlling of person and will fail in making own decisions. It is very difficult to stop abusing drugs addicted person. Fortunately, there are some treatments that help the addicted person to regain his control. Most patients ensured success through behavioral thera py.

Effects on central nervous system:

Mainly three types of drugs are affecting on central nervous system.

·       Depressants: Is a drug which slows down the functioning of central nervous system. Person will not feel depressed by taking this drug. For e.g. alcohol, cannabis, GHB, benzodiazepines, some solvents and inhalants. Lesser quantity of depressants may feel a person more relaxed and inhibits less. Larger quantity makes unconsciousness, vomiting and even death. If effects in concentration and in unexpected situations person’s ability may slows down.

·       Stimulants: It makes alert. It acts on central nervous system, it speeds up messaging to and from the brain Person will be more awake, confident. Body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate increases. It reduces appetite, talkativeness and sleep disturbance. Stimulants will be mild in coffee caffeine, tea and cola drinks, nicotine in tobacco. Stimulants will be stronger in cocaine, ecstasy, slimming tablets. Larger quantities can cause anxiety, panic, headaches, stomach cramps.

·       Hallucinogens: Effects in perception. Persons who are addicted may believe or feel the things which are not present. It is a great deal to predict affecting hallucinogens to a particular person at particular time. These include datura, LSD, Mescaline, PCP, ketamin. Some effects of hallucinogens include emotional & psychological euphoria, talking or laughing, reality contact will be less, irrational behavior, nausea, stomach cramps, sweating, and loss of appetite.

Higher quantity affects on the body is more when the drug is taken more. Drugs act very quickly if they are injected or inhaled. Same time effects will be more. The fastest acting method is snorting through the nose. Time take to effect to effect the drug is eaten or swallowed. Person’s physical characteristics (height, weight and gender) influence the effects by drug. Drugs can cause accidents, relationship problems, health problems, sexual problems etc.

Types of drugs and effects:

·       Cocaine: It is originated from the leaves of coca plants. It effects on central nervous system as stimulant. It can effects from 20 minutes to several hours, mainly depends on dosage. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, restlessness.

·       Methamphetamine: Abbreviated to meth or ice. It directly enters brain and causes excitement and euphoria. Persons often perform cleaning, hand-washing, excess sleeping, eating, depression.

·       Crack cocaine: It was created during early 1980’s and nicknamed as crack. The effect of crack lasts for 10- 15 minutes. It increases confident and energy.

·       Ecstasy: It is a recreational drug which increases awareness of senses, openness, love, happiness, mental clarity. Other side effects are jaw clenching and elevated pulse.

·       Marijuana: In other words cannabis. It is in herbal form. It effects within minute.

Prevention for drug addiction:

It is big risk if you fall back into a drug addiction. You lose your control if you start using it.

·       Avoid drug crowd: Don’t go to the place where you’ll get your drugs and don’t meet or stay away to your old drug crowd.

·       If you use drug again, get help immediately: Talk to someone who helps you in the situation if you use drug again. For e.g. mental health provider, doctor.

·       Stay with your treatment plan: Continue the treatment until you are drug-free. Don’t stop visiting your psychotherapist till you recover.

It is not a safe-level using a drug. So be aware of harmful drugs       and avoid using the illegal drugs and lead the life happily.