Essay, Research Paper: Drugs And Alcohol

For several decades, drugs and alcohol have been a major problem in our society. Not only has the drug problem increased but drug related problems are on the rise. There is no crime that kills more teenagers in the world then alcohol does. These substances affect the body in many ways, including the exchange of information within the brain, is slowed. Using drugs increases the risk of injury. Car crashes, falls, burns, drowning, and suicide are all linked to drug use. The usage of drugs ruins the users looks, makes them depressed, and contributes to slipping grades. Although it is illegal for someone to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol under the age of 19, many teenagers do. In addition to breaking the law, these teenagers put themselves into vulnerable situations, that can change their lives forever. Drugs produce unpredictable, erratic, and violentreactions that lead to serious injuries and death. Many young teens get the wrong perception that using drugs will help them escape from their problems, in reality it only causes more. Even one occasion of drug use can cause the user to do something that they
will regret their entire lifetime. Teens often move towards drugs for many reasons, to fit in, to belong, to feel grown up, to relax , feel good, to take risks, rebel, to satisfy curiosity, and because they have the misconception that doing drugs is cool. These feelings can be avoided by talking to someone close, like a parent, friend, or teacher. These substances are a problem in our society because they prevent our children for developing into the future
of tomorrow. Most people that use these illegal substance go on to doing more serious crimes such as rape, murder, and suicide. Drugs and alcohol have damaging affects on the mind, body ,and personality, it is advisable to stay away from them.
Drugs are harmful to the human mind, and body in many ways, it is also capable of preventing the body, and mind in fully developing. There are many types of drugs, there are drugs that slow you down, drugs that speed you up, and hallucinogens. Alcohol, and synthetic drugs such as barbiturates, and inhalants(common household products). Inhalants are commonly used by children that cannot afford to buy drug, they are usually inhaled straight from the bag or container the substance is in. Users say they are detached from the surroundings and in their own little world when on these drugs. The effects
caused by these drugs are visual hallucinations, severe mood swings, loss of sense of smell, and nose bleeds. More serious effects can be abnormal heartbeat, slower breathing, loss of memory, loss of ability to think clearly, and nervous system damage. The user can also develop feelings of persecution, depression, or hostility. (Dragan 193)
Another type of drug is an upper(stimulant), it speeds you up. The most common of this type of drug is cocaine. Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine is either snorted through the nasal passage or injected intravenously. It called by a variety of names, including coke, C, snow, blow,toot, nose candy, and flake. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants,which tend to give a temporary illusion of limitless power and energy that leaves the user
feeling depressed, edgy, and craving more. Crack is a form of cocaine that has been chemically altered so that it can be smoked. Cocaine and crack are highly addictive. This addiction can erode physical and mental health and can become so strong that these drugs dominate all aspects of an addict's life. Cocaine, and crack use has been a contributing factor in a number of drowning's, car crashes, falls, burns, and suicides. People under the
influence of crack and cocaine frequently do risky things they later regret. Physical risk associated with using cocaine are increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature. Severe risks include heart attacks, strokes, respiratory failure, brain seizures, and the body's ability to fight and resist infections. The psychological risks are
violent, erratic, or paranoid behavior, hallucinations and "coke bugs" see insects crawling over skin. Cocaine can also lead to confusion, anxiety, depression loss of interest in food or sex. Cocaine users often suffer big losses like, losing touch with reality, and loss of interest in family, sports, and friends. (Dragan 197)
Hallucinogenic drugs are substances that distort the perception of objective reality. The most well-known hallucinogens include phencyclidine, otherwise know as PCP, lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or acid, and psilocybin, or "magic" mushrooms. Under the influence of hallucinogens, the senses of direction, distance, and time become disoriented. You see sound and hear light. These drugs can produce unpredictable, erratic, and violent behavior in users that sometimes leads to serious injuries
or death. Drowning's, burns, falls, and automobile crashes have also been reported. Some physical risks include mangled, and unclear speech, decreased awareness of touch and pain, convulsion, coma, heart, and lung failure. Psychological risks associated with using hallucinogens is depression, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, loss of control, and flashbacks. (Dragan 202)
Alcohol and drugs have many effects on a person mind and body, if chronic use of these substances occurs over long period of time, these effects can become serious and even life threatening. Adults, teachers, parents, media, and friends all have a big impact on how kids see the world. Teachers, and parents must take the responsibility and time, to guide, teach, and inform kids on drugs. Kids with more awareness about drugs are less
likely to do them. I can say for sure that after doing research on this topic, trying drugs will never cross my mind, especially after seeing how it can affect someone's thoughts, actions, and health. I think if everyone was exposed to this type of information, that there would be a far less amount of drug users.