Influence of Drugs to Youngsters

Laoag City THE INFLUENCE OF PROHIBITED DRUGS TO YOUNGSTER SONNY MADAMBA February 2013? THE INFLUENCE OF PROHIBITED DRUGS TO YOUNGSTERS I. INTRODUCTION Prohibited drugs are often addictive. The word â€Å"addictive† means that a person will want to keep taking the drug. They can also be bad for the health and could cause death if overdosed. Drugs can be highly addictive, and that’s one of the main dangers. Drug abuse – two words that strike fear, confusion and concern into parent’s hearts. And with good reasons, as drug abuse can have a serious, life changing impact on youngsters, their physical and mental health is at stake.Most of the drugs are meant to be used medically, so if you use them without prescription, it might have side effects that will damage oneself. Drugs are considered dangerous because they typically have chemical and/or physical effects on the person using them, some of which may be harmful that can result in changes in state of mind and /or behavior. These effects are felt and interpreted differently by every individual, and because of this can even cause potentially dangerous behaviors. The risk of addiction is also considered a danger, due to obvious reasons.Many do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as morally weak. One very common belief is that, drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they really wanted and willing to change their behavior. What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction – that it’s a disease that impacts the brain nd because of that, stopping drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower. Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drug works in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives. Addiction is a chrnic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual that is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease!Certainly true that mostly, if not all, voluntary usage is possible. Overtime, the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. Prohibited drugs are substances of natural or synthetic origin which can alter the emotional state, perception, body functioning or behavior of an organism and generally tend to be illegal. Lot of us drink alcohol, even more of us drink coffee or tea.Outside of the growing group of people who turn their back on any drug use because of a religious belief, it’s rare to find anyone who finds the non-prescribed use of these drugs to change our state of mind disagreeable on point of principle. It would be noticing that other religious groups actually include the use of alcohol as part of religious ritual. All drugs are essentially taken to kill pain, the user takes the substance to escape physical or emotional pain. Sometimes, they are looking to escape from both.Sometimes, an individual finds that they are unable to handle a part of their life and taking drugs makes it seem as though they have already solved their problem. For a brief period of time they feel better and things don’t seem as bad as they were. The individual’s problem begin to build simultaneously as they take more drugs. Often they become so hard and difficult to communicate with. They may withdraw and display strange behavior that is associated with addiction. And as time passes they focus their attention on using and do anything to obtain the drug.In the end, the individual becomes depressed, discontented, weary and desperate for the drug. Personal relationship begin to suffer as well as their job and financial status. Often they will sacrifice everything for the drug. One of the most dangerous effects of addiction is denial. The urge to use is so strong that the mind find many ways to rationalize the drug use and addiction. You may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs you are taking, how much it impacts your life, and the level of control to use drugs. Denial is an unconscious defense mechanism.Minimizing and rationalizing the addiction is less harmless than admitting that drug use is dangerously out of control. But the prize of denial can be extremely high including the loss of important relationships, job finances, security and physical and mental stability. If you are really to admit you have a drug problem, congratulations! Recognizing that you have a drug problem is the first step on the road to recovery, one that takes tremendous courage and strength. Facing addiction without minimizin g the problem or making excuses can be frightening and overwhelming, but recovery is within reach.If you are ready to change and willing to seek help, make a commitment. Sooner, your recovery will prosper and will build a satisfying, drug free life. Don’t try to do it alone. It’s all too easy to get discouraged and rationalize â€Å"GETTING HIGH ONE MORE TIME. † Whether or not you choose to go to a Drug Rehabilitation Program, rely on self-help programs, counseling, support is essential. Recovering from addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort and guidance. II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMThis term paper aims to offer the understanding of prohibited drugs, its side effects, the dangers of using, the prevention of drug abuse and the different types of PROHIBITED DRUGS. III. BODY Prohibited drugs are very dangerous because they can cause damage to an individual’s brain, heart and other important organs. For exampl e, cocaine, which is illegal that can cause a heart attack the very first time it is used. Also, when a person uses drugs that are illegal they are less likely to do well in school, work and other activities.They have a hard time thinking clearly and tend to make poor decisions. When an individual uses drugs they often do irrational things such as driving under the influence which can be harmful to themselves and others. There are many prohibited drugs that are being abused by our society today. Drugs such as marijuana, methampithamine and the abuse of prescription medications are on the rise. It is important for everyone to raise their level of awareness in order to reduce the risk of drug abuse or to help someone they care for who is already suffering from drug abuse or addiction.Illegal drugs come in different shapes and sizes, and types. Each particular drug produces unique effects on the user, this is why you may have heard the term â€Å"drug of choice. † This means, th e drug that the user prefers. People use illegal drugs for many reasons, boredom, to fit in, experimentation, etc. they begin to abuse drugs when they repeatedly take them to solve their problems or make them feel â€Å"normal. † We will be highlighting the most commonly abused illegal drug. It is derived from the cannabis plant, which grows in many countries, including the United States.Users place it on rolling papers to make marijuana cigarettes, smoke it in bongs or pipes, or mix it in baked good or tea and eat or drink it. Marijuana is a SCHEDULE I drug. It is illegal to plant and grow marijuana, to sell and to buy hashish or hashish oil. Synthetic THC capsules are available by prescription to treat nausea that cancer patients sometimes suffer with some forms of chemotherapy, and to treat wasting in AIDS patients. No form of the smoked drug has been approved as safe or effective for any medical use. People use illegal drugs for many different reasons often it is to fit i n ith their friends or just because they are curious. Overall, the underlying reason a person tries drugs is to escape from reality, if they are sad they take the drug to make them feel better for a short time until the effect of the drug wears off and ten they find the problem, still exists after all. Taking drugs has never solved anyone’s problem, however, it often creates new ones. The user becomes dependent. There are many different types of illegal drugs. They include: heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana, ecstasy and methamphetamine or the so-called shabu.Drugs are used by almost everyone at one point or another during their life. There are several types of drugs and they all have very different purposes. Some are necessary to keep an individual alive while others that are taken even when not necessary. Often these other types of drugs, such as anti-depressants and pain medication, cause many more problems and side effects than the original problem the individual was tryin g to treat. This second group of drugs makes, rather than solves the individual’s problem. In turn, their situation may worsen.They may begin to abuse the drug to escape life altogether and/or to simply obtain a high. Another group of drugs are called illicit or illegal drugs. They do not have known benefit and are often very addictive. Illegal drugs are frequently taken for totally different reasons than legal drugs. Many people experiment with these types of substances to escape their problems. THE HISTORY OF DRUGS Humans have used drugs of one sort or another for thousands of years. Wine was used at least from the time of the early Egyptians; narcotics from 4000 B. C. ; and medicinal use of marijuana has been dated 2737 B.B. in China. But not until the 19th century A. D. were the active substances in drugs extracted. There followed a time when some of these newly discovered substances, morphine, laudanum, cocaine were completely unregulated and prescribed freely by physici ans for a wide variety of ailments. They were available in patent medicines and sold by travelling tinkers, in drugstores, or through the mail. During the American Civil War, morphine was used freely and wounded veterans returned home with their kits of morphine and hypodermic needles. Opium dens flourished.By the early 1900s there were an estimated 250,000 addicts in the United States. The problems of addiction were recognized gradually. Legal measures against drug abuse in the United States were first established in 1975, when opium dens were outlawed in San Francisco. The first national drug law was the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which required accurate labeling of patent medicines containing opium and certain other drugs. In 1914, the Harrison Narcotic Act for bade sale of substantial doses of opiates or cocaine except by licensed doctors and pharmacies. Later, heroin was totally banned.Subsequent Supreme Court decisions made it illegal for doctors to prescribe any narcotic to addicts; many doctors who prescribed maintenance doses as part of an addiction treatment plan were jailed, and soon all attempts at treatment were abandoned. Use of narcotics and cocaine diminished by the 1920s. the spirit of temperance led to the prohibition of alcohol by the EIGHTEENTH AMMENDMENT to the Constitution in 1919, but prohibition was repeated in 1933. In the 1930s, most states required anti-drug education in the schools, but fears that knowledge would lead to experimentation caused it to be abandoned in most places.Soon after the repeal of Prohibition, the US Federal Bureau of Narcotics now the DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION) began a campaign to portray marijuana as a powerful, addicting substance that would lead users into narcotics addiction. In the 1950s, use of marijuana increased again, along with that of amphetamines and tranquilizers. The social upheaval of the 1960s brought with it a dramatic increase in drug use and some increased social acceptance; by the early 1970s, some states and localities had decriminalized marijuana and lowered drinking ages the 1980s brought a decline in the use of most drugs, but cocaine and crack used soared.The military became involved in border patrols for the first time, and troops invaded Panama and brought its de facto leader, Manuel Noriega, to trial for drug trafficking. Throughout the years, the public’s perception of the dangers of specific substances changed. The surgeon general’s warning label on tobacco packaging gradually made people aware of the addictive nature of nicotine. By 1995, the Food and Drug Administration was considering its regulation. The recognition of fetal alcohol syndrome brought warning labels to alcohol products.The addictive nature of prescription drugs such as diazepam (VALIM) became known, and caffeine came under scrutiny as well. Drug laws have tried to keep up with the changing prescription and real dangers of substance abuse. By 1970, over 55 federal dru g laws and countless state laws specified a variety of punitive measures, including life imprisonment and even the death penalty. To clarify the situation, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 repealed, replaced, or updated all previous federal laws concerned with narcotics and all other dangerous drugs.While possession was made illegal, the severest penalties were reserved for illicit distribution and manufacture of drugs. The act dealt with prevention and treatment of drug abuse as well as control of drug traffic. The Anti-Drug Abuse Acts of 1986 and 1988 increased funding for treatment and rehabilitation. The 1988 act created the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Its director, often referred to as the drug czar, is responsible for coordinating national drug control policy. LEGAL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS Legal drugs are drugs that a person is allowed to have.This of course, depends on the country they are in. if a person has legal drugs, they will not be punished by the law enforcer and the court most importantly. What is an illegal drug for one, can be legal for another use. That way, heroin (and other substances like it), can be used as painkillers. When a doctor, or other specialists prescribes the drug can be used legally. Some drugs such as aspirin or paracetamol do not need to be prescribed by a doctor. Most people can buy them over the counter from a drugstore or pharmacy. Legal drugs that are mainly used to relax are often taxed heavily.That way, cigarettes (or tobacco) are legal drugs, but they are often expensive. Most countries also have rules that say that cigarettes must not be sold to people younger than a certain age. Alcohol is another drug that is legal in many countries. Again, there are often rules who can get alcohol and who cannot. Illegal drugs are drugs that a person is not at all to have. If a person is caught with illegal drugs, they will be punished. They will surely appear to court and attend hearings unti l proven guilty and get jailed. DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION WHAT IS DRUG ADDICTION?Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual who is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, overtime the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make sound decisions and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs.It is because of these changes in he brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects and regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patients drug abuse patters and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recover and a life without drug abuse.Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And, as with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again. Relapse, however, does not signal failure – rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated, adjusted or that alternate treatment is needed to help the individual regain control and recover the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction is very slight. Drug abuse and drug addiction is very slight.Drug abuse means using an illegal substance or using a legal substance in the wrong way. Drug addictions begin as abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine. You can abuse a drug (or alcohol) without having an addiction. People can develop Drug Addiction to all sorts of substance. When we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol r illegal drugs. But people become more addicted to medications, cigarettes, even glue. And some substances are more addictive than others; Drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control.Drug addictions take place when the person has lost control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks. Someone who’s addicted to cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she has to have it. Addiction can be physical, psychological or both. Denial is an unconscious defense mechanism. Minimizing and rationalizing one’s drug addictions are less scary than admitting that your drug use is dangerously out of control. But the cost of denial can be extremely high including the loss of important relationships, your job, financial security, and physical and mental health. PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSEDrug addiction is a preventable disease. Results from NIDA – funded research have shown that prevention programs that involve families, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. Although many events and cultural factors affects drug abuse trends, when youths perceive drug abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug taking. It is necessary, before, to help youth and the general public to understand the risks of drug abuse and for teachers, parents, and health care professionals to keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never abuses drugs.DRUG ABUSE Drug abuse is defined as the habitual use of any chemical substance to alter the state of one’s body or mind for reasons other than medically warranted purposes. Drug abuse is a problem that affects men and women of all income levels, ages and stations in life. Quite often, the last person to see that there is a problem is the drug user/abuser themselves. Every year, more and more people become addicted to drugs in their pursuit to get â€Å"high. † The effects of drug abuse vary depending upon the drug that is used.Some effects of drug use are powerful rushes of energy and others may induce excessive feelings of calm and relaxation. Drug abuse may involve prescription drugs used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons or use of illegal drugs known as street drugs. Remember, drugs alter the brain to the point where the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful. This compelling urge to use is known as addiction. People who are most likely to become involved in drug abuse are those unable to make common transitions in life and are looking for a superficial way to make their feelings or mentally escape their reality.Communities could make a real difference to help prevent drug abuse among young people if they simply create programs aimed at helping children transition from grade level to grade level. Moreover, adults experiencing difficult transitional periods such as divorce or unemployment for example, would greatly benefit from programs designed to help prevent drug abuse by helping them adapt to their situation and provide solutions for coping with stress. ? THE FAR REACHING EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AND DRUG ADDICTION While each drug of abuse produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common.They hijack the brains normal â€Å"reward† pathways and alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory and learning. Whether you’re addicted to nicotine, alcohol, heroin, xanax, speed, or vicodin, the effect on the brain is the same: an uncontrollable craving to use that is more important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and even your own health and happiness. USING DRUGS AS AN ESCAPE: A short ter m fix with long term consequences Many people use drugs in order to escape physical and emotional discomfort.Maybe you started drinking to numb feelings of depression, smoking pot to deal with stress at home or school, relying on cocaine to boost your energy and confidence, using sleeping pills to cope with panic attacks, or taking prescription painkillers to relieve chronic back pain. But while drugs might take you feel better in the short-term attempts to self-medicate ultimately backfire. Instead of treating the underlying problem, drug use simply masks the symptoms. Take the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it be low self esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or an unhappy family life.Furthermore, prolonged drug use eventually brings its own host of problems, including major disruptions to normal, daily functioning. Unfortunately, the psychological, physical, and social consequences of drug abuse and addiction become worse than the original problem you were trying to cop e with or avoid. ? SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE AND DRUG ADDICTION Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are the same no matter the substance. The more drugs being to affect and control your life, the more likely it is that you’ve crossed the line from drug use to abuse and drug addiction.Unfortunately, when you’re in the middle of it, you may be in denial about the magnitude of the problem or the negative impact it had on your life. See if you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction. If so, consider talking to someone about the drug use. You’re on a dangerous road, and the sooner you get help, the better. COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE †¢You are neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home (e. g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of drug use. You are using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks w hile high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex. †¢Your drug use is getting into legal trouble, such as arrest for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit. †¢Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends. †¢You’ve built-up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to with smaller amounts. You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety. †¢You’ve lost control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned. You wanted to stop but you seem so powerless. †¢Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about dru gs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s effects. †¢You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of drug use. You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. It’s causing major problems in your life – black outs, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia – but you use anyway. PYSICAL WARNBING SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE †¢Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual. †¢Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss. †¢Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits. †¢Unusual smells on breath, body or clothing. †¢Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination. BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE †¢Drop in attendance and performance at work or school. Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it. †¢Engaging in secretive or suspicious behavio rs. †¢Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts and hobbies. †¢Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities). PSYCHOLOGICAL WARNING SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE †¢Unexplained change in personality and attitude. †¢Mood swings, irritability, anger and sudden outbursts. †¢Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness. †¢Lack of motivation, appears lethargic or â€Å"spaced out. † †¢Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid with no reason. WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN DRUG USEThere are warning signs of drug use and abuse in teenagers. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the normal, sometimes volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse. †¢Being secretive about friends, possessions, and activities. †¢New interest in clothing, music, and other item s that highlight drug abuse. †¢Demanding more privacy: locked-doors, avoiding eye contacts and sneaking out. †¢S kipping/cut classes; declining grades, trouble seekers. †¢Missing money and other valuables. †¢Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn and depressed. Using incense, perfume, or air freshener to hide the smell of smoke or drugs. †¢Using eye drops to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils. RECOVERING FROM DRUG ADDICTION Addiction is a complex problem that affects every aspect of your life. Overcoming it requires making major changes to the way you live, deal with problems, and relate to others. It’s not just a matter of willpower or simply wanting to quit. Getting off drugs for good is difficult without treatment and ongoing support. The good news is that there are many tools that can help you on your journey to sobriety.DRUG ADDICTION AND ITS SOCIAL EFFECTS Although the physiological and mental effects of drugs on the user is well documented, the social repercussions of the problem are often not. It is in fact on the social side of things that substance d ependency has unleashed its most damaging attack. We know that many times drug addiction causes marriage break ups, by offs from job and bankruptcy, but often, our minds are limited to that. We fail to see a couple’s choice because of drugs that affects some of the members of the family, the children especially.It becomes a cycle of pain, anger and sadness fuelled by drug dependency. Many drug addicts fail to recognize this effect. They think they are hurting only themselves and no one else. They do not feel the sorrow of the people who love them and the anguish that those who are affected most, their children, are going through. Perhaps if we can educate people about the social effects of drug addiction, it can trigger a change. ROLE OF PARENTS IN KEEPING THEIR KID OFF TO DRUGS There are many people in the world today who are chained to drug addiction.Many of them have lost their loved ones, friends, and even their family. Nevertheless, they think that they are in heaven and do not want to let go of the habit. Sometimes the reason why there are people who fall into the trap of drug addiction is the lack of guidance from families. No parents in their right mind would want their kids to take drugs, unless they are hooked to it themselves. But sometimes, due to work and hectic schedules, parents fail to check what their kids are doing or who they are with. Often, it is because of this parental laxity that kids fall into addiction.One method that can help in stopping the problem of drug abuse is by having seminars, wherein parents will be taught to spot possible symptoms of addiction in their children. Then the parents can either bring their kids to a guidance counselor or have them sent to a rehabilitation center. Everyone should remember that every single thing that anyone can do to keep someone from being hooked to drugs is already a big help. ? DRUG SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES There are some of the commonly abused drugs in the Philippines. Recently, t he drug problem is quite alarming.The increasing number of arrested drug traffickers, seizures of big volumes of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals and dismantling of clandestine laboratories since the conception of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency show the extent and impact of the drug abuse and drug trade problem in the Philippines. The illegal trade of methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as shabu† has grown into a P1 billion-a-day. Industry, but the drug has now become more expensive, making it â€Å"the poor man’s cocaine no more,† anti-narcotics officials and international drug reports said.Recently, the average street price of â€Å"shabu† in the Philippines ranges from P15,000. 00 – P17,000. 00 depending on the demographical location (regional, provincial, city or municipal). The increases of price of shabu, was due to the government success on dismantling of clandestine laboratories nationwide. Thus , these problems don’t limit on trafficking and production of drug addicts. Drug addiction respects no boundaries. It’s the cradle of heinous crimes committed by persons. The worsening drug abuse in the country can be gleaned from the fact that in 1972, there were only 20,000 drug users in the Philippines.In 2004, this figure has climbed to an astounding 6. 7 million. Methamphetamine hydrochloride or â€Å"shabu† and marijuana are the illegal drugs preferred by one in every 29 Filipinos aged 10 to 44 years. While drug abuse is alarming in the country, the government is strong fisted in the fight of eradicating the supply and demand of illegal drugs, thus, drug lords, big time drug pushers and transnational syndicates are laughing their way to their banks using the â€Å"dirty money† which is the proceeds of illegal drugs and invest the money to legitimate businesses.They are having a field day destroying lives and future of the people courtesy of inutile and corrupt government agencies. The law enforcers cannot do it alone. The prosecutors and judges cannot move on without harmonious relationships. The problem rest upon us. It starts within ourselves. Schools, churches, civic organizations, NGOs and private groups and individuals must all do their share and contribute to the battle against illegal drugs. This country cannot afford to waste its future to drug addiction. If the war on illegal drugs is lost, the future of the country follows.Filipinos must remain resolute in their resolve to win the war against illegal drugs. THE DANGERS IN USING PROHIBITED DRUGS One of the dangers of using illegal drugs is that the person might be caught by the law enforcers and be charged of a crime with a no bail option. And if the person is proven guilty of the charge by the judge, the person will certainly go behind bars and spend the rest of their lives in jail. Another danger is when a person get intoxicated and get â€Å"high† from using illegal drugs, they tend to act strange, do unbecoming things and get paranoid about everything.Stealing money and deceit, robberies and prostitutions are also possible dangers so as to suffice their need of illegal drugs. Overdose is also one of the danger. This happens when drugs are taken excessively. This can be very dangerous – it can hurt them badly and worst, might even die. Lastly and could be fatal is when a person already opted injection of heroin with a needle and share a crack pipe with other drug users. These could result to infections or disease such as AIDS and Hepatitis C. Many other diseases can also be transmitted from a drug use activity. WHY DO PEOLE USE PROHIBITED DRUGS?For many people, the reason for the first time use will simply be because they are available. These illegal drugs are generally psychoactive, they affect the psychological state of the user. They change how people thin – fell, how they perceive the world around them. It works with a very basic model of learnt behavior and reward. The first time that someone uses an illegal drug, they do not know how they will feel or how they will be perceiving the experience, and the world around them. The experience will be guided by what the person believes will happen, which is of course massively open to suggestion.A lot will depend on the user’s emotional state, the environment that they are in and who they are with. Most illegal drugs cause people to become intoxicated. The slang term for this experience is â€Å"getting stoned† or â€Å"getting high. † When a drug user is intoxicated, they may feel strange, happy, dizzy, and relaxed. Some drugs such as marijuana and hashish often make users feel happy and weird. LSD make one feel intensely; they make one see and feel things like never before, and think things about the world they would normally not. Some say it increases knowledge and creates wisdom.Other drugs such as Crystal Meth make users fee excited and happy and full of energy. Some teens believe drugs will help them think better, be more popular, stay more active, or become better athletes. Others are simply curious and figure one try won’t hurt. Others wants to fit in and some were only longed for attention from their parents. Many teens use drugs because they’re depressed that’s why they thought taking drugs will help them escape and forget their problems. Truth really is that drugs don’t solve problems – they simply hide feelings and problems.When drug wears off, the feelings and problems remain, or become worse. Drugs can ruin every aspect of a person’s life. ? TEENAGE DRUG ABUSE Teenage drug abuse in the United States is a serious concern. For example, marijuana, which is prevalent among teenagers, has been shown to interfere with short term memory, learning, and psychomotor skills. Motivation and psychosexual/emotional development also may be affected. Marijuana abuse by teens increases their risk in late adolescence of not graduating from high school, delinquency, having multiple sexual partners, and not or without using contraceptives.Marijuana use can also result in perceiving drugs as not harmful. It also result in long-term problems with cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs. Studies show that teenage drug abusers tend to have friends who also exhibit deviant behavior. In addition, early adolescent marijuana use is related to later adolescent problems that limit the acquisition of skills necessary for employment and heighten the risks of contracting HIV and abusing legal and illegal substances. All teenage drug abuse can have immediate and long-term health and social onsequences. Overall, mental health problems including depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal, conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts/tendencies and other psychosocial dysfunctions are frequently linked to substance abuse among adolescents. Drug abuse has been shown to increase the likelihood of psychiatric disorders. THE IMPACT OF PROHIBITED DRUGS A. Physical Health Drug abuse can adversely affect every major system in the human body.Another way that drugs can affect physical health – as well as potentially that of others – is when they drive under the influence of drugs. Accident is prone. Marijuana for example, can impair a driver’s ability for up to three hours after use and can remain in a person’s system for up to 24 hours. Approximately one in six (15%) teens reported driving under the influence of marijuana. Combine teens’ drug use with their inexperience on the road, and you have a recipe for disaster.Teem who abuse drugs may also engage in behavior that places them at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases, this may happen because they are injecting drugs and sharing used needles, or because of poor judgment and impulse control while experiencing the effec ts of mood-altering drugs, making them more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. B. Mental Health Mental health problems such as depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal and other psychosocial dysfunctions frequently are linked to substance abuse among adolescents.Substance-abusing youth are at higher risk than non-users for mental health problems, including depression; conduct problems, personality disorder and suicidal tendencies. Marijuana use, which is prevalent among youth has been shown to interfere with short-term memory, learning and psychomotor skills. C. Addiction No one thinks that they will ever become addicted to drugs when they start using them – but addiction can and often does happen. Addiction is a compulsive need for and use of habit-forming substances such as drugs.Someone who is addicted losses control and judgment and when use of the drug stopped, may suffer severe psychological or physical symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, unhappi ness, and stress. Withdrawal from certain drugs can also result in severe physical discomfort, such as tremors, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, bone pain and even seizures. Long term users of certain drugs may experience pervasive changes in brain function. For example, prolonged exposure to ecstasy can lead to deficits in memory, increased depression, anxiety and sleep problems. TYPES OF PROHIBITED DRUGS CRACK COCAINE – Illegal DrugsCrack is a form of cocaine. Crack cocaine got its name from the crackling noise it makes while being smoked. It is highly addictive. Crack is a powdered cocaine that has been processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water, and heated to remove the hydrochloride. Cocaine is classified as a stimulant as it speeds up the nervous system. It is an addictive drug which comes from coca leaves or its is made synthetically and comes in the form of a white powder. The addiction can be almost immediate following the first use. Regular use rs almost always becomes addicted to cocaine.This addiction can cause problems with daily living including lying, stealing, flattened emotions and problems with relationships. Cocaine is extremely dangerous and can cause death to the user. The effect of cocaine will depend on the amount taken, the quality and the purity of the drug. Crack cocaine is a strong central nervous system stimulant that interferes with the re-absorption process of dopamine, a chemical messenger associated with pleasure and movement. Physical Effects of Crack Cocaine †¢constricted blood vessels †¢dilated pupils †¢increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressureComplications Associated with Crack Cocaine †¢disturbances in heart rhythm and heart attacks †¢chest pain and respiratory failure †¢strokes †¢seizures and headaches †¢gastrointestinal complications such as abdominal pain and nausea HEROIN – Illegal Drug Heroin is an extremely dangerous and powerful op iate. This powdered, crystalline substance is used by injecting, snorting, or smoking it. Heroin is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant. Heroin usually appears as a white or brown powder. Street names of heroin include â€Å"smack,† â€Å"H or â€Å"junk. Heroin belongs to a group of drugs called opiates. Opiates are strong pain killers and are classified as depressants because they slow down the functions of the central nervous system. Heroin can be injected, snorted or smoked. It usually comes in powder form and in different colors. Heroin can produce nausea and vomiting, as well as constipation and itching. At higher doses, the pupils of the eye narrow to pin-points ,the skin becomes cold, and breathing becomes slower and shallower. Long term use of street opiates and the associated lifestyle may result in damage to the veins, heart, and lungs.Women may experience irregular menstruation and possible infertility, while men may experience impotence. With regular heroin use, tolerance develops. As higher doses are used over time, physical dependence and addiction develops. Withdrawal Symptoms †¢drug craving †¢restlessness †¢muscle and bone pain †¢insomnia †¢diarrhea and vomiting MARRIJUANA – Illegal Drugs Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. Marijuana is addictive. When a user begins to seek out and take the drug compulsively, that person is said to be dependent on the drug or addicted to it.Marijuana is primarily a depressant; however, it may have hallucinogenic effects. Marijuana comes from the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. The effects of marijuana will vary depending on the individual and the mood they are in. It will also depend on the strength and amount of the drug being used. In combination with other drugs or alcohol, the use of how much stronger hydrophonically grown marijuana produces di sturbing feelings of paranoia, hallucinations, and other symptoms of drug-induced psychosis. Mental Effects of Marijuana depression †¢anxiety †¢personality disturbance †¢paranoia Marijuana is a dry, shredded green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. It is usually smoked as a cigarette or in pipe. It is also smoked in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana, often in combination with another drug. Street Terms for Marijuana †¢pot †¢herb †¢weed †¢grass †¢widow and ganja CRYSTAL METH – Illegal Drugs Crystal methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a powerfully addictive stimulant.There can be serious health conditions including memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior, and potential heart and brain damage. Crystal meth addiction is an extremely serious illegal drug and growing problem. CHRONIC CRYSTAL METH ABUSERS EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS THAT C AN INCLUDE: VILLENT BEHAVIOR, ANXIETY, CONFUSION, AND INSOMNIA. They can also display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia that can lead to homicidal and suicidal thoughts. Meth is part of a group known as amphetamines, the effect of meth is that it stimulates the activity of certain chemicals in the user’s brain.Meth is classified as a stimulant drug. Meth bought on the streets is usually a white or yellow powder. Meth can be swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted. Meth is often of a very poor quality and a â€Å"dirty† hit can make users sick. It usually causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a heightened sense of well-being. It can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested or injected directly into the blood stream. ECSTASY – Illegal Drugs Ecstasy or (MDMA) is a synthetic amphetamine-like (speed-like), mind altering drug that can cause the user to hallucinate. ecstasy posses chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetami ne and a hallucinogen, most often mescaline. Ecstasy is a white, crystalline powder in its pure form. It is most often available in tablet form and is usually ingested orally. Ecstasy is rarely consumed with alcohol, as alcohol is believed to diminish its effects. Ecstasy (also known as â€Å"adam,† â€Å"e,† â€Å"madam† or â€Å"xtc†) is a stimulant because it speeds up the functions of the central nervous system. Ecstasy is often mixed with a variety of different drugs, making it difficult for users to know what they are taking.It is dangerous to take other drugs in combination with ecstasy as little is known about these combination. Ecstasy can produce a â€Å"hang-over† effect with symptoms including loss of appetite, insomnia, depression, or muscular aches. The effects of ecstasy vary from person to person depending on size, mood, gender, health, weight, personality, expectations of the drug, previous experience with ecstasy. Ecstasy users al so report after-effects of anxiety, paranoia and depression. Adverse effects of ecstasy †¢nausea †¢hallucinations †¢chills †¢sweating ROHYPNBOL (DATE RAPE) – Illegal DrugsRohypnol is a strong sedative which is similar to the drug Valium, but is 10 times stronger than Valium. Rohypnol is a small white tablet that is single or cross-scored on one side and has the word â€Å"Roche† on the other side. Rohypnol dissolves easily in juice, coffee, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless when dissolved in any liquid. The effects of this drug are enhanced when mixed with alcohol causing: sedations, loss of inhibitions, relaxation, black outs and amnesia. It can also cause respiratory depression, coma and even death.The drug takes effect 20 to 30 minutes and effects may last as long as 8 to 12 hours. When combined with alcohol, rohypnol causes severe disorientation and the classic â€Å"blackouts† that it is known f or. Blackout periods are typically 8 to 12 hours, the victim may or may not appear â€Å"awake† during this time. This drug is especially dangerous, the drug’s amnesiac effect usually leaves the victim with little or no memory of any assault. Signs and Symptoms of Rohypnol †¢quick intoxication †¢bloodshot eyes †¢drowsiness †¢dizziness GHB (Gamma Hydroxy Butrate) – Illegal DrugsGHB is Gamma Hydroxy Butrate. It is a powerful synthetic drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It is a newer drug to the streets than Rohypnol. GHB is an illegally manufactured drug, so it is very dangerous since it is made by â€Å"kitchen chemists† and there is NO quality control like with an FDA approved drug. It is used the same way someone will use Rohypnol n an unknowing victim. GHB is usually found in liquid form that is colorless and odorless and has no taste when mixed in a drink or water. GHB Signs and Symptoms †¢dizziness à ¢â‚¬ ¢nausea †¢vomiting †¢unconsciousness memory loss †¢difficulty in breathing †¢seizures and coma DRUG REHABILITATION It is possible to recover from drug and alcohol addiction with the help of a successful drug rehabilitation. The capability of a drug rehab center to handle all types of drug addiction: heroin, cocaine, crack, meth, marijuana, ecstasy, prescription drugs and alcohol is vital. Many successful programs believe that the ability to accomplish a complete recovery from drug addiction must be based on the belief that an individual is not powerless, and in fact, must take responsibility for his or her own actions.Graduates of a successful program are individuals who can stand on their own feet and live drug-free productive lives. One of the most successful types of drug rehab programs available is entirely drug free in its methods of addiction recovery. This type of drug rehab program does not use drugs or medications to solve the problems caused by dru gs. It uses nutrition and nutritional supplements as an important components of its delivery. This type of program is neither psychiatric nor medical, but a social education model of rehabilitation. Person enrolling in the program must receive full medical, physical, and M.D’s permission to do the program and periodic medical review as individually needed. However, clients are not considered or treated as â€Å"patients† but as â€Å"students† who are learning to regain control of their lives. This is an important distinction. A student does not enroll to recover from an â€Å"illness;† he enrolls to learn something that he doesn’t already know. He addresses the disability caused by drug use with new abilities and new skills for life. Drug rehab staff prepare graduating students with â€Å"re-entry† programs to follow as they re-start their lives on a new footing.But the full drug rehab program is intended to produce graduates who can stand on their own feet and live drug-free, ethical lives thereafter. A graduate from this type of successful rehab program does not go to weekly meetings for months after completion, nor does he describe himself as â€Å"recovering. † A student who has graduated from this type of drug rehab program has recovered. He or she has obtained a new orientation in life. The premise of this recovery model is that a former addict can achieve a new life. This goal applies whether or not the program is delivered in a free-standing center daily after work, or even in prison.Once well, if he uses the tools he has practiced and learned to use at the drug rehab, a graduate can stay well. This is not theoretical. DRUG WITHDRAWAL As a person uses more and more of a drug, it becomes abuse which may lead to drug dependence. When drug use is stopped, drug withdrawal symptoms are experienced and these can be severe. The type and severity of one’s drug withdrawal symptoms of depend on the drug be ing abused. The route of administration, whether intravenous, intramuscular, oral or otherwise, can also play a role in determining the severity of drug withdrawal symptoms. There are different stages of drug withdrawal as well.Generally, a person will start to feel worse and worse, hit a plateau, and then the symptoms begin to dissipate. However, drug withdrawal from certain drugs (benzodiazepines, alcohol) can be fatal and therefore the abrupt discontinuation of any type of drug is not recommended. The term â€Å"cold turkey† is used to describe the sudden cessation use of a substance and the ensuing physiological manifestations. Drug withdrawal symptoms range from mild to extreme. In the case of mild drug withdrawal, the person experiences nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, insomnia, and tremors.More serious withdrawal symptoms include, but are not necessarily limited to fever, rapid pulse rate, heart palpitations, heavy sweating, respiratory dist ress, hallucinations. Getting over the withdrawal symptoms is an important part of treatment and recovery. If a person is in constant discomfort, extreme or otherwise, it is difficult to move forward in the process. Depending on the drug of choice used by the patient, medical professionals can design a treatment plan to help ease the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and allow the patient to return to a more healthy state.DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT Drug abuse treatment, also known a rehab, is the educational and therapeutic process of initiating recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. The ultimate goal of all drug abuse and alcohol treatment is to enable the patient to achieve lasting abstinence. The immediate goals are to reduce drug use, improve the patients ability to function and minimize the medical and social complications of drug abuse. The first step in the treatment process is detoxification of the body while emotionally stabilizing the individual.Many programs offer detoxificati on. However, this is only the initial step on the road to recovery. Alone, detox does little to reverse long term drug use. Detoxification safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal that are associated with stopping drug abuse. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts achieve long term abstinence, for some it is a vital precursor to effective drug addiction treatment. Once a person has completed detox, they are ready to begin the educational part of the recovery process.Drug abuse recovery is an ongoing process. The skills one learns during drug abuse treatment must integrated into their everyday life and this takes time. Though there are a variety of treatment options, available, there are some specifics to look for. A quality treatment facility should include strategies for keeping the person in treatment, deliver skills to help the individual handle everyday situations that may cause trouble once they have completed the program, and offer guid ance and counseling towards understanding the individuals initial reasons for drug abuse.The capability of drug abuse treatment to handle all types of drug problems: heroin, cocaine, crack, meth, marijuana, ecstasy, prescription drugs and alcohol is vital. Successful rehab programs believe that the ability to accomplish a complete recovery from drug abuse must be based on the fact that the individual is not powerless. The person is recovery must take responsibility for his or her own actions. Graduates of a successful program are individuals who can stand on their own feet and drug-free productive lives. HOW DRUGS AND DRUG CRAVINGS AFFECT THE USER’S BEHAVIORThe drug user will now attempt to withhold the fact of their drug use from friends and family members. They will begin to suffer the effects of their own dishonesty and guilt. They may become withdrawn and difficult to reason with. Strange behaviors often come about at this point in the addiction. The more they use drugs a nd alcohol, the guiltier they will feel, and the more depressed they will become. They will sacrifice their personal integrity, relationship with friends and family, their job, their savings, and anything else they may have in an attempt to get more drugs to satisfy the intense drug cravings.The drugs are now the most important things in their life. Their relationships and job performance will go drastically downhill. There is such a thing as a drug personality. It is artificial state of being that is created by drugs. Drugs can change the attitude of a person from their original personality to one secrete harboring hostilities and hatreds they do not permit to show on the surface. DRUG EDUCATION Drug education is the key to turning the tide on drug abuse. However, not all drug education has shown itself to be beneficial. The â€Å"Just Say No† program of 1980s did little to dissuade kids from trying drugs.In fact, 1990s saw the first increase in drug use among young people s ince 19070s. taking down kids and telling them what to do has never been an effective strategy. THE BEST STRATEGY FOR DRUG EDUCATION Programs that take a different approach to drug education have been seeing some successes. The programs are more focused on telling kids the truth about drugs and arming them information that will help them make good choices. By talking to kids and young adults from a less prescriptive position, they are finding that kids are more engaged and responsive.Young adults are like sponges and they are eager to seek up information. All the information about drugs out there is enough to teach them what is right and wrong. If you are looking for a program to address drug education for your school, group or community, there are four things you should look for. You should ask the educator what his philosophy about drug education is. You should also ask what experience with drug addiction and prevention he/she has. Inquire about what types of information he/she wi ll be presenting and how kids typically respond to the presentation.If he/she can offer references from other schools or organizations, that is great. Educators who have struggled with substance abuse themselves are particularly convincing. Kids will have the opportunity to ask questions about what it feels. Like to be addicted and how hard it is to overcome. The experiences of such an educator can be invaluable to the presentation. Drug cravings can be physical or psychological. Physical drug cravings occur when the drug dependent person builds up their tolerance to drugs overtime.Drug cravings, like other physical cravings, are taken as a symbol that the individual should give the body what it thinks it needs. Physical and psychological drug cravings are very powerful and compel many people to use drugs. Even though the cravings may seem like they are uncontrollable, they can be dissipated and you do not have to act upon them. When a person is in a drug recovery program, they will learn to tolerate the cravings and not act upon them. With these tools they are in a good position to start taking back control of their lives.Addictive drugs activate the brains reward systems. The promise of reward is very intense which in turn causes drug cravings. The intense drug cravings force the addict to focus his/her activities around taking the drug. The ability of addictive drugs to strongly activate brain reward mechanisms and their ability to chemically alter the normal functioning of the systems, can produce a drug addiction. Drugs also reduce a person’s level of consciousness, harming the ability to think or be full aware of present surroundings. IV.CONCLUSION Prohibited drugs aren’t good for anyone, and they are particularly bad for a kid or teen whose body is still growing. Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart and other important organs. Cocaine, for instance, can cause a heart attack – even in kids or teens. While using drugs, a person i s also less able to do well in school, sports and other activities. It’s often harder to think clearly and make good decisions. People can do dumb or dangerous things that could hurt themselves – or other people when they use drugs.If you think someone is using drugs, the best thing to do is to tell an adult that you trust. This could e a parent, other relative, teacher, coach or school counselor. The person might need professional help to stop using drugs. A grown-up can help the person find the treatment he or she needs to stop using drugs. Another way kids can help kids by choosing not to try or use drugs. It is a good way for friends to stick together. Drug education and understanding drugs and why they are dangerous is another good step for a teen not to take those prohibited drugs.