Within the last century, drug abuse and addiction have become a serious problem. Various reasons have led to abuse and addiction, but I feel it is important to examine the history of drugs. I chose to examine cocaine and learn how it has led to addiction and abuse in society. The psychoactive effects of the cocoa plant was discovered over 5,000 years ago as cocaine was released from the plant. Due to the effects of the plant, humans realized they could make money by selling cocoa plants. In 1857, the plant was introduced in Europe, naming it cocaine (Advokat, Comaty, Julien, 2014, p. 203). Cocaine was added to beverages and once hypodermic needles were invented, cocaine was used for anesthesia. Further exploration of the drug continued to occur and discovered other benefits including treating depression and opioid addiction. Over several years, humans observed behavioral changes, side effects, and many fatalities as a result of the toxins. Cocaine use in medications and beverages were then banned and other amphetamines became available at a cheaper rate, with comparison effects that cocaine produced. After the cost of amphetamines rose, cocaine became popular again until methamphetamines became more readily available and inexpensive. As time progresses, various forms of cocaine use have been discovered such as smoking and snorting. The rate of absorption varies based on how it is used. As the drug begins to wear off, individuals begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms and chasing the effects of the drug the brain changes that occur, and before they know it, they can become addicted. Similar to cocaine, the effects of using epinephrine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines were discovered. As time went on a new formulation of amphetamine was created and became a popular substance for use as it provided similar effects, but was a cheaper alternative. Cannabis was first used recreationally and then for medical purposes. A tax was passed on the medical use of marijuana which then ended the medical use of cannabis. However, the courts overturned this law and marijuana became available for medical, which in turn led to cannabis becoming legalized in several states and is now used recreationally and for medical purposes. Over time, more effects of using drugs were discovered, more individuals began using for various reasons, new forms of absorption were discovered, drugs were used more frequently, and abuse began. Drugs are easily accessible and it appears that once the effects of drugs are discovered as time goes on, cheaper and alternative formulas are discovered, more people begin to use for various reasons, and new methods of absorptions are discovered. This drug pattern appears to be similar amongst most psychoactive drugs. Thus, leading to addiction and abuse. Examining the history of drugs provides an understanding of how abuse and addiction has developed over the past several years.
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Get Help Now!The reasons for addiction and abuse varies, however, the society we live in makes drugs easily accessible. As seen in the information provided above, individuals sell drugs to make money. If individuals are selling drugs as income, why would they not be encouraging individuals to purchase drugs, regardless of the effects? I feel that genes and the environment also play a role in addiction. Addicts that I have encountered often report that they have a family history of addiction. Individuals who grow up in homes where drugs are used oftentimes end up becoming users. I believe it is because growing up in an environment where using occurs and is observed, children and family members observe this behavior and then mimic the behavior often leading to dependency or abuse. Socially, individuals may want a sense of belonging or don’t know how to cope with various situations that arise and turn to drug use. Women who are pregnant and use have an effect on the fetus. According to Advokat, Comaty & Julien (2014) one-third of babies who are born to mother’s using cocaine experience withdrawal symptoms (p. 211). Thus, babies are experiencing withdrawal symptoms at the earliest stages of development. In addition, other effects of drug use can cause cognitive function impairment, disorders, and behavior problems. Also, various drugs are used to treat various disorders, which can lead to withdrawal, dependency, and addiction. Overcoming addiction is difficult and oftentimes individuals struggle with relapse. According to Kisch (2008) treatment options for methamphetamine drug addiction have shown very little success and often results in relapse (para. 19).
Risk-benefits are associated with drug use. Some psychoactive drugs are legal and others are illegal. Drug use can provide various benefits including cognitive enhancement. For example, a medical field worker or individual who may be sleep deprived due to working varying shifts or several hours may benefit from drugs that provide alertness and enhanced cognitive functioning. On the other hand, an individual who is dealing with various life stressors may seek drugs as a relief. Treating psychotic symptoms using several hallucinatory mechanisms including activating D2R and 5HT2AR as well as blocking NMDAR are shown to be effective, however, negatively impact cognitive functioning Rolland, Jardri, Amad, Thoas, Cottencin & Bordet, 2014, para. 36). The use of psychoactive drugs should be examined as taking over one’s healthy lifestyle and wellbeing is concerning. Stages of development should also be taken into consideration as individual’s brains are developing, psychoactive drugs may impact development. For example, an adolescent who is dealing with depression, the psychoactive drug administered should be closely examined as to not disrupt the developing brain. Ethically, individuals should become aware and gain more knowledge regarding the effects of psychoactive drugs. Individuals should be responsible in understanding the proper use of drugs and effects to minimize overdose and reduce harm. Doctors should also be aware when prescribing psychoactive drugs with the intentions to provide therapy and treatment based on several factors including the individual’s health and well-being while understanding the risks involved. Prescribing psychoactive drugs that are necessary for the patient’s condition is essential rather than continuing to prescribe drugs that are unnecessary. Although it is concerning as prescribing drugs that are necessary as well as unnecessary can both lead to tolerance, withdrawal, and dependency. According to Kisch (2008) amphetamines are used for therapeutic and recreational purposes and medical professionals need to be aware and responsible in educating the public regarding the toxicity of amphetamines used for therapy as well as recreational use (para. 5). Understanding the benefits and risks of drug use is essential.
Pharmacokinetics is the process in which drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. Absorption varies, depending on how the drug is applied. Drugs can be absorbed through mucus membranes, stomach, and lungs. IV injected drugs go straight to the blood stream. The various methods of how the drug is administered plays a role in how long it takes for the drug to be effective. Cocaine hydrochloride poorly crosses the mucosal membranes because it constricts blood vessels, therefore causing less absorption (Advokat, Comaty & Julien, 2014, p. 205). Additionally, about a quarter percentage of the drug is absorbed when snorted. When taken orally, cocaine is less effective. Cocaine that is vaporized or smoked is mostly all absorbed and takes about five minutes to be at its maximum effect. When injected, cocaine reaches the brain and takes effect in one minute or less. Cocaine reaches the brain at a fast rate and then spreads to the tissues. Plasma and liver enzymes metabolize cocaine however, the drug stays in the plasma for about fifty minutes, but is slowly removed from the brain. Cocaine users often drink alcohol as the dual action causes the toxicity to remain in the body for about 150 minutes. Amphetamines are similar to cocaine, but with few differences. Amphetamines has a longer effect than cocaine and it’s half-life is in hours. THC is commonly rolled and smoked. The amount absorbed and its effect depends on many factors such as how much is inhaled, held in the lungs, and how much THC is present in the cigarette. Once smoked, it is distributed rapidly throughout the organs in the body. Containment in the plasma typically lasts 2-3 hours and then reduces slowly. When consumed orally, the THC potency declines by 2/3, but have a longer effect. THC is metabolized by hepatic enzymes and then removed by urine. The effects of THC depends on how frequently used and how much is smoked. A tolerance may build up, therefore higher doses of TCH may be required. The dosage of drugs plays a role in its effect. In order to reach its maximum effect, the drug has to reach a certain level in the blood stream. Several factors play a role in the dosage of the drug including interactions with other drugs, body weight, time of day taken, food, and overall health.
References
Advokat, C. D., Comaty, J. E., & Julien, R. M. (2014). Julien’s primer of drug action: A comprehensive guide to the actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs (13th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Kisch, S. J. (2008). The pharmacologic mechanisms of crystal meth. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 178(13), 1679-1682. Retrieved from the ProQuest database.
Rolland, B., Jardri, R., Amad, A., Thoas, P., Cottencin, O., & Bordet, R. (2014). Pharmacology of hallucinations: Several mechanisms for one single symptom? BioMed Research International, 2014, 1-9. doi: 10.1155/2014/307106
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