Drug Abuse
From Cocaine to Computer Games. From smoking to shopping. There are many forms of addiction. Some are based on a physiological (chemical dependency) and some are based on a psychological (emotional) dependency - however, for many addicts the two elements have become inextricably intertwined. Certain chemical addictions involve legal, everyday substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and solvents. Others involve substances produced naturally by the body. These include the neurotransmitters (NTs) serotonin and dopamine. As well as endorphins and enkephalins, the natural (endogenous) signalling messengers in the brain that interact in the body's central nervous system (CNS). Some addicts are dependent on substances that are legal when acquired by prescription for therapeutic purposes (eg anti-depressant drugs, tranquillisers and painkillers).
FDA and Caffeine (17.11.2010)
In the UK, narcotics like morphine, diamorphine (heroin), pethidine, amphetamines and cocaine come in the schedule-II drugs category, which means that they are subject to the full regulation of the controlled substances Act relating to prescriptions, safe custody and the need to keep registers. Other addicts are hooked on substances that have no accepted medical use and are schedule-I illegal drugs such as cannabis (marijuana) and hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Possession and supply of drugs in this category are prohibited, except in accordance with Home Office authority. Patterns of illicit drug abuse and the types of substances being abused vary according to the prevailing fads and fashion. For non-users, the illegal drugs that probably come most readily to mind include cannabis, heroin, cocaine, LSD and Ecstasy (MDMA). However, 'on the street', the range of substances available for abuse is vast and the number is expanding as new modifications are introduced. Substances that have recently appeared on the drug scene include alpha-methylfentanyl (China white), GHB (or liquid Ecstacy, liquid X, Goop, Georgia Home Boy and Easy Lay).
Escaping reality
There are a number of theories as to why people are tempted to experiment with illicit substances and what types of people are most likely to be drawn into this potentially harmful activity. Users themselves often cite boredom as the reason why they choose to take such substances and may be seeking to block out what they see as the mundane nature of everyday life. Drug abuse is often seen as a means of escaping reality. Other possible factors include peer pressure, a desire to rebel against authority or simple curiosity.
It is often suggested that people who get involved in the drug scene are victims of their own weak personality. Some theories suggest that there is such a thing as a genetic propensity to addiction. However, genetic inheritance alone is not a sufficient determinant. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in the US:
Among those people who do experiment with illegal drugs, not all find the experience enjoyable and - more often than might be supposed - the experiment is not repeated.
FDA and Caffeine (17.11.2010)
In the UK, narcotics like morphine, diamorphine (heroin), pethidine, amphetamines and cocaine come in the schedule-II drugs category, which means that they are subject to the full regulation of the controlled substances Act relating to prescriptions, safe custody and the need to keep registers. Other addicts are hooked on substances that have no accepted medical use and are schedule-I illegal drugs such as cannabis (marijuana) and hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Possession and supply of drugs in this category are prohibited, except in accordance with Home Office authority. Patterns of illicit drug abuse and the types of substances being abused vary according to the prevailing fads and fashion. For non-users, the illegal drugs that probably come most readily to mind include cannabis, heroin, cocaine, LSD and Ecstasy (MDMA). However, 'on the street', the range of substances available for abuse is vast and the number is expanding as new modifications are introduced. Substances that have recently appeared on the drug scene include alpha-methylfentanyl (China white), GHB (or liquid Ecstacy, liquid X, Goop, Georgia Home Boy and Easy Lay).
Escaping reality
There are a number of theories as to why people are tempted to experiment with illicit substances and what types of people are most likely to be drawn into this potentially harmful activity. Users themselves often cite boredom as the reason why they choose to take such substances and may be seeking to block out what they see as the mundane nature of everyday life. Drug abuse is often seen as a means of escaping reality. Other possible factors include peer pressure, a desire to rebel against authority or simple curiosity.
It is often suggested that people who get involved in the drug scene are victims of their own weak personality. Some theories suggest that there is such a thing as a genetic propensity to addiction. However, genetic inheritance alone is not a sufficient determinant. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in the US:
- 'While there is a clear influence of genetics on whether individuals become alcoholics, there are also apparently many genes at work. The inheritance of some combination of risk-promoting genes appears to increase the chance of becoming an alcoholic, but the role of environment is also important'
Among those people who do experiment with illegal drugs, not all find the experience enjoyable and - more often than might be supposed - the experiment is not repeated.
posted by Louis Brothnias @ 4:27 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home