Meth

How This Drug Works in the brain?

Meth is a stimulant that affects the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system. Meth changes
the way the body processes certain chemicals that act as communicators between nerve cells and
brain cells, which are called neurotransmitters The neurotransmitter most affected by meth is
use for dopamine.
List five acute effects
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and respiration. Alertness,
insomnia, euphoria, decreased appetite, and possible tremors and convulsions.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
- Dependence, tolerance, addiction, psychosis, weight loss, stroke, irregular heartbeat, skin
abscess.
- Damage to the brain is similar to Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease and epilepsy.
- Anadonia is a state of profound sadness, a person is not able to experience joy in pleasing
events.
Write about the drug culture
Meth has turned into somewhat of a drug epidemic, it has soared in popularity. It used to be
frowned upon by the general public but over time has become somewhat acceptable which isnt
good. Meth puts a dent in the users appearance in more ways than one, weight loss being a big
one. Culture promotes weight loss which I believe leads may people to try drugs such as meth.
And finally reflect on this drug
There are people in my distant family that are addicted to meth, it has completely changed their
personality and how they look. Theyve ages extremely since they first started doing drugs.
Cocaine

How This Drug Works in the brain?

Cocaine reaches the brain very quickly no matter what method you use to take it. Cocaine blocks
the reuptakes in the synapse of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
These transmitters are unable to be reabsorbed and recycled.
List five acute effects
Constricts blood vessel, dilates pupils, increase overall body temperature, increase heart rate,
increase blood pressure, severe headaches, gastrointestinal complications, decrease in appetite.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
- A tolerance is built up over time are heavy use.
- Snorting can lead to a loss of smell, cocaine also eat the cartilage inbetween the nostrils.
- Injecting can lead to allergic reaction and contact of HIV or AIDS.
Write about the drug culture
Cocaine is a social drug, it provides energy, confidence, and makes people more focused.
Cocaine causes people to be more talkative, which is appealing to people who would like to
network with others. You wont find many people recreationally using cocaine because of the
effects it has. It has no medical purpose that we know of. Its glorified in lots of media, such as
music, movies, and tv.
And finally reflect on this drug
Cocaine has some pretty nasty effects on a person, I agree cocaine is glorified especially in the
sense that many celebrities have gotten themselves addicted at one point or another. Cocaine is
harmful to not only the user but others surrounding who get the idea that its okay to use.
LSD
How This Drug Works in the brain?
LSD resembles the structure of serotonin in the brain, the resemblance amplifies the capacity of
the receptors for serotonin. A little goes a long way.
List five acute effects
Dilated pupils, rising body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure. It can cause
sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth and tremors.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
Recurring flashbacks may occur sometime post trip.
Psychosis is a condition of dissociation from the real world. Its characterized by hallucinations
and delusions. It can be similar to those who are suffering from schizophrenia.
Recurrent hallucinations, some users have reported having mind expanding experiences similar
to the ones they had while on the drug, long after they have stopped taking LSD.
Write about the drug culture
LSD was a drug of the 60s and early 70s, many people loved the idea of the drug. Descending
into madness and emerging enlightened. Many successful people and musicians describe the
LSD experience as one of the most important, eye opening things they have done in their
lifetime.
And finally reflect on this drug
LSD was discovered accidentally, eventually being released to the world for use. It isnt too
popular as far as I know. It doesnt seem like its too extreme or that addictive for people, but I
wouldnt know. LSD has given a lot of people ideas and things like that,t hat have made them
successful.
Heroin
How This Drug Works in the brain?
When heroin enters the brain, it immediately turns back into morphine. The morphine then
binds to the natural opioid receptors in the brain.
List five acute effects
Euphoria, alternately alert and drowsy state, dryness of the mouth, warm flushing skin, slowed
breathing, muscle weakness.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
Repeated heroin use changes the physical structure and physiology of the brain, creating long
term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems that are not easily reversed.
HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C & B are all possible from using infected needles for injection.
Infection of heart lining and valves.
Write about the drug culture
The drug culture for heroin is a lot of tweaker type of people, really uptight and on edge trying
to find their next high. Its a band of people that are willing to do whatever, wherever to get their
hands on the drug. Many of these people just want to get their next fix and then be on their way.
And finally reflect on this drug
Heroin is one of the worst drugs are far as I am concerned, it appears to have a lot of effects on
the body and the brain in general. I have seen a lot of people addicted to heroin around the Salt
Lake area and they all appear to be dirty as if they have just woken up in an alley. Heroin users
are scary to be around, its almost as if they are slowly losing their mind. I cannot imagine why
you would want to do that to yourself.
Marijuana
How This Drug Works in the brain?
The THC mimics or blocks the actions of the neurotransmitters and interfere with normal
functions.
List five acute effects
Red eyes, dry mouth, increases appetite, muscle relaxation, impact on short-term memory.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
Reverse tolerance, a situation when brain damage occurs and users become more sensitive to
marijuana.
Suppressed immune system: lungs show symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
Can worsen heart problems: heart rate is up to 3+ hours, people with heart conditions are at
higher risk.
Write about the drug culture
Marijuana is a popular drug, the community is really laid back and peaceful. The culture hasnt
changed too much over time, only the different types of marijuana infused devices. Its more of a
get high and eat type of environment, all laughs and fun. Everything going by slow as ever.
And finally reflect on this drug
Marijuana should be more widely accepted if you ask me, it has many benefits and I have yet to
see someone under the influence of solely marijuana get themselves into something drastic or do
something harmful. The benefits outweight the harm.
Alcohol
How This Drug Works in the brain?
Alcohol releases the cerebral cortex from its inhibitory control over subcortical systems in the
brain, kind of like a double negative effect. As the BAC level increases, the depressive action of
alcohol extends downward to lower regions of the brain, neuronal inhibition is linked to the
effect of alcohol in the GABA receptors in the brain.
List five acute effects
Drowiness, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, headaches, distorted vision and hearing,
decreased perceptions and coordination and blackouts.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
Liver disease (fatty liver) is a condition in which fat deposits accumulate in the liver as a result
of chronic alcohol abuse.
Alcoholic hepatitis, a disease involving inflammation of the liver as a result of chronic alcohol
abuse.
Alcoholic cirrhosis, a disease involving scarring and deterioration of liver cells as a result of
chronic alcohol abuse.
Write about the drug culture
The culture for alcohol is parties, celebrations and even a couple of drinks every night. There
doesnt seem to be an inappropriate time for one to have a drink. Overtime, it seems that
drinking has become more and more common and acceptable for all 21+ ages. Even some high
schoolers. The problem being alcohol leads to liquid courage, aggression, anger, emotions, any
of the these which can lead to bigger issues.
And finally reflect on this drug
Drinking in my opinion is more socially accepted now than it has been in the past. A lot of these
harder drugs have made alcohol seem like it isnt such a bad thing. Alcohol definitely leads to a
lot of issues and problems among the drinker and basically anyone in sight, it can be dangerous
and lead to unwanted sex and other things of the nature. I believe its a bigger deal than people
are willing to admit.
Anabolic Steriods
How This Drug Works in the brain?
Steriods attach and react with the androgen receptors in the brain, androgen is DNA based and
controls testosterone levels. (Androgenic Effect) when attached to receptors, it rapidly increases
testosterone and protein synthesis levels.
List five acute effects
Oily skin, depression, hair loss, aggression, de-colorization in skin.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
Roid Rage anger and aggression easily
Kidney failure
Blood-borne disease from injection.
Write about the drug culture
The culture that many of us are familiar with when we hear the words anabolic steroids is
probably sports or weight lifting. The culture here is more aggressive as steroids mess with mood
and also with physical appearance, not always in a positive light. Steroids have been banned
from MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL, and Olympics due to the fact that its basically cheating to get a
boost of this kind, that wasnt fully earned.
And finally reflect on this drug
Steroids are worthless as far as I am concerned, they are more harmful than helpful. Many people
use them, hoping for a better body image or to be more fit and in shape but if you havent
worked for it then its not worth it. Steroids do so much harm to the body both externally and
internally.
Tobacco
How This Drug Works in the brain?
The primary effects of nicotine is to stimulate the CNS, affecting the site for acetyl choline
names nicotinic receptors because they are excited by it. It release adrenaline, it is known that
nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine from the Accumbes Center, in the same area of the
brain of reinforcing properties of opioids, cocaine and alcohol.
List five acute effects
Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, increased heart rate, tremors.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
Lung, mouth and throat cancer.
Heart disease
Impaired immune systems.
Write about the drug culture
The culture of tobacco is general everywhere. People are able to smoke almost anywhere,
especially since tobacco is not illegal we see it a whole lot more. Tobacco is a more easy going
culture, its short term affects are not as severe as other drugs. It isnt as scary an environment.
Its accepted for the most part.
And finally reflect on this drug
Tobacco has the potential to be addicted but it isnt as scary or crazy as many of the other drugs.
I believe that people are more familiar with the idea of tobacco and its effects on users so that
makes it more easily accepted. While it isnt as harsh or fearful to be around, tobacco addiction
is still very harmful.
Prescription Drugs
How This Drug Works in the brain?
Opioids when taken, will travel throughout the body and brain and attach to specific opioid
receptors. Theses receptors dull out pain and make the user feel good. These receptors can also
help with cough and can make the user feel tired.
Stimulants work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, dopamine is the neurotransmitter
associated with pleasure, movement, and attention.
CNS depressants work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA inhibits brain
activity, and produces a calming or drowsy effect beneficial to those suffering from anxiety of
sleep disorders.
List five acute effects
Extreme weight loss, reduces sexual functioning, muscle deterioration, chronic exhaustion.
List and explain 3-5 chronic effects
Cognitive impairment from hypoxia because of repeated non-fatal overdose.
Reproduction and endocrine irregularity.
Intense sadness or death.
Write about the drug culture
Prescription drugs are widely accepted basically everyone. Some sell their own, while others
over use and buy from others. This is an expensive habit, which is why many people call it a
rich mans drug. Prescription drugs seem to be the start of a lot harder drugs for some, they are
prescribed medications, they then become addicted and can no longer afford the habit so they
move on to something cheaper like heroin or meth.
And finally reflect on this drug
Prescription drugs seem to be more widely accepted because a lot of people are given them by a
doctor. I believe this is more harmful than anything, a doctor is supplying some of these nasty
habits to those that dont actually need the medications. I believe prescription drugs are
definitely a gateway.