Drugs have been a part of our culture pretty much since the beginning of civilization. From Dionysus of Greek mythology to Miley Cyrus’ 2013 song “We Can’t Stop”, we have become immune to hearing someone mention the name or nickname of a substance. Drugs have been glamorized and romanticized for centuries, and will probably continue to be. We shouldn’t, however, dismiss its dangers despite it being a popular subject in art. Although some people have only encountered positive results when using drugs recreationally, I will not encourage the use because it may have a negative effect depending on who you are. This article will also not inflict fear or persuade you to avoid drugs like the teacher in Mean Girls advising those to not have sex, but will rather provide you with information on three different substances for the benefit of your safety and others.
Cannabis (Marijuana):
Also known as kush, weed, pot, and hundreds of other nicknames, this drug’s main component is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This psychoactive part of marijuana has a significant contribution to the drug’s effect, which may give an individual the feeling of euphoria, relaxation and ease. It also can widen one’s appetite, explaining why people get the “munchies”. Some countries have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, as it can be prescribed for anorexia patients, individuals undergoing chemotherapy to help with the reduction of vomiting and nausea, and to also improve the appetite of people who have HIV/AIDS. And because of the drug’s ability to ‘calm’ someone, in some cases this drug is prescribed to individuals who experience anxiety attacks. Although this drug isn’t as addictive and dangerous as some that fit in the opiate category, there are certain things one should keep in my mind when deciding whether or not they want to recreationally, or even medically, use cannabis. One of its infamous long term effects is the impact it has on the brain development of teenagers, which causes reduced thinking, memory and learning functions. In terms of physical results, marijuana can cause dizziness, shallow breathing, increased heart rate and more. Mentally, it can heighten one’s paranoia and depression.
MDMA:
The medical name for this drug is the lengthy 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, but it is usually referred to as ecstasy or molly. It is a psychoactive drug and mostly used for recreational purposes, especially in today’s rave culture. Effects of MDMA weigh in about 30-60 minutes of consumption, and can last up to 6 hours. Outcomes include a heightened sense of well-being and happiness, increased social skills, feelings of closeness with others and enhanced sensation, sexuality and perception. Although these results seem desirable to experience, the short and long term effects are rather the opposite, and have even resulted in death. MDMA can cause dehydration, irritability, impulsiveness, lack of appetite and restlessness up to one week after consuming the substance. Potential adverse health effects consist of nausea, involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, and both heart and kidney failure. If you have a feeling that your friend or peer has overdosed on MDMA, respond by placing a cold towel over their forehead to prevent hypothermia, get them to drink cold water and if no signs of improvement appear, call an ambulance immediately.
Heroin:
Lastly, I will be discussing heroin, an opioid painkiller. With the heroin epidemic rapidly growing, it is worth to learn and inform yourself about the substance despite whether or not you know someone abusing the drug. Immediate effects of heroin, along with a pleasurable sensation as known as a “rush”, include a warm flushing of the skin and a dry mouth, which can then lead to vomiting, drowsiness, decreased heart rate and more. Breathing is also severely slowed, and that can dangerously evolve into one slipping into a coma and permanent brain damage; therefore, heroin is an overall life-threatening drug. Seek medical help right away if someone around you has overdosed (or even if you think they have) and provide the following information:
- The person’s age, weight, and condition
- How much heroin they took, if known
- When they took it
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