Physiological effects of recreational drugs on the human body - Essay Example

Physiological effects of recreational drugs on the human body It is said that all substances are poisonous and it all depends on its dosage. Drugsby definition are chemical substances that modify the body's physiology. For most people, the general belief is that drugs help the body heal (Burger, 1995; Burger, n.d.). New types of drugs recently emerged in recent time, those which are known as recreational drugs. Recreational drugs are drugs that are used for alternative purposes other than for work or therapy and are usually used without medical supervision ("Recreational drug use", 2006). A fine line exists between recreational and dangerous, illegal drugs and often, these two terms are interchanged. Most of the time, the line drawn in terms of legality, abuse and risk of use involved ("Recreational drug use", 2006). History tells us that drug use has been around for quite a long time now. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol along with natural drug derivatives such as poppy, marijuana and hemp have been consumed by our ancestors since the time their use has been discovered (Burger, 1995; Burger, n.d.). Modern recreational drugs include ecstasy, cocaine and LSD among others. Marijuana Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is one of the most common recreational drugs used in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Marijuana leaves often referred to it's street names "mary jane", "weed", "grass" etc. is usually rolled and smoked in cigarette form (called a "joint" or "nail") or in a pipe (known as a "bong"). The active ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which starts a series of pleasurable reactions in the brain referred to as a "high" (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Smoking a joint usually has no effect on the first use, but its effects are manifested after the second or third use. It affects short term memory but does not hinder physical coordination and there are no reported case yet of overdose ("Pocket guide to recreational drugs", 1995). From 2000 to 2002 marijuana use rose up to 24% in the U.S. alone and is considered to be the 3rd most abused drug reported in hospital emergency cases (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Source: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Effects of marijuana use on the brain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) the active ingredient found in marijuana affects the brain differently than other drugs. It increases the secretion rate of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Dopamine in return affects the limbic system, the area of the brain associated with emotion and behaviour control (Young, 1997). THC circulates fast from the lungs to the bloodstream as a joint is smoked (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). As THC passes thru the brain, it connects to specific areas called cannaboid receptors on the neural cells. Not all neural cells have the same amount of cannaboid receptors and often a large amount of these type of receptors are found in brain areas associated with pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement (Herkenham et al, 1990; National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Effects of marijuana use on the heart Although none has ever died from marijuana related cardiac failure, persons with arteriosclerosis or propensity to heart failure may develop complications from smoking marijuana. Smoking a joint induces tachycardia (brisk rise in heartbeat) along with increase in heart failure similar to when a person experiences stress. These complications can vary in effect and severity (Young, 1997). Effects of marijuana use on the lungs In 1990, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports: "No difference in prevalence of chronic cough, sputum production or wheeze was noted between the marijuana and tobacco smokers (included within their study), nor were additive effects of combined smoking of tobacco and marijuana on the prevalence of acute or chronic respiratory symptoms apparent." (Young, 1997). In the same study, it is noted that between marijuana and tobacco smoke, tobacco smoke cause degeneration of the peripheral airways and alveolated regions of the lung while marijuana smoke affected mainly the large pathways of the lungs. These two effects were also found to be cumulative (Young, 1997). There is also the issue of second hand smoke coming from marijuana and tobacco. Other complications brought about by marijuana smoking are burning and stinging of the mouth and throat and heavy cough. Many of the respiratory problems associated with cigarette smoking is also found in marijuana smoking such as daily cough, increased phlegm production acute chest illness and increased risk of lung infection and cancer. Marijuana smoking also increases the risks of developing neck and head cancers (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Other findings about marijuana reveal that marijuana smoke contains 50-70% more carcinogenic carbons than that of cigarette smoke and contains enough irritants to promote cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract. It contains high levels of a certain enzyme which hastens the production of malignant cells. Marijuana smokers inhale more deeply and hold the smoke longer than cigarette smokers, making marijuana smoking more dangerous than cigarette smoking (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Other health effects of marijuana use According to a series of human and animal experiments, THC impairs the ability of the immune system to fend off infectious diseases and cancers (Adams and Martin, 1996; National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Other studies show that mice exposed to certain levels of THC develop bacterial infections and tumours than unexposed ones (Klein et al, 1994; Zhu et al, 2000; National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Ecstasy Another modern recreation drug is Ecstasy, also known as MDMA or X. It is usually distributed in parties in the form of tablets. Unlike other drugs, dependence to ecstasy is rare ("Pocket guide to recreational drugs", 1995). MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is synthetic and bears a chemical resemblance to the stimulants methamphetamine and mescaline. Other street names for Ecstasy/MDMA include :"Adam", "XTC", "hug", "beans", and "love drug". Ecstasy use is prevalent in pre-teen and teenagers, in a 2003 estimate in the U.S. admit using Ecstasy within the past 30 days (National institute on drug abuse, 2005b). MDMA is synthetically produced in laboratories either as a derivative of methamphetamine and contains chemical precursors from plant oils such as nutmeg, dill parsley seed, calamus, crocus, saffron, vanilla beans, and sassafras (Redhead, 1993; ELK, n.d.). It was originally designed as an appetite suppressant for soldiers in World War I by German chemists working for the Merck Pharmaceutical Company (Climko et al, 1987; Redhead, 1993; Schuckit, 1994; ELK, n.d.). Source: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) The drug user's personal profile may have an effect on how the drug ecstasy will have an effect on one's body. Since an individual's body profile varies, so as to the effect of ecstasy. These factors include the weight, health, size of the individual will have a profound effect on the way ecstasy take effect on one's body. The environment also has a profound effect on the ability of ecstasy to cause an effect. It is known from studies that noise especially during dance parties could enhance its impact on one's mode. Person's with prevailing heart condition, liver disease, epilepsy, hypertension, and etc. has greater risk of greater health problem associated with ecstasy intake. However, the most serious effect of ecstasy is on the brain. The effects of ecstasy can be categorized into immediate and long term effects. Immediate effects includes: 'increased heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure; increased confidence; jaw clenching, teeth grinding; feelings of well-being; nausea; feelings of closeness to others, hence the term 'love drug'; anxiety; loss of appetite; and sweating.' Presently, there are few conclusive research findings on the long term effect of ecstasy on a person. This is due to the fact that only few use ecstasy for a period of time. However, evidence show that continued use could lead impact on some portions of the brain which could lead to depression and anxiety' (CMPMedica Australia., 2006). Effects of Ecstasy use on the brain The most dangerous effect of ecstasy is on the brain. Ecstasy's long term effects are still being studied although it is known to cause a sudden flood of serotonin in the brain, a chemical responsible for regulating mood and memory. This sudden gush of serotonin may cause neuron damage ("Dangers of Drug Ecstasy", n.d.). Animal testing show that Ecstasy exposure damages neurons involved in mood, thinking, and judgment. While this type of neurotoxicity is not very evident in humans, animal research indicates MDMA is not for human consumption (National institute on drug abuse, 2005b). Ecstasy Brain Pictures Brain scan images of MDMA users indicate decreased blood flow and brain damage in MDMA users. Also, brain scan images show that MDMA abusers produce less serotonin in the brain than non-users ("Ecstasy Brain Pictures", n.d.). 'These brain scans show the amount of serotonin activity over a 40-minute period in a non-MDMA user (top) and an MDMA user (bottom). Dark areas in the MDMA user's brain show damage due to chronic MDMA use' (Mathias, 1999). Other health effects of Ecstasy use MDMA increases body temperature rapidly during use which results to liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure. MDMA interferes with its own breakdown in the body as such, many of the same risks users of cocaine and amphetamines are also experienced by MDMA users including increase in heartbeat and blood pressure and other symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweating (National institute on drug abuse, 2005b) Cocaine Cocaine, known by its street name "crack" and "coke" is a powerful, addictive stimulant. "Coke" and "crack" are two different forms of cocaine. "Crack" is the form of cocaine not yet neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt and comes in a rock crystal form, its vapours smoked while being heated. The crackling sound heard while it is heated gave it its street name. "Coke" is the powdered, hydrochloride salt form which can be snorted or dissolved in water and then injected into the bloodstream (National institute on drug abuse, 2005a). Cocaine is derived from the coca plant and it has several safe and medicinal properties particularly as an anaesthetic and heart stimulant. Its addictive properties come from the chemical processing involved when it is produced as a recreational drug. It is easy to develop the bad habit of using cocaine and dependence and addiction to it may develop. Dangerous inflammation of the nasal passages may occur when it is snorted as powder ("Pocket guide to recreational drugs", 1995). Effects of cocaine use on the brain Being a neural stimulant, cocaine can cause clogged blood vessels, increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure (National institute on drug abuse, 2005a; Office of national drug control policy, 2006 ). As mentioned earlier, cocaine interferes with the re-absorption of dopamine and build up of this neurotransmitter causes a rapid and continuous stimulation of neurons associated with the high experienced by cocaine abusers (National institute on drug abuse, 2005a). Source: ("Cocaine addiction treatment", n.d.) Dopamine is discharged into the synapse by a neuron; it then binds itself unto dopamine receptors on neighbouring neurons in a regular nervous process. Dopamine is then recycled back into the source neuron by a specific protein known a dopamine transporter. If taken in by a user cocaine, attaches to the dopamine transporter which blocks the normal recycling process thereby resulting in a build-up of dopamine in the system contributing to the pleasurable effects of cocaine experienced by users ("Cocaine addiction treatment", n.d.). Effects of cocaine use on the heart Cocaine causes the artery to tighten resulting to rise in blood pressure and decrease in blood supply to the heart causing convulsions and heart attacks within an hour after use. Regular users and people with hypertension, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease are at put at risk. People with no cardiac problems are at risk of cardiac complications due to cocaine. Increased use also entails increased dependence and also lessens the induction of seizures. Infectious diseases such as hepatitis and STDs such as AIDS can also be transmitted by cocaine users in case they share needles. Also allergic reactions may occur when cocaine is consumed, especially when other substances mixed to it ("Cocaine Addiction Treatment", n.d.). Other health effects of cocaine use Increased cocaine use can reduce the period of time a user can feel high and increases addiction and dependence to the substance. "Trips" or "highs" vary; snorting can induce a 15- 30 minute high while smoking is usually less, about 5 to 15 minutes. The faster rate of absorption of the substance in the body, the shorter is the duration of the substance's action to the system giving the user a more intense the high. Aside from constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, other effects may also include hyper stimulation, reduced fatigue, and decreased mental clarity during the period of high (National institute on drug abuse, 2005a). As such, this makes cocaine one of the most addictive and dangerous of modern recreational drugs. Conclusion The use of recreational drugs has been with us for a long time. Users of recreational drugs have their own distinct reasons in doing so such as for medicinal reasons, curiosity, the need for new experience, to run away from pain or problems, and some are simply peer pressure. The effects of recreational drugs depend on the personal profile of the person such as size, weight, health conditions and etc. The environment where the drug is use also has a profound effect. Noisy places such party places increases the impact of recreational drugs. Some recreational drugs, such as the marijuana, are so harmful in low dosage; in fact there are some claims of the medicinal benefits of taking marijuana. However, some recreational drugs such as the ecstasy and cocaine are very harmful even in low dosage. Whatever the make or form of different kinds of recreational drug are, they are most likely to cause harm especially to the brain and the heart. For example, the regular use of marijuana, one of the most common and popular recreational drug, can lead to several problems in the brain, heart and lungs. In Ecstasy's case, brain scan images indicate that the use of ecstasy causes brain damage as they affect serotonin (the neurotransmitter affecting mood regulation, aggression, sexual activity, sleep, and sensitivity to pain) secretions in the brain which affects the communication of neurons in the brain ("Ecstasy side effects", n.d.). Although dependence does not develop with ecstasy use, it is still considered as a dangerous and risky recreational drug. Cocaine use also results to brain damage; the dopaminergic systems stimulated by cocaine use have been shown to start the reinforcement neural circuits, primarily exerting an effect on the nucleus acumens as one study shows (Goodman, n.d.). Reference list Adams IB, Martin BR. (1996). Cannabis: pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans. Addiction 91:1585-1614. Burger, Alfred. (1995). Understanding Medications : What the Label Doesn't Tell You. An American Chemical Society Publication. Burger, Alfred. (n.d.). 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The Pennsylvania State University. Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. Goodman, Ben. (n.d.). Cocaine in your brain. Macalester College. Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. Herkenham M, Lynn A, Little MD, Johnson MR, et al. (1990). Cannabinoid receptor localization in the brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci, USA 87:1932-1936. Klein TW, Newton C, Friedman H. (1994). Resistance to Legionella pneumophila suppressed by the marijuana component, tetrahydrocannabinol. J Infectious Disease 169:1177-1179. Mathias, Robert. (1999). "Ecstasy" Damages the Brain and Impairs Memory in Humans. NIDA NOTES, Volume 14, Number 4, National institute on drug abuse. Available from: [11 March 2006]. National institute on drug abuse. (2004). NIDA InfoFacts: Marijuana. Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. National institute on drug abuse. (2005a). NIDA InfoFacts: Crack and Cocaine. Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. National institute on drug abuse, (2005b). NIDA InfoFacts: MDMA (Ecstasy). Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. Office of national drug control policy. (2006). Cocaine. Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. "Pocket Guide to Recreational Drugs." (1995). Hoboes.com. Jerry Stratton. Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. Redhead, S. (ed.), (1993). Rave Off Politics and Deviance in Contemporary Youth Culture, Avebury. "Recreational drug use." (2006). Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. Schuckit, M. A (1994). MDMA (Ecstasy): An Old Drug with New Tricks, Drug Abuse & Alcoholism Newsletter, XXIII. Young, Blue Miner. (1997). Physiological Effects of Cannabis Consumption. Whitman College Available from: [Accessed 11 March 2006]. Zhu L, Stolina M, Sharma S, et al. (2000). Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits antitumor immunity by a CB2 receptor-mediated, cytokine-dependent pathway. J Immunology, pp. 373-380. Read More