Adverse Effects of Marijuana and Opioid Abuse - Research Paper Example

The adverse medical, social, and spiritual consequences of marijuana and opiod addiction on the individual and society al Affiliation Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….3 Subjective effects of Marijuana Abuse..…..…………………………………………………4 Adverse Effects of Marijuana & Opiod Abuse……………………………………………...4 Adverse effects of short term use……………………………………………………………5 Consequences of Chronic Marijuana Abuse…………………………………………………6 Consequences of Chronic Opiod Abuse……… ...…………………………………………...6 References…………………………………………………………………………………...7 The adverse medical, social, and spiritual consequences of marijuana and opiod addiction on the individual and society Introduction Marijuana use was first recorded in China almost 5000 years ago when it was medically used to treat constipation, malaria, to ease pain during childbirth and as a surgical anesthetic (Doweiko, 2009). In America cannabis was first used to make hemp fibers that produced ropes as early as 1611. In Central and South America, marijuana may have been used for intoxication purposes even before this period. The practice of smoking marijuana for psychoactive purposes began in America by introduction through immigrant workers from Mexico. Opioids are known as the most powerful pain relievers. The Sumerians of 4000BC and Egyptions of 2000BC were the first to experience their pain relieving and euphoric effects. International awareness on the issue of opioid abuse started when President T. Roosevelt convened the Shanghai Opium Commission in 1909. The commission was to assist the Chinese empire stamp out opioid addiction (Preda, 2012). Marijuana is illegal as a substance of abuse. In spite of this, physicians have produced evidence suggesting that marijuana, or some of its components can play an important role in treating some of the diseases that affect mankind. Statistically, marijuana is the most abused illicit substance in the world (Doweiko, 2009). It is estimated that about 166 million persons above 15yrs use this substance on a regular basis. It is the most abuse substance in the United States. About 43% of persons over 18yrs abuse marijuana daily in America. Subjective effects of Marijuana & Opiod Abuse Marijuana abuse produces very strong effects. Users of the substance experience a mild feeling of relaxation, euphoria, sensory distortions and alteration of an individual’s perception of usual activities such as watching television, eating and having sex (Doweiko, 2009). Others may have enhanced perceptions of sounds and colors. In social environments, marijuana smokers may talk excessively and display infectious laughter. High potency marijuana causes a synesthesia like experience and enhanced tactile sensations. Research shows that very low use of marijuana seems to stimulate the brain to release serotonin which causes antidepressant effects that help reduce depression (Doweiko, 2009). Opioids bind to opioid receptors found on neurons that exist in nervous and immune system. There are four major types of opioid receptors. These are mu, delta, kappa and OFQ/N. These receptors act as binding sites for endogenous peptides, such as enkephalins, endorphins and dynorphins (Doweiko, 2009) . These peptides perform regulatory and modulating functions, including the following: control of pain i.e. pain relief, stress, respiratory repression that can cause death in case of an overdose. It also affects endocrine activity, alters mood by causing euphoria and decreasing anxiety, causes pinpoint pupils and a decrease in gastrointestinal activity which causes constipation (Preda, 2012). Adverse Effects of Marijuana & Opiod Abuse Many people view marijuana as being relatively harmless. This perception is supported by the expert views that estimate that for a 160 pound person to reach the lethal dose of marijuana, he would have to smoke 900 rolls of marijuana (Doweiko, 2009). For every 200,000 deaths caused by other illicit drugs each year, only two cases result from marijuana overdose (Doweiko, 2009). This however, does not mean that marijuana has no risk. When one uses opiods, the levels in the brain rise rapidly and cause a thrill/rush a person’s body system. The thrill is usually brief and intense. It causes a pleasurable sensation followed by a long-lasting high. Chronic use of opioids causes tolerance and physical dependence. Addicts may try to avoid the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms instead of seeking the pleasure that was associated with initial use the substance (Preda, 2012). There is tendency by opiod addicts to relapse on the drug even after weeks, months, or years after they stop using the substance and all withdrawal symptoms disappear. Evidence also shows that long-term exposure to opioids can lead to permanent alteration of the density of dendritic spines in some neurons (Preda, 2012). These permanent changes are believed to contribute to long term vulnerability to relapse. Adverse effects of short term use Common results for rare abusers include development of bloodshot eyes due to induced dilation of blood vessels in the eyes but this effect is relatively harmless. Marijuana use can also impair motor skills by about the same level as alcohol concentration of between 0.07 and 0.1%. It may increase an individual’s risk of having a motor vehicle accident by up to 700% due to loss of depth perception. Marijuana use also causes increased heart rate and arrhythmia. Though individuals sometimes use it as an aphrodisiac, its use is believed to reduce sexual, may cause erectile dysfunction in males, delays ejaculation and reduces sperm count. Secondhand marijuana smoking has 20 times more ammonia than ordinary cigarette smoke (Doweiko, 2009). Consequences of Chronic Marijuana Abuse Marijuana abuses are at risk of developing drug induced psychosis which is temporary for most of the time but in some cases it may become permanent. Habitual marijuana use also suppresses REM sleep. Research also found chronic smokers may develop precancerous changes in respiratory tract cells just as is the case in tobacco smokers. Smokers also have increased wheezing and coughs similar to cigarette smokers (Doweiko, 2009) . Chronic marijuana abuse also causes several dysfunctions in the reproductive system such as low testosterone levels, reduced sperm count and lower testicular size in males. In females, it may cause menstrual abnormalities and even hinder ovulation. Growing evidence suggests that marijuana may increase the risk of testicular cancer. Heavy marijuana abuse also causes cardiac arrhythmias. Heart attack survivors that continue to use marijuana increase their chances of death compared to non smokers. Another effect is development of brain cognitive dysfunctions. Despite contrary belief by many abuser, marijuana is addictive but with a lower percentage rate of addiction (Doweiko, 2009). Consequences of Chronic Opiod Abuse Chronic use of opioids causes tolerance and physical dependence. Addicts may try to avoid the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms instead of seeking the pleasure that was associated with initial use the substance. There is tendency by opiod addicts to relapse on the drug even after weeks, months, or years after they stop using the substance and all withdrawal symptoms disappear (Preda, 2012). Evidence also shows that long-term exposure to opioids can lead to permanent alteration of the density of dendritic spines in some neurons (Preda, 2012). These permanent changes are believed to contribute to long term vulnerability to relapse. References Doweiko E. Harold (2009) Concept of chemical dependency. Wadsworth. London. Preda, Adrian. (2012) Medscape Drugs, Diseases & Procedures Opioid Abuse. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/287790-overview U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2009). A Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Substance Abuse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General. Read More