Occurring Drug Tolerance - Essay Example

The sympathetic nervous system dilates the pupil, increases the heart rate, inhibits gastric motility, and increases sweating. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart rate, causes papillary constriction, and increases digestion.

2. List and explain three mechanisms by which drug tolerance might occur.
Drug tolerance occurs in different ways in the body. Three major mechanisms of drug tolerance go down to the molecular level. It can occur when the degradation enzymes for a specific drug are increased in the body and this results in the destruction of the drug before it begins its action. In another mechanism, the receptors for the drug are removed temporarily or the downregulation of receptors occurs. These receptors are necessary for the action of the drug and decreased receptors might result in drug tolerance. Enhanced excretion of the drug is the third mechanism through which tolerance to the drug occurs. The excretion of the drug increases when the tolerance to it increases.

3. Discuss why current laws on crack possession have been criticized. Include at least three of these criticisms.
Current laws on crack possession have been criticized by many because the same laws for a crack in powder form are lenient. Critics put forward that crack in powder form should also be penalized in the same way as the normal crack is. It has also been put forward that the powder form is as harmful as the solid form of crack hence both should have the same penalties. Critics also put forward that the current laws are creating racial disparities as a crack in solid form is sold by many blacks. African Americans end up with long sentences whereas Hispanics usually leave after serving for a short term. Read More