Addictive Drugs

Drugs are simply defined as substances which influence the state of mind and are administered to keep our metabolism in control when there are disturbances. Drugs have been used not only to cure a particular state of mind but also for other reasons like mental pleasure and addictions. Addictive drugs are popular for the simple reason, that they take the consumer to a state where he is released from emotional as well as physical pain and he experiences ecstasy or satisfaction.

There are many types of addictive drugs which are consumed majorly by the younger generation, as they are exposed to maximum pressure from life as well as society. Have you ever wondered why are drugs addictive? Well, it's because when addictive drugs such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana are administered in the body, they dissolve in the bloodstream and reach the brain. In the brain, the pleasure sensors release a chemical called Dopamine which gives you a feeling of satisfaction commonly called, 'a high'. Your brain keeps wanting to administer this drug again and in no time you get addicted to it. Let's take a look at a list of the most addictive drugs used today.

Addictive Drugs List
Listed below are some addictive drugs which have hazardous effects.

• Methadone
• Mescaline or 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine
• Psilocybin Mushrooms or magic mushrooms
• Ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine)
• Amphetamine
• Alcohol
• Seconal or Secrobarbital
• Diazepam or Valium
• Crystal Meth or Methamphetamine

Some other commonly used addictive drugs are mentioned below. These drugs are highly hallucinogenic and an over dose can prove fatal.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Commonly known as LSD-25 or acid, was produced by Albert Hoffman in 1938 from a grain fungus, ergot. LSD is administered trough tablets, capsules or blotting paper as it is in the crystalline form. The administrative effect of this drug causes hallucination, paranoia and dizziness, anxiety, depression and other emotional disturbances. Physical effects include vomiting, convulsions and nausea.

Cannabis or Marijuana
This addictive drug is also known as ganja or weed and is composed of the chemical compound, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is one of the illegal addictive drugs used today by a majority of people. Weed is consumed either by inhaling the smoke of an ignited plant or orally ingesting it. The mental effects of marijuana include, increase in appetite, slowing of time, relaxation and the physical effects are increased heart rate, impairment of psychomotor coordination and concentration. Lung diseases are also an aftereffect of smoking weed.

Cocaine
Cocaine is chemically known as benzoylmethylecgonine and is commonly called Coke, Charlie or snow. In the 18th century, coke was used to make anesthetics and wine. It is either administered orally by rubbing on gums or by smoking a cigarette. It can be inhaled by snorting or by injecting it directly in to the blood stream. Mental and physical effects of cocaine include hyperactivity, restlessness, increased heart rate, euphoria. It can cause health problems like strokes, lethargy, lung disease and heart attacks.

Heroin
Dacetylmorphine or heroin is also known as smack, horse and gear. It was a morphine substitute used as a cough remedy in the 18th century and was derived from the opium poppy, cultivated even earlier. Heroin metabolizes into morphine right after it is administered and so it was considered as a non-addictive drug but gradually gained the addictive fame. Heroin is consumed by injections, smoking or snorting. The aftereffects of heroin addiction are euphoria, drowsiness, warm flushing and slowed breathing. It can cause health issues like heart infections, collapsed veins and lung disorders.

Addictive drugs are not healthy and it takes a long time to get out of addictions. They can be used for medicinal purposes only if they are prescribed but otherwise they should be a strict 'NO' for everyone.