Essay on "effects of drugs on the body intended"

Essay 3 pages (1075 words) Sources: 3 June 24, 2018

[EXCERPT] . . . .

HOW DRUGS AFFECT THE BODY 1

HOW DRUGS AFFECT THE BODY 5

How Drugs Affect the Body

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Introduction

Drugs are chemical agents that have an effect on one or more systems in the body, impacting both cognitive and physiological functions. Different classes of drugs affect the body in radically different ways, with some stimulating the central nervous system causing side effects like mental alertness and others depressing it, leading to pain reduction or sleepiness. A large number of drugs are specifically designed to treat medical conditions, although many drugs are also manufactured purely for their ability to alter states of consciousness and are used for recreational purposes. Some, but not all, drugs can be addictive with both physical dependency and psychological addiction possible. Some drugs also have a cumulative effect, while taking more than one drug simultaneously can lead to unexpected or unwanted synergistic effects. The interactions between more than one drug on the body are due to chemical and biological processes like antagonism, synergism, potentiation, and metabolism. From a political and sociological standpoint, drugs can be loosely grouped into classes that are legal and available by prescription or over the counter, and those that are illegal. Both legal and illegal drugs can be potentially harmful or addictive.

Intended and Unintended Effects

Intended Effects

The intended effects of drugs are those that the drug purports to induce in the body or mind. Different drugs have different intended effects, with the most common categorization being depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens (How Drugs Affect Your Body, n.d.). Depressants are intended to slow the functions of the central nervous system, such as by inhibiting the uptake of brain chemicals like neurotransmitters or preventing the body from releasing neurotransmitters. One of most common type of drug within the depressant category are the narcotics: drugs derived from the opium poppy. Narcotics, or opioids, include illicit drugs like heroin and opium, as well as prescription drugs like codeine and synthetic opioids like Oxycontin and fentanyl. The narcotics family has intended effects that include relaxation and pain relief. Muscle relaxers and tranquilizers such as sleeping pills can also be central nervous system depressants with intended effects such as pain relief, relaxation, anxiety relief, and drowsiness. In fact, alcohol is also considered a central nervous system depressant that has both intended and unintended effects.

The intended effects of central nervous system stimulants include the more rapid firing of neurons, which lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived energy level. Additional intended effects of stimulants include reduced appetite, alertness, or the ability to concentrate (How Drugs Affect Your Body, n.d.). Common stimulants include legal drugs like caffeine and Ritalin, as well as illegal drugs like cocaine, and MDMA. Finally, hallucinogens have the intended effect of creating profound altered states of consciousness that lead to perceptual and cognitive enhancement or unusual experiences including hallucinations and euphoric states. Some hallucinogens like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD induce mystical or spiritual states of mind.

Unintended Effects

The unintended effects of depressants may include impeded ability to concentrate or remain awake, which may lead to accidents. Likewise, depressants can slow down the physiological functions of the body so much that they can cause temporary unconsciousness, coma, or even… READ MORE

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