The Journal of Drug Issues

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The Journal of Drug Issues

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Abstract

Drug Abuse is generally defined as the use of a drug with such frequency that the user has physical or mental harm or it impairs social abilities. The substances that are discussed in this report are called psychoactive drugs; those drugs that influence or alter the workings of the mind, affect moods, emotions, feelings, and thinking processes. The drug mimics a natural process in the brain called neurotransmission. This is when a brain cell releases a signal to another brain cell. The signal then returns to the first brain cell. The signal is called a neurotransmitter. One major neurotransmitter is called dopamine, which is involved in feelings of pleasure.

When the drug is released into the brain, it blocks the dopamine from returning to the first brain cell. Repeated use changes the brain cells so that normal messages can't be sent between brain cells. The drug must always be present in order for neurotransmissions to take place. The user is only able to feel pleasure from the cocaine rather than the things he/she used to find pleasurable. This is called drug addiction or dependence.

The Journal of Drug Issues

Introduction

United States is faced with one of the costly and at the same time most chronic health problems known as drug addiction. According to the estimation by the national institutions of health, $500 billion per is spent on yearly basis due to illness from these hazardous addiction. As a result, many lives are ruined along with the incalculable premature deaths. The need for effective...