The War on Drugs

Essay by lvdude2008College, UndergraduateB+, March 2010

download word file, 12 pages 0.0

AbstractIn the history of mankind there have always been drugs. They fall into four primary categories stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and analgesics. Stimulants are drugs that act on the central nervous system to increase brain activity. These include cocaine, speed, anabolic steroids, ecstasy and tobacco. Depressants act on the central nervous system and slow down brain activity; examples are tranquillizers, gases, aerosols and glue. Hallucinogens distort the mind and what the user physically experiences; including LSD, magic mushrooms, and pot. Analgesics are drugs which have a painkilling effect and which can also bring feelings of warmth and contentment. Some analgesics include heroin, morphine and opium.

Types of drug abuse have manifested over the years into several different classifications. Types of abuse include Alcoholism, Marijuana abuse, Nicotine addiction, Heroin addiction, Barbiturates use, Benzodiazepine abuse, Cocaine use, Opium alkaloid use, and Amphetamine abuse. Abuse rates have increased over the years too. A study by the University of Michigan in 2002 showed that nearly 50% of 12th Grade students had used Marijuana at one time.

It also showed that 60% had used cigarettes and that 55% had used any illicit Drug at one time or another. Compared too much lower abuse numbers from years before.

Drug abuse is defined as the excessive usage of drugs. Drug abuse affects more than just the abuser. It can seriously damage any number of personal and professional relationships. Drug abuse affects all aspects of an abusers life. This can lead to loss of jobs, families being torn apart through violence or divorce, prison, and death for some. All of these have far reaching consequences. The drug abuser who receives no rehabilitation can be doomed to a life of low self-esteem and crime. It is like a cancer on our society and worthy of serious consideration. Drug usage...