Drugs, and their effects.

The most popular drugs found in American society today include Marijuana, Phencyclidine, Heroin, Ecstasy, and Cocaine. Marijuana, considered the "softest" drug on the market, is made from dried leaves and flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant Cannabis sativa. It's long term effects include the impairment of judgment, comprehension, reaction time, memory, speech, problem-solving ability, reaction time, and driving skills. Short-term effects include confusion, acute panic attacks, fear, and sense of helplessness. Heroin, on the opposite end of the spectrum is one of the "harder drugs" available. It is highly addictive and can lead to fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, collapsed veins, as well as HIV/AIDS.

Day 46 - West Midlands Police - Cannabis Drugs Rai...

English: Close up shot of some high quality mariju...

Cannabis sativa plant

Cocaine is currently one of the most popular drugs used with an interesting history. It began with use by South American Indians for over 2000 years. The rest of the world started in the 1800s however due to the adverse effects on addicts, it was restricted in 1906 and included in the Harrison Act of 1914. Although this reduced the use of cocaine for a time there was resurgence in the 1960s through the present. The phases of cocaine include binging, crashing, and withdrawal.

Drugs in general have been popular since the beginning of time. However, specific drugs have become popular in different periods throughout society. For example, in the nineteenth century opium was at a high point in China. In the 1940s research shows LSD was the trend, with some doctors even treating patients with it. Today, designer drugs such as MDMA as well as marijuana are the drugs of choice.

Ayahuasca, Ibogaine, Peyote, Mandrake, and Cannabis are five drugs that are deeply intertwined within religion. Ayahuasca is native to the Peruvian Amazon area and used in religion as a "visionary tool" during ceremonies. Native Americans who believe it helps them...