Drugs addictions are becoming increasingly common, although many of those addicted have no real knowledge of what they are putting into their body. This article summarises some of the main drugs, their effects and their longer-term effects.
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
LSD is a class A hallucinogenic drug, also known as ‘acid’; it is originally from a fungus which is found growing wild on rye and other grasses. An LSD ‘trip’ can either be a good or bad experience and is dependent on the person, how they feel at the time of taking the drug and the people they are around. These trips can last around 12 hours and affect a person’s awareness of time and movement (speeding up and slowing down), a heightening of current mood, double vision, and distortions of sound, objects and colour. The effects however, can also be very random and for some people, can be very frightening as the drug feeds off the person’s imagination. Despite this however, there is no evidence to suggest that LSD has any long term psychological effects, but that it may have implications for those who already have mental health problems or if the drug triggers a mental health problem which has previously been undetected.
Amanita Muscaria (Magic Mushrooms)
Magic mushrooms are a class A drug which have similar hallucinogenic effects to LSD. There are two types of magic mushrooms; psilocybe semilonceata and amanita muscaria, the first of which is the most common type. The effects of magic mushrooms include distortions in sound, objects and colour, mixed up senses and changes in sense of time and movement. People may also become more creative and feel enlightened due to the way the drug can make people more emotionally sensitive. The main danger with magic mushrooms is ensuring the right ones are picked – some of them are poisonous and can make you feel ill or even lead to death.
Speed
‘Speed’ is the street name given for a range of amphetamines which are stimulants that keep people alert and awake. The effects of the drug usually last around 6 hours. They are highly addictive as people who take them need more each time in order to get the same effect. These types of drugs were once used in diet pills as they suppress hunger. They are class B drugs, although prepared for injection speed is class A. Other forms of speed include crystal meth which is powerful, addictive and dangerous. The come down from taking speed can make a person feel depressed and irritable, and this can last for a couple of days. It is also important that people do not take speed with anti-depressants or alcohol as this combination can be fatal. The drug can also lead to the development of paranoia and psychosis.
Anabolic Steroids
Testosterone is an anabolic steroid; the effects of other anabolic steroids are similar to testosterone and can be used in medicine to treat anaemia and muscle weakness after surgery. They are different from other forms of steroids which are used to treat medical conditions such as asthma, eczema and skin inflammations. Steroids if taken during a strict exercise regime can build muscle mass and can help people recover from strenuous exercise. People taking steroids can quickly become psychologically dependent on them. They are a class C drug and can only be sold with a doctor’s prescription. It is not illegal to possess or import them as long as they are for personal use only. Side effects from steroids include aggressiveness, mood swings, paranoia, confusion, sleep problems and high blood pressure.
Cannabis
Cannabis is a class C drug and is the most commonly used drug in the UK. It is a mild hallucinogen and mild sedative which can cause the user to feel relaxed and happy. Around 10% of people taking cannabis become psychologically dependent on it, although there is no physical withdrawal from it. It is commonly smoked with tobacco, although some people also add it to cakes, make tea from it, or smoke it in a pipe. The side effects of cannabis include anxiety, paranoia, worsening asthma symptoms, poor co-ordination, increased blood pressure, increased risk of schizophrenia, and tiredness.
Heroin
Heroin is a class A drug which is made from morphine, therefore meaning it is a very strong pain killer. It is a highly addictive drug which causes users to get a rush shortly after taking it, as well as a feeling of well-being or relaxation, depending on the amount taken. It significantly reduces physical and psychological pain. Heroin is highly addictive and people taking it soon become tolerant of its effects meaning they have to take more in order to feel either normal, or to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. The side effects from taking heroin include death, overdose, coma, respiratory failure; inhalation of vomit due to the body’s reduced ability to cough as a result of heroin, and vein damage.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a class A drug which makes the user feel alert and energetic. The effects of ecstasy usually last between 3 to 6 hours and was first popular with clubbers who took the drug to enable them to dance for hours. Like many other drugs, people taking ecstasy can become tolerant of it, meaning that they will need to take more in order to get the same effect. As a result of this people can also become psychologically dependent on it. The side effects of ecstasy include paranoia, depression, reduced urine production, increased heart rate, increased body temperature, anxiety, confusion, psychosis, and death.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a class A drug which has similar stimulant effects as speed, although it is stronger and these effects do not last as long. It is a highly addictive drug which creates a strong physical and psychological dependence. Cocaine is either smoked or snorted; smoking it causes it to reach the brain quickly in high doses, whereas snorting it causes it to be absorbed more slowly. The side effects of cocaine include vein damage, breathing problems, surfacing mental health problems, fit, heart attack, increased body temperature, depression, flu-like symptoms, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, miscarriage, premature labour, low birth weight, and death.
This article has been put together by the distance learning organisation Start Learning who are experts in home study. If you want to find out more about Health and Social Care or many other distance learning courses please browse their website: http://www.start-learning.co.uk
A good way to find out more about Health and Social Care is to sign up for a distance learning course on the subject. By studying in your free time and pace, you can gain the necessary knowledge while tailoring it to suit your schedule.
Kerrana McAvoy
Academic Director – Start Learning
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