However, patients and physicians have reported that smoked marijuana provides relief from migraine headaches, depression, seizures, insomnia, and chronic pain (135). In this regard, it can be understood that even in this generation, marijuana is still believed to be helpful in assisting the treatment of certain diseases. As such, in depth and more extensive research and study must be done in order to further support such claims. Moreover, recent studies have also supported the claims that marijuana can be used effectively in treating a number of diseases. It has been emphasized that one of the medical uses of THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol,
Extreme use of alcohol and other drugs can damage the brain and can sometimes cause hallucinations or other symptoms of a mental disorder but is only usually caused by excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Another cause for a mental disorder is infection. Infection can lead to the rise of mental illnesses and schizophrenia has been linked to flu. Another physical cause of a mental disorder is the biochemistry including neurotransmitters and hormones. Neurotransmitters are known to have an impact on behaviour such as high levels of nor adrenaline and dopamine are seen when a depressed mood is evident e.g.
1. Explain how the use of substances alters a person’s state of consciousness, including depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Include in this explanation what happens to the neurotransmitters and body chemicals as well as how you might recognize if a person at work or in your family is in an altered state of consciousness due to the influence of drugs. Drugs can either enhance a particular neurotransmitter’s effect (an agonist drug) or inhibit it (an antagonist drug). Depressants act on the central nervous system to suppress or slow bodily processes and to reduce overall responsiveness.
After the neurotransmitters stimulate the receptors on the receiving neuron, excess chemicals are taking back up into the sending neuron to be used again (lecture). The reason that cocaine can induce euphoric rush is because it keeps dopamine,
They have continually criticized the utilization of this plant, implying that its habitual use may cause a permanent brain damage of neurons. According to an article done by David Sack in the L.A. times “Marijuana acts on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors, which are the most prevalent in the nervous system, influence just about every bodily function, including memory, attention, disposition, arousal, motivation, perception, appetite and sleep.” () For example, because the main active ingredient THC found in marijuana effects the interaction neurons and this receptors affect the critical area of the memory, scientists believe stimulation from these cannabinoid receptors forge dependency; consequently forming habitual usage and in return, brain damage. Although studies do only show its effect on the developing stage of the brain, it has not been further studied
Cocaine is abused a lot these days and it can go very out of hand. It can be used for medical purposes such as eye and ear surgeries. Cocaine will affect you almost immediately after use. It can shorten the need for food and sleep and that can become very dangerous for your health. Cocaine can become dangerously addictive if taken in big amounts.
Can drugs affect our memory? Haley groves 11/4/13 Psych 101 Professor Thompson Abstract The most commonly addictive drugs used today include: heroin, morphine, alcohol, and barbiturates (depressants that slow down the brains functions); and cocaine, nicotine and marijuana (all stimulants that excite the brain; overflowing it with higher dopamine levels). These drugs, when used, mix with the chemicals already in our brain causing an overflow of chemical reactions that lead to changes in thought, memory, emotions and movement. The most common chemicals linked to addictions are among dopamine, serotonin, GABA and norepinephrine. Can these drugs be related to false memories?
(Bonander). Numerous studies have established that cannabinoids actually help reduce pain and other distressing symptoms (Zablock, Aidala, Hansell, and Raskin White 65-79). Evidence has been found linking medical marijuana to the treatment of appetite loss, glaucoma, nausea, vomiting, spasticity, and weight loss. Marijuana has also been used for treating arthritis, dystonia, insomnia, seizures, and Tourette’s syndrome (Earleywine). Some chemotherapy regimens are notorious for causing terrible bouts of nausea and vomiting.
Some of the possible effects that are thought to be caused by smoking marijuana are forgetfulness, and reduced concentration. Because smoking marijuana is thought to tilt the balance of chemicals in the brain, it is said to regulate mood, appetite, energy, and attention. It also reduces logical thinking and calculation skills, and can impair a persons ability to perform a complex task, like driving a car. The reason for concern about long-term risks is because marijuana causes a build up of THC metabolites, and they stay in the fatty tissue of the human body for three to five days, and weeks in heavy
This group of drugs includes cocaine, methamphetamine, as well s nicotine. Though amphetamine does have some positive effects, including, a stimulation of cognitive activity and control of impulses, the greater effects are much ore detrimental. Due to is relative simplicity of manufacturing and overwhelming abundance; methamphetamine use is a plague on America. I personally have seen people deteriorate before my eyes due to methamphetamine use. Cocaine is another stimulant that often leads to dependence in users.