Psychology Facts

▲ Drugs / Addiction ▲

I split this chapter into sections cause it's so long, sorry!!

PLEASE NEVER DO DRUGS GUYS, ITS NOT WORTH IT!!!! And if you do please seek help.

Addiction:

》Substance abuse and addiction also affects other areas, such as broken families, destroyed careers, death due to negligence or accident, domestic violence, physical abuse, and child abuse.

》Some early signs of risk that may predict later drug use are,

Association with drug abusing peers

A lack of attachment and nurturing by parents or caregivers

Ineffective parenting

A caregiver who abuses drugs

Aggressive behavior

Lack of self-control

Poor classroom behavior or social skills

Academic failure

》Drug abuse and addiction changes your brain chemistry. The longer you use your drug of choice, the more damage is done – and the harder it is to go back to "normal" during drug rehab.

Alcohol:

》Repeatedly drinking alcohol to the point of getting drunk has been linked to poorer performances on tests of spatial skills (like following a map, putting together a puzzle), attention, and to remember information that was previously learned.

》The effects associated with drinking occur when ethanol enters your bloodstream and passes through the membranes of cells in your brain, heart, and other organs.

》Alcohol has different health consequences for men and women. Long-term drinking have been shown to have negative health effects for women compared to men, even if the woman drinks less for a shorter period of time.

》Women who are dependent on alcohol are 50 to 100 percent more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than men who are dependent on alcohol.

》Teens who start drinking before the age of 15 are more likely to develop alcohol dependence later on in life.

Weed/Cannabis/Marijuana:

》Cannabis is usually consumed for its relaxing and calming effects. In some U.S. states, it's also prescribed to help with a range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, glaucoma, and poor appetite.

》Cannabis/ Weed contains high levels of THC. Some studies have shown that THC affects areas of the brain that control memory creation and attention.

》When people consume cannabis for recreational purposes, they might experience the following effects:

changes in perception, due to a slight
hallucinogenic effect that can create a distorted illusion of time and space

mood changes, leading to euphoria, feelings of energy, or a state of relaxation

higher heart rate

reduction in blood pressure

impairment of concentration and memory

reduced psychomotor coordination

nausea, even though some cannabinoids may help reduce nausea

increase in appetite

faster breathing

Heroin:

》Heroin is highly addictive. It's an opioid, which binds to receptors in the brain to release the chemical dopamine. As with most drug side effects, this release is only temporary — which leaves some people wanting more of the "good" feeling.

》Signs and symptoms of heroin use can include:

agitation or drowsiness

slurred speech

constricted (smaller) pupils

depression

memory problems

needle marks (if injecting the drug)

runny nose or nose sores (if snorting the drug)

constipation

reduced sense of pain

》Other signs of heroin use can include:

changes in appearance or decline in personal hygiene

changes in behavior, like sudden secrecy or aggression

money issues, such as missing money or needing more and more money without any logical reason

problems at school or work

risky or dangerous behavior

Cocaine:

》Cocaine — aka coke, blow, and snow — is a powerful stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant. It usually comes in the form of a white, crystalline powder.

》Common psychological effects of cocaine include:

feelings of intense happiness

increased energy

paranoia

feeling more social and talkative

inflated confidence

increased alertness

irritability

anxiety

》Cocaine produces several physical effects, including:

dilated pupils

fast or irregular heartbeat

constricted blood vessels

muscle twitches

tremors

high blood pressure

increased body temperature

nausea

restlessness

decreased appetite

insomnia

headache

dizziness

diarrhea

bloody nose

trouble getting or keeping an erection

》Here's what to expect in terms of how long the high lasts:

Snorting: 15 to 30 minutes
Gumming: 15 to 30 minutes
Smoking: 5 to 15 minutes
Injecting: 5 to 15 minutes