Advantages and Disadvantages of Drugs
Sarah Westerhaus Westerhaus 1
May 7, 2013
Advantages and Disadvantages of Drugs At this exact moment, a seventy-four year old United States veteran is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by his fight for survival in the Vietnam War. Because of his condition, he goes through daily paranoia, depressing memories, and stress related pain that never seems to dissipate. Even worse, there is a distance between him and his family that grows further and further each passing day. Only with the help of medical marijuana, also known as cannabis, can this man begin to heal both emotionally and physically. However, at the same time, there is a sixteen year old boy who brought a bag of illegal drugs to a party, and is now trying to convince everyone there to try some. All different types of drugs lure young adults into a life of addiction and apathy, while still currently they are desperately needed to relieve the stress and pain caused by events at war and many other situations. It is apparent that drugs may be dangerous or illegal, but there are some occasions where they are actually beneficial. In a few rarities, drugs are necessary to help sustain a person’s health. One mental illness called PTSD is said to be treated by medical marijuana due to a psychoactive compound in the drug that “effects the endocannabinoid system in the brain.” An Israeli scientist, Doctor Mechoulam, believes that because of this, traumatic injuries to the brain caused by events at war or other situations can be treated with marijuana also known as cannabis (General use of Cannabis for PTSD Symptoms 1). Eventually, stress from past experiences may reduce, which could help veterans with PTSD have a chance to become closer to their families and friends. “Nausea and vomiting is caused by cancer drugs you may get during treatment.” Doctors have
Westerhaus 2 been giving patients with cancer a medicine with active ingredients from marijuana to help the nausea
May 7, 2013
Advantages and Disadvantages of Drugs At this exact moment, a seventy-four year old United States veteran is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by his fight for survival in the Vietnam War. Because of his condition, he goes through daily paranoia, depressing memories, and stress related pain that never seems to dissipate. Even worse, there is a distance between him and his family that grows further and further each passing day. Only with the help of medical marijuana, also known as cannabis, can this man begin to heal both emotionally and physically. However, at the same time, there is a sixteen year old boy who brought a bag of illegal drugs to a party, and is now trying to convince everyone there to try some. All different types of drugs lure young adults into a life of addiction and apathy, while still currently they are desperately needed to relieve the stress and pain caused by events at war and many other situations. It is apparent that drugs may be dangerous or illegal, but there are some occasions where they are actually beneficial. In a few rarities, drugs are necessary to help sustain a person’s health. One mental illness called PTSD is said to be treated by medical marijuana due to a psychoactive compound in the drug that “effects the endocannabinoid system in the brain.” An Israeli scientist, Doctor Mechoulam, believes that because of this, traumatic injuries to the brain caused by events at war or other situations can be treated with marijuana also known as cannabis (General use of Cannabis for PTSD Symptoms 1). Eventually, stress from past experiences may reduce, which could help veterans with PTSD have a chance to become closer to their families and friends. “Nausea and vomiting is caused by cancer drugs you may get during treatment.” Doctors have
Westerhaus 2 been giving patients with cancer a medicine with active ingredients from marijuana to help the nausea