Illegal Drugs

Health Studies on Illegal Drugs
The use of illegal drugs refers to the consumption of chemical substances that has the ability to impair a person physically, mentally, emotionally and greatly influences his behavior. This is one of the worst black market trades that is forbidden by law but still finds its threatening presence in the world society. In the US alone, according to the report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8% of 12year old and above take to illegal drugs. Illegal drugs have been claiming 52000 lives annually. According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, the federal, state and local governments were spending a whopping of $467.7 billion, which amounted to 10.7% on the entire budget on controlling the illegal drug trade and in treatment. Illegal drug addiction is a chronic and relapsing problem. These drugs mimic, increase or block the natural neurotransmitters of brain. The brain remains soaked with the chemical disrupting the circuits which causes numerous problems to all systems resulting in increased heart rate, loss of coordination, involuntary behavioral changes etc.
Knowledge of the harmful effects of illegal drugs will help to restrict usage on an individual’s own volition. The following is the list of some of the most common illegal drugs found.
1. Cannabis: This plant product from Cannabis sativa, also called marijuana in its herbal form. This is one of the oldest illegal drugs that has been used and finds its consumption from prehistoric times. According to the World Drug report 2008, there is an estimated 166 million people using Cannabis in 2006-2007, making it 4 percent of the global population of people who are between 15-64 years. This psychoactive substance is either injected or smoked and creates a state of mind where the drug user’s faculties are completely altered due to the consumption. The drug creates a subjective “high”, the nature of which varies from person to person.
Effects:... [continues]

Read full essay