Physiological effects of recreational drugs on the human body Essay

Physiological effects of recreational drugs on the human body - Essay ExampleA fine line exists between recreational and dangerous, under-the-counter drugs and often, these two terms are interchanged. Most of the time, the line drawn in terms of legality, ab manipulation and risk of use involved (Recreational drug use, 2006).History tells us that drug use has been around for quite a long time now. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol along with natural drug derivatives much(prenominal) as poppy, ganja and hemp have been consumed by our ancestors since the time their use has been discovered (Burger, 1995 Burger, n.d.). Modern recreational drugs include ecstasy, cocaine and LSD among others.Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is angiotensin-converting enzyme of the around common recreational drugs used in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Marijuana leaves often referred to its street names mary jane, weed, grass etc. is usually rolled and smoked in cigarette form (called a joint or nail) o r in a pipe (known as a bong). The active ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which starts a series of pleasurable reactions in the mindset referred to as a elevated (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). Smoking a joint usually has no effect on the first use, but its effects are manifested subsequently the second or third use. It affects short term memory but does not hinder physical coordination and there are no reported nerve yet of overdose (Pocket guide to recreational drugs, 1995). From 2000 to 2002 marijuana use rose up to 24% in the U.S. alone and is considered to be the 3rd most abused drug reported in hospital emergency cases (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) the active ingredient found in marijuana affects the brain differently than other drugs. It increases the secretion rate of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Dopamine in return affects the limbic system, the area of the br ain associated with emotion and behaviour retard (Young, 1997). THC circulates fast from the lungs to the bloodstream as a joint is smoked (National institute on drug abuse, 2004). As THC passes thru the brain, it connects to specific areas called cannaboid receptors on the aflutter cells. Not all neural cells have the same amount of cannaboid receptors and often a large amount of these type of receptors are found in brain areas associated with pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement (Herkenham et al, 1990 National institute on drug abuse, 2004). effect of marijuana use on the heart Although none has invariably died from marijuana related cardiac failure, persons with arteriosclerosis or propensity to heart failure may develop complications from smoking marijuana. Smoking a joint induces tachycardia (brisk face lift in heartbeat) along with increase in heart failure similar to when a person experiences stress. These compli cations can vary in effect and severity (Young, 1997). Effects of marijuana use on the lungs In 1990, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports No difference in prevalence of chronic cough, phlegm production or wheeze was noted between the marijuana and tobacco smokers (included within their study), nor were additive effects of combined smoking of tobacco and marijuana on the prevalence of acute or chronic