For millennia, people have used alcohol, opium, cannabis, mescaline, coca, caffeine, and other drugs to alter their perceptions of reality. There are plenty of reasons why mind-altering substances could be harmful and in some cases beneficial. Just like anything else in life there are exceptions to the rules. Arguments about whether or not this is true go on everyday. Studies show each side, both for and against the use of these. There are many consequences both physically and mentally as a result of taking these psychoactive drugs. What is a drug: a drug is a medicine or other substance, which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. Once the drug is in your brain and interferes with the cells it send messages to make you feel what you want to feel. Although these drugs make you feel worthy and sensational, should you be concerned about your health? Some of these illicit drugs can simply make you live longer or simply take away the pain for the time being. This is the Drug Controversy. “Psychoactive drugs alter consciousness by changing arousal, mood, thinking, sensations and perceptions” (Hockenbury, 2013, p. 166). There are four main categories of psychoactive drugs. These are drugs that affect the neurological interaction within the body, and mainly within the brain. These four groups consist of: depressants, opiates, stimulants and psychedelic drugs. People who struggle with emotional distress turn to illegal drugs in order to suppress their personal issues and escape reality for a short while. These individuals may not have health insurance and cannot turn to a conventional doctor to be prescribed medication. In turn, many take the high road and find themselves a victim of illicit drugs. Drug abusers do not put into consideration that these street drugs have terrible side effects. The main priority of using these drugs is to fulfill their cravings, which outweighs almost everything in a user's life. As a result, this has a detrimental effect on the body as well as the brain.
To modify ones reality, one does drugs. These drug abusers look at what is around them differently for however long the trip lasts. Drugs are illegal for a reason. With drug resources being limited by the law, addicts are turning to prescription drugs or street drugs. Street drugs, unfortunately, are not always of high-grade quality. Physicians and psychiatrists prescribe psychoactive drugs to individuals every day for those who actually do need them. Prescription drugs could range from anti-depressants, to pain relievers, tranquilizers, sedatives and even stimulants. These drugs can easily get into the wrong hands. The popularity of prescribed drugs tends to spread more than ever and that is the harm. By sharing these drugs or selling them, people are now buying drugs that are not good for them. These drugs were meant merely to correct and treat certain symptoms. One does not know the correct dosage or side effects that result from ingesting non-prescribed dose. Also, not knowing how much to take or how the drug will affect them physically and psychologically only results in bad outcomes. “Recently, there has been a growing regarding prescription drugs given their potential misuse, particularly among young adults” (Thom, 2013, p. 235). In conclusion there are many studies that have proven that the misusage of drugs leads to no positive outcome.
As of today, 20 plus states have made medical marijuana legal. “There is no existing evidence of anyone dying of a marijuana overdose, but this doesn’t preclude the possibility of experiencing adverse or unpleasant effects when it is consumed in large amounts” (Bonander, 2012, p. 1-2). Marijuana does treat symptoms of cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, pain, glaucoma, epilepsy, and other conditions. These symptoms could be a result from a variety of different illnesses; people overcoming back issues, car accidents, and other