Drugs and Youh

The Effects of Drugs on the Brain

Darren S. Hurt

Com 220, Research Paper

Instructor, S. Bagwell

August 30, 2009

Drugs, no matter what type, to some degree are poisonous. It just depends on the amount consumed, which determines the effect on the brain.

Not all drugs affect the brain the same. There are different effects for different drugs.

Heroin: an addictive opiate similar to morphine. So addictive that it causes the brain cells to become dependent on it. And its users need it to function daily.

Marijuana: affects the part of the brain that controls judgment, emotions, and memory. The continual use of this drug not only weakens short-term memory, but blocks any information from ever making it to long-term memory.

Alcohol: just because it is consumed differently does not make it safer than any other drug. It not only damages the brain, but every other organ in the body. It leads to memory loss, it impairs judgment, distorts vision, and it can also cause blackouts.

Cocaine: no matter what form it is used in, whether it is crack or powder is very addictive. This drug can cause an addict to lose interest in almost every area of life; including sports, school, friends, and most important of all, family. It can also lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia. The physical affect of cocaine on the receptors in the brain reduce the feeling of pleasure, but is used to enhance ones sex drive.

Inhalants: such inhalants like gasoline, glue, paint thinner, and hair spray which are sniffed, affect the brain almost instantly. While some inhalant vapors leave the body quickly, some remain longer. The fatty tissues that protect the nerve cells in the brain are destroyed by inhalant vapors the effects include the ability to learn, remember, and solve problems.

Ecstasy: extended use of this particular drug which is an amphetamine makes it hard for the user to determine the difference between fantasy and reality, and leads to problems concentrating....