Drug Abuse

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the issue of drug abuse in the United States and the impact it has on American society. According to the paper, more than a third of the population have tried at least one form of banned drug. The paper discusses how the three drugs that are commonly abused are ecstasy, methamphetamine and marijuana.

From the Paper:

"First-time users often claim that methamphetamine made them feel like Superman, as if they could accomplish anything, however that first-time high is difficult to repeat, which causes the individual to use more and more (Ladika). While meth initially heightens concentration and increases alertness, the "honeymoon period" is fairly short and many people move into addiction, which can take a toll on physical and mental health (Ladika). In addition to a decline in personal hygiene, because meth decreases blood flow, it can cause an itching sensation that causes the users to scratch themselves repeatedly, leading to skin lesions (Ladika). The decreased blood supply may also damage the soft tissue of the gums, and the chemicals within meth attack the tooth enamel, causing what is referred to as "meth mouth," with teeth decaying down to the gum line (Ladika). According to a study at the University of California, Los Angeles, which used high-resolution MRIs, meth destroys the areas of the brain that control memory, emotion and reward systems, and regular users lose approximately 1 percent of their brain cells each year, "which is comparable to the effect of Alzheimer's disease" (Ladika). Meth can also increase the chance for a stroke and high blood pressure, and can cause mood swings, paranoia and anxiety (Ladika)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blowers, Jeremy G. "3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) and symptoms of depression in the collegiate population." Journal of Alcohol & Drug Education. June 01 2004. Retrieved April 16 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• "Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 2006. Retrieved April 16 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• Frieden, Joyce. "States continue to wrestle with meth addiction: Oklahoma's system will allow pharmacists to learn who has bought the drug--and in what amounts. Clinical Psychiatry News. February 01 2005. Retrieved April 16 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• Ladika, Susan. "Meth Madness." HR Magazine. December 01 2005. Retrieved April 16 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.
• Onaivi, Emmanuel S. "Marijuana: Medical Implications." American Family Physician. December 01 1999. Retrieved April 16 2006 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.

More papers on Drug Abuse:

• Essay # 74190 : "Drug Abuse among Juveniles"
• Analytical Essay # 5782 : "Drug Abuse"
• Research Paper # 122067 : "Drug Abuse and Mental Health"
• Term Paper # 121995 : "Drug Abuse and Mental Illness"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: