Abstract
This paper looks at the mechanisms of action of cocaine and amphetamines, and explores the sites of action in the brain. Additionally, the paper describes methamphetamine and compares it to amphetamine. The paper also looks at why cocaine is so addictive, and examines changes in the brain associated with use of these two drugs.

From the Paper
"Cocaine hydrochloride is a crystalline salt, the form usually sniffed or injected. (Jones) Cocaine base crack is generally smoked because the base is more volatile and vaporizes at a lower temperature, whereas cocaine hydrochloride decomposes before it volatilizes when heated. Cocaine hydrochloride is a weak base with a pKa of and in its basic form, in the bloodstream or in smoke, rapidly and efficiently crosses cell membranes. When it reaches the small airways and alveoli of the lung if smoked, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream."

Tags:cocaine, amphetamines, addiction

Abstract
The paper explains that attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are treated by amphetamines. It states that these amphetamines have become popular as recreational drugs. The paper explains the effects of using prescription stimulants on the body and especially the brain. The writer discusses how the college environment is often the first time young adults have some freedom and that they use this freedom to explore things that may have been restricted in the past. It discusses how peer pressure can lead to drug use and abuse. In conclusion, the writer states that the use of amphetamines must be controlled, not only because it is illegal, but because the individuals using it are all relatives or friends to someone in the world.

From the Paper
"Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are behavioral disorders affecting attention span, impulse control, and self-discipline. They are usually associated with children, although adults can suffer from the same disorders. Typically medicated with psycho stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin (mixed salt amphetamines and methylphenidate) - much concern is placed over these drugs due to problems such as the illicit use of these prescription medications (McCabe, Knight, Teter, and Wechsler 96). A major demographic who abuse or illegally obtain these drugs are undergraduate and graduate school students (McCabe, Knight, Teter, and Wechsler 103). Adderall and Ritalin are becoming popular as recreational drugs on college campuses. The drugs are being used at parties and clubs, where they are combined with other drugs such as alcohol, ecstasy, or other illicit drugs to enhance the effects. Another function these drugs serve on college campuses is as a study aid to increase students' attention spans and prolong the onset of sleep in order to do all-night study sessions. The college habitat is a breeding ground for the prominent use of various drugs and other illegal activities. Being away from parental supervision and become an independent allows students to explore new paths of life such as the use of illegal drugs. Through interaction between friends and peers the ability to network these drugs to others comes without any difficulty. Access to stimulants such as Adderall is not a problem for many and is something that is even more accessible and used when midterms and finals roll around. A competitive state of mind is something that is drilled into the minds of many students who want to achieve the best and pursue professional careers in various fields of work. These students are the ones that will go by any means necessary to achieve this perfection even if it is illegal and hazardous to their health and well being. Though, this is becoming more common around campuses and universities around the country it is a matter that is pertinent to be made aware of. When students freely self-administer these stimulants they are putting themselves at possible health risks including death. Through knowledge and awareness we can educate future students to be more cautious and be more conscious when doing illicit drugs. It is by this means we can make sure for the future generations to come of how important it is to be aware of the dangers involved in taking prescription drugs illicitly and the consequences that could result from them. Raising people's awareness should extend beyond the ramifications of health and psyche, but for the pain and agony they will cause to family and friends if either injured or harmed from taking the drug."

Tags:adderall, ritalin, attention, deficit, disorder, adhd

Abstract
Attention Deficit Disorder, commonly referred to as ADD, affects a significant percentage of the population. In recent years, the media has zeroed in on the debates surrounding the use of amphetamines as a treatment option for the disorder, especially for children. This paper examines a research study that discusses the use of amphetamines and the effectiveness of this treatment.

From the Paper
"The study concluded that dosing once a day with an amphetamine medication may be effective in controlling the symptoms of ADHD.
While the results indicate that the use of amphetamine, in particular Adderall, is useful and effective for the control of symptoms of ADHD, it did not measure the impact that family structure had on the results. Genetic links to ADHD have been proven and it is possible that the success rate was also affected by whether or not the parents are also ADHD and how that affects the family structure, and support of the ADHD child."

Tags:methylphenidate, Adderall

Abstract
The paper examines how schizophrenia and the induction of amphetamines impact the human brain in much the same way. For the purpose of this study the paper analyses eight representative journal articles. The general agreement among the articles is that amphetamines impact the neuron-chemical functioning of the brain in much the same as organic brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The paper also suggests that the depth and range of research in this important area still leaves unresolved questions and that more research examining humans themselves, and not laboratory animals, should be pursued where possible and where ethical.

From the Paper
"For many years, experts have known about how the neuro-chemical features of individuals reacting to amphetamine induction and the neuro-chemical features of individuals suffering from schizoid psychosis are similar. This paper will review the available literature to divine just what some of these similarities are. As part of this process, however, the following paper will necessarily start with an overview of the testing that has been done on subject animals (principally rats) which have been exposed to amphetamine induction. The reason for this is not only because there appears to be a relative dearth of clinical studies carried out on humans, but also because it has been studies performed on laboratory animals which have provided much of the knowledge we presently possess on this topic."

Tags:mental, health, amphetamines

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive discussion of the relationship between amphetamine use and creativity within the punk rock genre of the mid-1970s. Various bands, including such groups as The Clash, the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, and others are cited as examples. The paper further examines how amphetamine use fueled creativity in various punk artists and how it meshed perfectly with the punk aesthetic.

From the Paper
"This analysis was prepared using the memoirs of Punk rock stars and major players in the Punk movement in both the United Kingdom and the United States during the... Histories of the Punk rock movement, especially as it relates to amphetamine sulphate use and the arts and creativity were also used for this research. A detailed search of information pertinent to the Punk rock..."

Tags:Britain, New York, drugs, alcohol, Sid Vicious, Johnny Rotten, Patti Smith, heroin, inhibitions, paranoia, anti-establishment, status quo, rebellion, anarchy, aggression, sexuality, rock and roll, music, punk subculture, visual art, fashion, Andy Warhol

Abstract
This paper discusses in detail the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol on the human brain and how those effects play a role in the overall psychological constitution of the user/addict. The topics included in this paper include a brief yet detailed overview of substance dependence in conjunction with the evidence for psychological dependence as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV and other pertinent scientific sources. In addition, a number of recommendations for future research on the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol are discussed at the conclusion of this paper.

Substance Dependence
Substance-Induced Disorders
Alcohol
Cocaine and Amphetamines
Caffeine
Cannabis
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Nicotine
Opioids
Phencyclidine
Sedatives
Recommendations

From the Paper
"The study of the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol on the human brain, as compared to other medical conditions, is relatively new in the field of medical research. Only within the last fifty years or so has the medical community focused on how drugs and alcohol affect the human brain and the conditions that arise from prolonged abuse of the various associated substances. As Dent J. Yerbury points out, "literally hundreds of substances cross the brain barrier to influence human behavior and psychology" (June,1986), especially those connected to substance abuse. Reflecting those substances that are most widely abused and that cause the most significant problems to the abuser, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM--IV) has divided the universe of substances into eleven specific drug classes--alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, cannabis (marijuana), hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, and sedatives. Most recently, one other category has been included for less commonly abused substances, being over-the-counter medications."

Tags:drug-related, problems, substances, barrier, cross, abuse, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine

Abstract
This paper discuss marijuana, crack/cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, amphetamines, heroin, alcohol, nicotine. and caffeine to provide a framework for the author's argument that the legalization of drugs can in no way be deemed ethical or moral. The author points out that caffeine is an amphetamine, but it doesn't stand out because it is legal; although the effects of overuse don't seem to be as serious as those of other "harder" drugs, caffeine can be a dangerous drug. The paper concludes that the only argument that can be used to justify the legalization of drugs is ethical formalism; therefore, with only one available argumentative system to justify drug legalization as a moral act, the author believes that the conclusion to reject the legalization is correct.

From the Paper
"What is a drug? A drug, as defined by "Webster's Dictionary" is: (1) a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of a medication, (2) a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, (3) a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body, (4) a substance that causes addiction or habituation. The fact that the definition of drugs has so many components may be the cause of why society cannot come up with an agreement about whether or not drugs should be legalized. The definition contains the medical use of drugs which in the majority of cases are pharmacological drugs that have been recognized by doctors and pharmacists and it also contains the negative side of drugs which is the fact that drugs can cause addiction or habituation and can affect the body and mind. All drugs affect the body and mind. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and the drugs that we sometimes fail to recognize as drugs because they are so common."

Tags:formalism, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, marijuana

Abstract
The paper asserts that Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Disorder is a pressing concern in our society, but we can only grapple with it if we understand it, first. To begin with, the paper discusses how the disorder was "discovered" around the turn of the twentieth century and, by as early as 1937, researchers were discovering that amphetamines could diminish hyperactive and/or impulsive behaviors. Moving onward, the paper explains how by 1980, the American Psychiatric Association had identified a "collection" of behavior patterns as Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity; these disorders became named ADHD and ADD, respectively. Seven years later, ADD was officially renamed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder so that the definition would include the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity as well as inattention. The paper addresses its chemical and biological characteristics and shows how we have known about ADHD for some time but are still left groping for answers in terms of how to effectively assist our male children become less susceptible to the ailment. The paper posits that our failure to find a resolution for ADHD is a deeply troubling situation.

From the Paper
"Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Disorder is a pressing concern in our society, but we can only grapple with it if we understand it, first. To begin with, the disorder was "discovered" around the turn of the twentieth century and, by as early as 1937, researchers were discovering that amphetamines could diminish hyperactive and/or impulsive behaviors. Moving onward, by 1980 the American Psychiatric Association had identified a "collection" of behavior patterns as Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity; these disorders became named ADHD and ADD,..."

Tags:adhd, drug, treatment

Abstract
This paper begins by offering a brief overview of psychoactive substance abuse, including alcohol and amphetamines. It discusses the significant association between violence and the use of psychoactive drugs. This paper then expands on the effects of psychoactive abuse and the correlation between the use of psychoactive substances and the presence of mental illness. In conclusion, different types of treatment and their effectivity are highlighted.

From the Paper
"The prevalence of patients who are mentally ill and chronically addicted is growing every day. Many of these patients have lives that are defined by long term problems with personal and social functioning, problems with unemployment and a lack of adequate health care services. There are some who feel that these patients, especially in light of our swelling prison populations, should be a mental health priority for the entire nation. (Ahr & Holcomb, 1985; Youngstrom, 1991). The more that psychologists become involved with these complicated patients, the more likely these patients will be able to survive the problems they have experienced since the deinstitutionalization which took place during the 1980s. Before deinstitutionalism occurred, the primary treatment for these patients was in the hospital setting and the role of psychologist in this treatment setting was unclear. The hospital was more the venue of the psychiatrist, who managed the patients mostly on a biologically based model."

Tags:drugs, abuse, mental, illness, treatment

Abstract
This paper explains that the history of American society is steeped in the use of narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines and opiates that, for better or worse, has created various subcultures within America. From the gray curls of marijuana smoke wrapped languidly around the corners of hip smirks in the Beat Generation to the flamboyant rainbow of candy necklaces and neon lasers of Generation X ravers, the author describes these drug subcultures that have been as varied as any American demographic. The paper reveals that the eccentric lifestyle of these drug subcultures also created its own politics, art, literature and especially music, which became famous within the whole of American.

From the Paper
"America's first true culture that was heavily influenced by drug use was in fact, not even American at all. The immigrant Chinese laborers who came to the western shored of California to build railroads, brought with them opium, an exotic and alluring substance that soon took root in American society. The drug is made from harvested and cured poppy seeds, and chemists would later discover its use in creating heroin and morphine, but, in the late 1800s, it was most commonly smoked for the euphoric, dizzying sensation that it produced."

Tags:marijuana coffee hippies jazz, civil rights movements