Abstract This paper discusses five drugs (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, morphine and heroin) commonly used for recreation and examines their medical effects. The writer describes each drug, its legal status and illustrates its uses as medical agents. The paper explains that the complex interaction of social acceptance, proven benefits as a medical agent, and potential side effects (including addiction) all played an important role in determining if a specific drug is used as a medical agent in today's health care system.
From the Paper "Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, morphine and heroin have all been used extensively as medical agents. All five drugs have also been used extensively for recreational purposes. As a result of their known adverse effects, marijuana, cocaine, morphine and heroin were all made illegal. However, alcohol remains legal. There is a resurgence of interest in the medical effects of marijuana, cocaine and morphine."
