With all the recent summer music festivals, raves, and incredible parties, it may be inevitable that we will encounter some substances and have to make our own decision on whether or not we will use them. As with any choices we make, we have to ensure that we are properly informed unless you want to be treading water blindfolded.
With substances like drugs, we should all understand the scientific effects that they have on the body before even encountering any. Without biases on whether or not these drugs should be used casually, here is comprehensive information you should know.
Ecstasy/Molly
Also known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a synthetic drug with primarily a lot of mixed substances that affect the brain by increasing neurotransmitter release which lasts about 3-6 hours. After ingestion, ecstasy molecules will travel from the small intestine to the liver, followed by veins to the heart. The veins in the heart will carry ecstasy to the brain. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are released in larger amounts in the central nervous system.
This occurs because reuptake transporters, basically transporters that take up neurotransmitters after a signal is transmitted between neurons, is blocked by MDMA so serotonin continues to be in the synapses and to activate brain signals. The increase in serotonin will often result in feelings of increased energy and emotional warmth as the limbic system is most affected.
MDMA may become a potential danger as it results in a spike in temperature known as hyperthermia, and in certain cases can lead to renal failure (kidney failure) or arrhythmia (erratic heart rhythm). Frequent use has been shown to impair memory and cause depressive emotions. In addition, the “letdown” period in the days after taking Molly may be due to the fact that the serotonin supply has been depleted. There is not conclusive evidence of whether or not Molly is addictive but around 43% of users have shown dependency.
Meth
This is short for methamphetamine, a white crystalline drug that is primarily used for ADHD treatment. It is a stimulant that causes rapid and irregular heartbeat by inhibiting reuptake transporters of dopamine and norepinephrine. According to media, there are four stages of what meth feels like- first a rush of euphoria, followed by a high, a binge, and then a crash.
It is extremely easy to be addicted to meth and the negative side effects include paranoia, anxiety, appearance differences such as terrible teeth and extreme weight loss. Overdoses can result in strokes and heart attacks.
LSD
This drug is formally known as lysergic acid diethylamide, made from the ergot fungus, and causes psychedelic drug effects that alter awareness by acting on the serotonin 2A receptor. As a hallucinogenic drug, LSD will be different depending on what is known as “set and setting”. Set and setting refer to your internal mood states as well as environmental external factors which play a big role in the way your mind respond to hallucinogens. The effects of LSD vary but usually include interesting visual distortions and what is termed as ego dissolution.
As for potential issues, LSD can cause what is known as a bad trip in which your thoughts can turn into paranoia and visual hallucinations. Long after the drug is taken, you may still have flashbacks or even what is known as an extended trip. From research of the structure of LSD, LSD is known to stay on serotonin receptors for a very long time even upwards of 8-12 hours.
Rophynol
This drug is also known as “roofie” or “date-rape drug”, with the drug name flunitrazepam. Rohypnol is a sedative or depressant in the category of benzodiazepines, which are often used as medical treatments for anxiety. It causes muscle relaxation, drowsiness, memory loss, and impaired motor skills as well as heightened sensations of sight and sound.
This drug should not be used with alcohol as the sedative effects are very strong. Sedatives, including alcohol, will act at the GABA-inhibitor transporters and increase Cl- intake into neurons. This will lead to hyperpolarization which essentially means that there will be less firing of signals, hence, inhibition.
Cocaine
Similarly to meth, cocaine is a stimulant drug made from coca plants that is usually snorted up the nose. Cocaine increases dopamine release and prevents dopamine reuptake so that the neurons are built up between nerve cells. This causes happiness and hypersensitivity to senses as well as mental alertness. The high may last around 30 minutes usually.
The longer term effects of cocaine use may lead to loss of smell, malnourishment due to decreased appetite and some even believe there are correlations with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond that, there is potential for auditory hallucinations or general paranoia.
Here are the facts laid-out for you all!
Whatever your choices may be in life, whether it be political decisions or interpersonal relations, make sure you are as informed as you can be on the matter so you can make the decision that aligns with how you want to live life.