Psychoactive Drugs
Marijuana and Opium
By Christina Campbell, Anna Lussier, and Merrell Readman
Description and Chemical Makeup of Opium
Classification of Opium
Slang Terms and Street Names of Opium
Ways to Ingest Opium
Opium can be smoked, consumed orally, or dissolved into alcohol.
Similar Drugs and Effects
One drug that is very closely related to Opium is Heroin. Like Opium, Heroin is another highly addictive drug that can be smoked and injected. It has a white powdery appearance in most forms but can also appear as a black, tar-like substance. After being taken, both of these drugs produce a euphoric feeling in the body.
Medicinal Uses of Opium
Effects of Opium on the Body and Mind
Psychological Effects:
-increase in endorphins
-agitation
-irritability
-anxiety
-restlessness
-insomnia
Physiological Effects:
-euphoria
-sense of emotional detachment
-absence of pain and stress
-altered mood and mental processes
-sleepiness/ sleep disturbances
-vomiting
-loss of appetite
-reduced sex drive
-itchy skin
-increased urination
-sweating
-inability to concentrate
-impaired vision
-death
The length of the effect depends on how opium was introduced to the body. When opium is smoked, the effects will appear more quickly because the drug is easily absorbed into the blood stream from the lungs. However, when eaten or mixed into a liquid, the drug must pass through the stomach first and take longer for the effects to appear.
Dependence and Addiction to Opium
Myths about Opium
Myth: Opium is not as dangerous as heroin. It is a traditional ancient substance and can’t be too bad for you.
Truth: Opium may have a long history of use, but it is also dangerous and even deadly. Long before scientists understood opium, they could observe that addicts would eventually care more about smoking opium than other necessary actions for living.Risks and Harmful effects of Opium Use
Some risks of Opium use include extreme lung damage from smoking, various circulatory diseases, as well as a strong dependency on the drug after extended use. It is a highly addictive drug, and can be associated with other drugs such as heroin.
Description and Chemical Makeup of Marijuana
Classification of Marijuana
Slang Terms and Street Names for Marijuana
Ways to Ingest Marijuana
Similar Drugs with the Same Effects as Marijuana
Medicinal Uses of Marijuana
Effects of Marijuana on the Body and the Mind
Effects on the brain:
Feelings of intoxication and detachment
Relaxation
Altered perception of time and distance
Intensified senses
Laughter, talkativeness
Decreased anxiety and alertness
Depression
b)
Cough, wheezing
Bronchitis
Emphysema
Cancer
Tar is deposited into the respiratory system.
Dependence and Addiction to Marijuana
Myths about Marijuana
A common myth about Marijuana is that it is harmless. Marijuana is not harmless, the use of the drug can lead to significant health, safety, social, and learning or behavioral problems, especially for young users.
Risks and Harmful Effects of Marijuana Use
Works Cited
http://www.drugs.com/opium.html
http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/opium
http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/opium-medical-uses.html
http://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/how-marijuana-affects-the-body-and-brain/
http://www.newportacademy.com/marijuana-rehab/street-names/
http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana http://www.livestrong.com/article/29994-marijuana-physically-addictive/ http://parentingteens.about.com/od/marijuana/a/Marijuana-Use-By-Teens-Statistics.htm