Effects of Drugs
By Jordan Dixon
Drugs have an unusual effect on the body and some of them are very dangerous
Marijuana
Marijuana has a very mild but long term effect on people. on a long term scale the mind starts to deteriate and you start to form develop skitzophrenia. Not only that but marijuana can be very addictive as your mind psychologically thrives on the feeling of being "stoned".
Cocaine
cocaine is a very dangerous drug. If you take cocaine, it's possible to die of an overdose from overstimulating the heart and nervous system, which can lead to a heart attack. cocaine is very addictive and it leads you to feel invincible and end up taking a stupid risk that could either get you really hurt or possibly dead.
MDMA
MDMA is a dangerous drug that makes you feel more alert and affectionate but if you have a bad turn it will make you more anxious and give you psychosis. long term problems that are caused by MDMA are very bad, such as memory loss and depression.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a drug that is legal. Its a drug that most people think is harmless, but its not. Caffeine has a big effect on the body as it is addictive. Because of it being addictive if you do not have it anymore after having it for a while the body will get a craving for it. the reason this is, is because the body's been getting stimulated from the caffeine and when you don't have it anymore you wont feel as awake and you'll start to get symptoms such as; headaches and feeling fatigued.
EPO (Erythropoitin)
Erythropoitin is a cell that is produced in the kidneys. Once its made its job is to protects the red blood cells and stimulate the stem cells in the bone marrow. When there is sufficient oxygen in the blood circulation, the production of erythropoietin is reduced, but when oxygen levels go down, the production of erythropoietin goes up. This is adaptive because it facilitates the production of more red blood cells to transport more oxygen around the body, thus raising oxygen levels in the tissues.
Diuretics
Diuretics helps your body get rid of excess water and salt by removing it through the urine. By getting rid of these fluids it helps lower blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump. Diuretics are drugs that have side effects such as; Extreme tiredness, muscle cramps and dizziness.
Anabolic Steroids
Steroids are drugs that mimic certain natural hormones in the body that regulate and control how the body works and develops. There are two main groups of natural steroids; anabolic steroids and corticosteroids. It is the anabolic steroids that tend to be misused, mainly because they are similar to the male hormone testosterone and they can improve endurance and performance and stimulate muscle growth.
Effects of drugs on a sports performer
when you are a sports performer and you take drugs there are many effects that they will have on your body. Some of the effects are good and some of them are bad. The bad effects are things such as being unfit because of struggling to breathe, this can be caused off smoking marijuana or taking heroin and when the oxygen levels in the body goes down the EPO levels go up. Another bad effect is your heart rate. When taking drugs such as caffeine and cocaine your heart rate goes right up. Because of this your heart could be working more than it needs too and it could cause you to feel weak and dizzy. Some of the good effects are things such as; good muscle growth is a good thing by use of steroids and because of this it could cause you to win more competitions if you do heavy lifting, even though you only win by cheating. another good thing is your body will be more alert and more able to last a longer time during a game. The biggest problem with drugs and being a sports performer is that if you get caught with them your career will go downhill.