What happens when one takes hard drugs?

Hard drugs, such as heroin or LSD, often lead to addiction the very first time they are taken, Once the Drug enters the body, it immediately creates a need in the body to taken in more of the same substance to induce the desired effect. If the supply is denied, the body reacts with drastic withdrawal symptoms. These include muscle pain, cramps, and blood circulation problems, which can lead to death. Thus, people taking hard drugs can hardly lead a normal life. Their thoughts constantly revolve around how to get the drug again. Since the drugs are very expensive, the addicts often resort to crimes like stealing. Medical help is required to get rid of such destructive addiction.

Where does one get drugs from?

Most drugs, like Ecstasy, are made artificially in the laboratory. Heroin and morphine, on the other hand, have a natural ingredient: juice of the opium poppy, which is grown illegally mainly in Afghanistan and Southeast Asia. The raw opium is chemically changed into heroin in the laboratory. Heroin is a dangerous drug, which causes immediate addiction. Morphine, on the other hand, is not changed chemically; it is used as a strong painkiller in many medicines, but in a very controlled way so that it does not make the patient addictive.

Does Coca Cola contain cocaine?

According to an old recipe, the refreshing drink actually contained a decoction of boiled cocaine leaves till about 100 years ago; but today the drink is free of cocaine. The coca plant, from which cocaine is obtained, grows in the Andes Mountains of South America. The performance-enhancing effect of cocaine was already known to the Incas who inhabited this region. They chewed the levees of this plant in order to ward off fatigue. Today, the drug cocaine is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It makes one addictive to such an extend that one no longer finds any happiness or peace in a normal state of mind.

Why are drugs considered dangerous?

Earlier, the term 'drugs' referred to dried parts of plants that had an intoxicant effect and were used for medicinal purposes. Today, the term also includes those substances which induce a stage of dreamy forgetfulness and are thus often used by people who want to temporarily escape from reality. 'Soft drugs', such as alcohol or tobacco, which are found in cigarettes or cigars, can be purchased anywhere; however, they too can be injurious to health if taken in excess. In contrast, 'hard drugs', such as heroin or cocaine, are prohibited. But they are still smuggled across borders from the countries where they are produced.

Why do smokers find it difficult to quit smoking?

Like every drug, smoking too is addictive. The body gets used to it and needs it constantly. Smokers get addicted to the ingredient nicotine that has a stimulating as well as a calming effect on the brain. Therefore, it is not so easy for habitual smokers to give up the habit. This is the reason why people should avoid smoking. Tobacco advertising is now prohibited in many countries, so that people do not get misled. In addition, smoking in public places is also banned.

Why should we avoid taking alcohol in excess?

Everyone knows that drinking alcohol in excess is unhealthy. But only a few know that an excess of alcohol can damage the nerve and brain cells and disturb the person's sense of balance and perception. Long-term drinking can lead to permanent damage of internal organs. Slowly the entire body is poisoned and the organs stop working normally. Alcohol has the most damaging effect on the liver, whose task is to remove the toxins from our blood. Alcoholics are considered serious patients needing medical help.