that the user has physical or mental harm or it impairs social abilities. The

substances that are discussed in this report are called psychoactive drugs;

those drugs that influence or alter the workings of the mind, affect moods,

emotions, feelings, and thinking processes.

There are three basic characteristics that indicate that the user is

dependent on a drug. First, the user continues to use the drug for an extended

period of time. Second, the user finds it difficult to stop using the drug. They

may drop out of school, steal, go to jail, lose their jobs, or leave their

families in order to keep using. Finally, the user has withdrawal symptoms when

drug use is stopped. They may undergo physical pain or mental distress.

The drug mimics a natural process in the brain called neurotransmission.

This is when a brain cell releases a signal to another brain cell. The signal

then returns to the first brain cell. The signal is called a neurotransmitter.

One major neurotransmitter is called dopamine, which is involved in feelings of

pleasure. When the drug is released into the brain, it blocks the

There are four basic stages that the drug user goes through. In stage

damage to the brain, pancreas, and kidney. It also causes high blood pressure

accelerates the heart rate while simultaneously constricting the blood vessels,

Contamination of heroin with cutting agents, unsterile equipment, uncertain

weekends or at parties. In younger users, a general lack of motivation is

Some topics in this essay:
Alcohol Syndrome, Effects Drugs, Drug Dependence/Addiction, HIV Contamination, Drug Treatment, PCP PCP, Classification Drugs, Withdrawal Withdrawal, Heroin Heroin, Drug Abuse, withdrawal symptoms, brain cell, stage user, blood pressure, nervous system, dependent drug, drug abuse, nervous system produce, treatment therapy, drug addiction, runny nose, user dependent drug, signals nervous system, brain cell signal,