People have taken psychoactive drugs for religious and recreational purposes for hundreds of years. ... Also, syringes enabled people to inject these drugs, making their effects more powerful and the risk of addiction more serious. ... Even occasional use of marijuana affects cognitive development and short-term memory. ... Heroin use initially results in nausea, slow respiration, dry skin, itching, slow speech and reflexes. ... In one way or another, the use of these drugs alters the normal functioning of the human body, and in the long run they can cause serious damage. ...

• Word Count: 619
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate