Effects of Drugs on Consciousness

1057 Words3 Pages

The altered states of consciousness produced by drugs presents an all-to-common phenomenon in today’s society. Whether the desired sensation comes in the form of energy, a means of relaxation, or pain reduction, many people go to great lengths and present their bodies to threatening conditions in order to achieve this euphoric “high.” Unfortunately, the use of these drugs very often comes with dangerous side effects that users must learn to manage with for the rest of their life. According to neuroscientists, our entire conscious existence bases itself off of the lighting-fast reactions occurring in our nervous system (Nichols, 2012). Therefore, changing these neurological reactions can permanently effect our conscious being (Blatter, 2012). The physical and neurological effects from the use and abuse of stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, organic solvents, and athletic performance enhancing drugs will be discussed in order to better comprehend why certain individuals expose themselves to such dangerous materials with seemingly no regard to the permanent consequences associated with such actions.

Without contrast, the primary reason for drug abuse in individuals comes from the conscious state of addiction. According to Webster’s, addiction is described as “the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity (Hacker, 2011).” Sure, human nature’s desire to conform to peer pressure might cause one to first try a certain drug, but the euphoric mental states found in drugs mentally trap many individuals into becoming dependent upon these sensations. With that being said, these sensations vary depending on the type of drug used.

Many drug abusers find their “altered state” preference in the sti...

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...diction and the Dynamics of Altered States of Consciousness. Ebscohost. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=3417b954 -d2e4-4a7a-adf2-e91333269ac6%40sessionmgr4002&hid=4102&bdata= JnNpdGU9ZW hvc3Qt bGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=psyh&AN=2011-11267-024

Enevoldson, T.P. (2004). Recreational Drugs and their Neurological Consequences. J Neurol Neurosung Psychiatry. Retrieved from http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/75/suppl_3/iii9.

full.pdf +html

Hacker. 2011. In Merriam-Webster.com.

Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hacker

Nichols, D. E., & Chemel, B. R. (2011). LSD and the serotonin system's effects on human consciousness. Ebscohost. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail? sid=d809cd44-9376-42a9-933b9db28bb61870%40sessionmgr4004&vid=1&hid= 4202&bdata= JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=psyh&AN=2011-11267- 022

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