Truth and Memory

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The usage of recreational drugs has a negative effect on the body, and can interfere with one’s memory. The main question is whether this addiction to recreational drugs is the main cause of the mind that interferes with the issue of truth and memory and how is it this shown by creative nonfiction writers. I argue that the addiction to such drugs as cocaine and crystal meth can mess with the author’s cognitive ability, therefore tying it to which ties into memory. When the authors are addicted to these drugs, their brains are affected to the point that they can no longer distinguish between truth and memory and thus result in blurred and false memories. Many people use drugs once in a while. Be it for pleasure, stress, or as a profession, it cannot be denied that drugs are affecting many people’s daily lives. Drugs are not the problem in the issue of memory. When one indulges too deeply with drugs, the stimuli that is need with the drugs does not come as easily and gradually progresses into a habit or otherwise known as an addiction. What this paper will attempt to address is how serious addiction can make memory impairment and is this enough to affect the lives of these people. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter with the function of controlling emotions and impulse among others. This is usually stimulated by “rewards” (Newton), which range from reading books to eating, for when there is excitement, this is released by neurons. Similarly, when one uses drugs, the signals that dopamine sends out are disrupted, causing a reduction in cognitive function. Research has proven that this dopamine is what brings out the addictive aspect of drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “drugs such as marijuana and heroin can a... ... middle of paper ... ... Psychology Today." Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness Find a Therapist. Sussex Publishers, 26 Apr. 2009. Web. 08 Nov. 2011. Rendell, Peter G., Timothy J. Gray, Julie D. Henry, and Anne Tolan. "Prospective Memory Impairment in “ecstasy” (MDMA) Users." Psychopharmacology 194.4 (2008): 497-504. SpringerLink. Web. 7 Nov. 2011. Roberts, Reverend Mark D. "Oprah, James Frey, and the Question of Truth." www.markdroberts.com. 9 Mar. 2006. Web. 6 Nov. 2011. Sheff, Nic. "After Relapse Come Terror, Hope - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Cable News Network, 16 Apr. 2009. Web. 02 Nov. 2011. Thoma, Patrizia, and Irene Daum. "Working Memory and Multi-tasking in Paranoid Schizophrenia with and without Comorbid Substance Use Disorder." Addiction 103.5 (2008): 774-86. Wiley Online Library. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

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