Psychoactive Drugs And Its Effects On The Uk - 3996 Words

Background Psychoactive drugs can be defined as any chemical substance, whether it be of a synthetic or of an organic nature, used with the purpose of altering an individual’s psychological state of mind, mood or perception (Gossop, 1993, cited in Saggers Gray, 1998). According to Fleckenstein, Hanson Venturelli (2014), drugs are allocated into two categories consisting of illegal and legal. Illegal drugs usually consist of hallucinogenic substances such as marijuana (however, can be used for medical reasons), crack cocaine, ecstasy and others. The law prohibits use of these substances and can also result in social stigma. On the other hand, legal drugs consist of substances such as coffee, alcohol, tobacco and over the counter (OTC) drugs, to a high extent these drugs are usually socially accepted and the effects are inconspicuous if used in moderation. Statistics of drug use amongst youth in the UK According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NHI) (2012a), deaths regarding drug use has doubled since the 1980’s, furthermore it is stated that there are more illnesses and disabilities from drug abuse than any other avoidable health condition. There are many reasons why young people may choose to indulge in the risky behaviour that is drug use. Individuals may feel pressured by their peers, take this action out of curiosity or use it as a method for dealing with physiological or psychological problems (Better Health, 2012). A study performed by Miller and PlantShow MoreRelatedPsychoactive Drugs : The Single Convention On Narcotic Drugs1587 Words   |  7 PagesSingle Convention on Narcotic Drugs, where it was noted that the problem requires urgent and priority, and in 1984 in the Declaration on the fight against drug trafficking and drug abuse the entire conglomerate of problems, ranging from illicit manufacturing and trafficking to abuse, called shameful and disgusti ng crime. And it can be called a kind of ostrich policy† (The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961). There are four key groups of psychoactive drugs: stimulants, depressants, opioidsRead MoreModels in the Substance Abuse Field 1206 Words   |  5 Pagesdeportment or motor function,† (DSM-IV, 4th edition) whether it is legal or illegal. Substance abuse refers to the utilization of a drug or other substances for non-medical purposes with the aim of engendering a mind-altering effect in the utilizer (MOH, 2005). It involves the utilization of illegal substances such as cannabis, misuse of licit drugs or utilization of a drug or substances for purposes other than that prescription (MOH, 2005; Rehm Eschmann, 2002). Substance abuse is one of the expeditiousRead MoreEcstasy And The Rave Culture Essay911 Words   |  4 Pagesmodernized ways of living, and no doubt these technological advances will continue to grow. As a result drugs and chemicals are far more readily available than ever before in history, especially those of illegal drugs (J.Davies N.Coggans (1991) P.6). This has led to an increase in recreational drug use (drug taking for pleasure). This clearly has implications for health issues as drugs dont only create physical health issues but can cause emotional problems, tension, destructionRead MoreAlcohol, Smoking and Drugs1160 Words   |  5 PagesAlcohol, Smoking and Drugs Before anyone ever takes a hit, or a drink, or a smoke, there is a decision made in the mind - a healthy decision or an unhealthy one. Sometimes as ourselves making a healthy choice is hard because we are tired, stressed, angry, pressured, or influenced by another person - e.g why we end up eating chocolate instead of fruit as eating things like chocolate stimulates our minds. As nicotine is legal to take at the age of 16 by law it has become a well known behaviour forRead MoreP4: Explain How Two Examples of Legislations, Policies, Standards or Codes of Practice Have Influenced Health Provision896 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Reducing drugs misuse and dependence† and â€Å"Giving all children a healthy start in life† Reducing drugs misuse and dependence This policy was enforced because a statistic was made; that between 2011 and 2012, an estimated 8.9% of adults used an illegal drug. And 19.3% of young people aged between 16 and 24 also used an illegal drug. Drug misuse has a negative effect on the health, wellbeing and quality of life of too many people. It also drains public resources. Crimes related to drugs cost theRead MoreCharlottes Case Study1573 Words   |  7 PagesLooking at the statistics for cocaine use in the United Kingdom stated on the statistics on misuse in Wales (2017). In 2014/15 there were 8,621 hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of drug related mental health issues and behavioural disorders. In 2015 there were 2,479 registered deaths related to drugs. Drugs and alcohol occupational standards (DANOS) DANOS works in a concept sector they can operate as a strategic body, working in partnership with other health organisations. In developing DANOSRead MoreMarijuana Is The Most Dangerous For Human Health1251 Words   |  6 Pageswhen smoked or ingested, marijuana has psychoactive effects in humans. These psychoactive effects include: relaxation, heightened senses, laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite (What Are Marijuana Effects?). The main chemical in Marijuana that causes these effects is delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, but there are about one hundred other chemicals in the hemp plant that are related to THC called cannabinoids. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency or DEA has definedRead MoreDrug Addiction and Drugs1219 Words   |  5 PagesDrugs Addiction Miami Beach Senior High Ashley Gonzalez Ms. Cooper/Mr.Sussman English II-Period Three 06 March 2013 Drugs Addiction Topic and Thesis Statement Miami Beach Senior High Topic: Drugs Thesis Statement: In an examination of drugs I will discuss causes of this disease/or social dilemma. I will also discuss the effect of drugs on individuals, families and society. Read MoreAlcohol Death And Its Effect On Family Life1625 Words   |  7 Pagesdifficulties and hardships of life. However, thousands of alcohol-death case happened every year and more than 1/3 of adult people drank alcohol to cause themselves in a high-risk situation.So, the long-term alcohol into the body will lead negative effect to alcohol addicts. A person who is considered consume too much alcoholic when taken a small amount of it every day. However, people who have experience with this symptoms are often unconscious of this serious disease may impact on family life, healthRead MoreWhat Are The Seven New Dangerous Drugs1621 Words   |  7 PagesThe United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently revealed that new psychoactive substances are emerging in the market in terms of both quantity and diversity. However, the paucity of data on the harmfulness and prevalence of these substances offer a challenge in facilitating risk assessment at the international level. Here are the seven new dangerous drugs that are gaining traction and notoriety: Acetylfentanyl Acetylfentanyl is a derivative of fentanyl. It has been used as a substitute