Luke Ewing

Period 6
9-21-15
Many people go about their daily lives not knowing what others are doing with their time.
Some people, unfortunately, are using or taking illegal drugs in everyday use, some because
they want it, some because they need the drugs. Sometimes being high is what people need to
get through work or even just get through the day. Being high is defined as a state in which the
brain is altered from its normal being and awareness has changed.1 You can get high off of
many illegal or prescription drugs. I will be covering the most commonly used illegal drugs;
these drugs include marijuana, LSD, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Illegal drugs are
illegal for a reason, as you will find out some can be deadly and cause life threatening events.

Marijuana, also known as, weed, bud, grass, mary jane, and many more names, is the
most used illegal drug throughout the world.2 Marijuana comes from a hemp plant called
cannabis. The main ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the
ingredient that makes the user feel the high sensation. Marijuana does not have many methods
for usage, the most common one is to smoke it. After the user inhales the smoke that contains
THC it is quickly taken to the lungs. After going into the lungs it very rapidly makes its way into
the bloodstream.3 Following the bloodstream it makes its way to the brain. Once it gets to the
brain THC works by interfering with cannabinoid brain receptors.4 A majority of these brain
receptors are found in the area of the brain that controls pleasure, memory, concentration,
sensory experienced, time perception, learning, and coordination.5 Once these

1 Urban dictionary- http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=being+high

2 Foundation of a drug free world- http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana.html
3 Promises treatment center- http://www.promises.com/articles/abused-drugs/marijuana-your-brain/
4 Promises treatment center- http://www.promises.com/articles/abused-drugs/marijuana-your-brain/
5 Promises treatment center-http://www.promises.com/articles/abused-drugs/marijuana-your-brain/

Luke Ewing
Period 6
9-21-15
neurotransmitters are altered from the chemical THC the brain and body begin to feel high.6
Marijuana can be considered addictive in some scenarios. If a user uses the drug very often
their body will soon know it as a regular intake and will start to expect it but if the user does not
use it that often it will not become a need or regular intake for the body. Research has shown
that marijuana is not necessarily a dangerous drug and it not life threatening.

LSD also known as, acid, battery acid, cid, dotes, and many more names is the most
potent hallucinogenic drug.7 LSD is made from lysergic acid which can be found in ergot, a
fungus that grows on rye or other grains.8 LSD can be taken into the body a few different ways.
The most common way is by pill, a couple others include capsule, and occasionally in liquid
form. LSD is always taken orally whether it be any of those methods. LSD contains the high
feeling or trips for up to about twelve hours after taking the drug into the body.9 The dangers of
LSD can be serious due to the fact that after taking LSD the user feels multiple feelings at once
which can cause anxiety and nervousness.10 If taken at a high enough dose the user can start to
see visual hallucinations. If the user has taken LSD previously they will often have flashbacks to
past times they have had with LSD.11 LSD is not considered an addictive drug, and users tend to
start using it, then slowly grow away from its use. LSD is used when it gets to the brain, some of
6 Promises treatment center- http://www.promises.com/articles/abused-drugs/marijuana-your-brain/
7 Foundations of a drug free world- http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/lsd/street-names-for-lsd.html
8 National institute on drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsdpeyote-psilocybin-pcp

9 National institute on drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsdpeyote-psilocybin-pcp

10 National institute on drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsdpeyote-psilocybin-pcp

11 National institute on drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsdpeyote-psilocybin-pcp

Luke Ewing
Period 6
9-21-15
the most prominent effects occur in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in mood, cognition,
and perception.12 If not careful or with the wrong people at time of use of the drug it can be a
huge danger to your life as you could do things you would not normally do that can be deadly
without good people preventing you to do them.

Methamphetamine also known as meth, crank, crystal meth, and many more names was
first started with major use during WWII.13 One of the main uses for it was to be given to
Japanese Kamikaze pilots right before they would head out on their suicide mission.14 They
were given very high dose to get out of their head they were about to kill themselves. Meth is a
drug that is used as a stimulant for illegal use. It can be used as a prescription drug to help
maintain blood pressure, not seen very often but it some cases meth can be good for the body.15
Meth is taken into the body many different ways; smoked, snorted, injected or dissolved into
water or alcohol.16 Meth works on the brain by increasing the amount of neurotransmitter
dopamines, leading to very high levels of that chemical inside the brain.17 Dopamine is involved
in reward, motivation, the experience of pleasure, and motor function.18 Meth is an extremely
addictive drug that can make users addicted after the first use. Meth uses up all of your body's
resources and if used to much the heart and body could potentially shut down leading to death.
12 National institute on drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsdpeyote-psilocybin-pcp

13 Foundation of a drug free world- http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/what-doesmethamphetamine-look-like.html

14 Center for substance abuse research- http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/meth.asp

15 Center for substance abuse research- http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/meth.asp
16 National institute on drug abuse- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
17 National institute on drug abuse- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
18 National institute on drug abuse- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine

Luke Ewing
Period 6
9-21-15
Cocaine also known as coke, flake, dust, and many other names, is one of the most, if
not the most potent drug in the world.19 It is one of the oldest most dangerous stimulants of
natural origin. It can be used a few different ways, one is snorting through the nose, nasal
tissue, or can it be dissolved in water and injected into the bloodstream.20 The high of cocaine is
a short lived very strong. Following this, the opposite happens. The user usually becomes
depressed, and craves more of the drug.21 The crave is caused because of the depression they
think the drug is what makes them feel good, while the drug actually is what makes them
depressed. These effects make the drug extremely addictive. Often users that start will not stop
using the cocaine until it is well to late. The highly addictive nature of cocaine makes it an
extremely dangerous and deadly drug that should never be used.

Heroin, also known as skag, smack, thunder, and many more names is an analgesic
drug derived from morphine.22 Heroin was originally made by Bayer pharmaceutical company in
Germany and was marketed as a cure for tuberculosis and a way to help morphine addiction.23
Heroin is made from resin of poppy plants.24 Heroin is primarily injected into the user's
19 Foundation of a drug free world- http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crackcocaine/effects-of-crackcocaine.html

20 Foundation of a drug free world- http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crackcocaine/effects-of-crackcocaine.html

21 Foundation of a drug free world- http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crackcocaine/effects-of-crackcocaine.html

22 Foundation of a drug free world- http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/heroin/what-does-heroin-looklike.html

23 National institute of drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/whatare-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use

24 National institute of drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/whatare-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use

Luke Ewing
Period 6
9-21-15
bloodstream. After entering the brain heroin is converted back into morphine, which binds to
molecules on cells known as opioid receptors.25 Opioid receptors are also located in the brain,
which controls processes which happen naturally that we need to live, such as blood pressure,
breathing etc.26 Heroin is highly addictive and can be deadly the very first time it is used.

As I researched and as you read we both realize how important it is that these drugs are
illegal. They are illegal for reasons that save lives. None of these drugs should be used by
anyone and should not be taken lightly. Anyone that touches these drugs could be the next
victim to lose their life. It doesn't matter if they are young or old, or if they have used the drug
100 times or its their first. Just know that anything can happen at any time and to anybody. In
the end illegal drugs are illegal for a reason and those that are considering their use should
understand the consequences of using them.

http://www.promises.com/articles/abused-drugs/marijuana-your-brain/

25 National institute of drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/whatare-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use

26 National institute of drug abuse- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/whatare-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use

Luke Ewing
Period 6
9-21-15
Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the world. THC is main ingredient in
marijuana that will make the user high. Its effect are first taken to the lungs then quickly put into
the bloodstream. After it enters blood stream it makes its way to the brain. THC works by
interfering with the cannabinoid brain receptors. Most receptors are found in area of the brain
that controls pleasure, memory, concentration, sensory experienced, time perception, learning
and coordination. As soon as the brain neurotransmitters are altered by the chemical the body
begins to feel the high.
"What Does Marijuana Do to Your Brain?" Promises Addiction Treatment Alcohol Drug Rehab
Malibu. N.p., 15 Sept. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2015

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-pcp

LSD is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens in the world. Is one of the most potent
mood changing chemicals. It is made from lysergic acid which can be found in ergot, fungus that
grows on rye or other grains. LSD is mostly taken orally, whether it be by tablet, capsule, or
occasionally liquid form. The high feeling or trips from LSD last usually around 12 hours. The
user often feels multiple emotions at once which can cause panic. If LSD is taken at a high
enough dose the drug produces visual hallucinations. Often LSD users will experience
flashbacks or recurrences certain aspects of the drug. LSD is not considered an addictive drug
and users slowly start to decrease its use and eventually stop its use.
"Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP." DrugFacts:. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2015.

http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/meth.asp

Methamphetamine is highly addictive and potent central nervous stimulant. Meth can be
taken by injection, orally, smoking, or snorting. After taking the drug the user experiences an
initial rush that can last from 5-30 minutes. The stimulants other effects come into play for the
next 6-12 hours. These effects can include increased activity, decreased appetite, and a sense
of well being. After the initial rush the brain remains in an alert state and keeps the user's body
on edge. After effects have worn off the brain depleted of its dopamine and depression is a
common result. In some cases short term effects could result in seizures or even death.
"Methamphetamine | CESAR." Methamphetamine | CESAR. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2015.

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crackcocaine/effects-of-crack-cocaine.html

Luke Ewing
Period 6
9-21-15
Cocaine is a very short lasting high. A very intense state of high occurs after taking
cocaine that last for a short period of time. Following this state is a depression and crave of
more of the drug. The drug makes users feel anxious, paranoid, even when they aren't on the
drug that moment. Whether you are a continuous user or your first time the chances of heart
attack, stroke, seizure or respiratory failure are significantly increased. All these which can result
in death. Cocaine is a highly dangerous drug that is extremely addictive because once effects
wear off you feel depressed and the drug makes you not depressed.
"Short- & Long-Term Side Effects of Smoking Crack Cocaine - Drug-Free World." Short- &
Long-Term Side Effects of Smoking Crack Cocaine - Drug-Free World. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept.
2015.

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-immediate-short-term-effectsheroin-use

Once heroin is taken into the body it goes to the brain. After entering the brain it is
converted into morphine and binds rapidly to opioid receptors. After this occurs a rush occurs in
the body and brain. The intensity of the rush is dependent on how much heroin is used. After
initial rush users are usually drowsy for a few more hours. Use of heroin leads to slow heart
functions and slow breathing functions. These can lead to comas and or permanent brain
damage and sometimes death.
"What Are the Immediate (short-term) Effects of Heroin Use?" What Are the Immediate (shortterm) Effects of Heroin Use? N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2015.

Luke Ewing
Period 6
9-21-15
Work Cited
"What Does Marijuana Do to Your Brain?" Promises Addiction Treatment Alcohol Drug
Rehab Malibu. N.p., 15 Sept. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2015
"Hallucinogens - LSD, Peyote, Psilocybin, and PCP." DrugFacts:. N.p., n.d. Web. 19
Sept. 2015.
"Methamphetamine | CESAR." Methamphetamine | CESAR. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept.
2015.
"Short- & Long-Term Side Effects of Smoking Crack Cocaine - Drug-Free World." Short& Long-Term Side Effects of Smoking Crack Cocaine - Drug-Free World. N.p., n.d. Web. 19
Sept. 2015.
"What Are the Immediate (short-term) Effects of Heroin Use?" What Are the Immediate
(short-term) Effects of Heroin Use? N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2015.
"Being High." Urban Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Foundation for a Drug Free Work." What Is a Hallucinogen. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Methamphetamine." Cesar. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Drug Facts: Methamphetamine." National Institute of Drug Abuse. N.p., n.d. Web.
"What Is Cocaine?" Foundation for a Drug Free World. N.p., n.d. Web.
"What Does Heroin Look Like?" Foundation for a Drug Free World. N.p., n.d. Web.