Stimulants And Narcotics Essay

Psychoactive drugs alter consciousness by changing chemical processing in neurons. This happens because they contain chemicals similar to the ones naturally found in the brain. The different physical effects and impact on behavior depends on what classification the drug is in. Stimulants and narcotics are two common classes that psychoactive drugs can be classified as. There are some instances where people may abuse stimulants or narcotics and suffer the adverse effects. Psychoactive drugs that are classified as stimulants increase activity of the central nervous system. They can raise alertness, mood, and awareness levels temporarily. Drugs that are classified as stimulants are caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines and prescription drugs. All of these can be addictive and some of them are even illegal. If a person were to become addicted to a stimulant the withdrawal symptoms would include fatigue, depression, and disturbance of sleep patterns. Feelings of hostility or paranoia, even psychosis can be caused by the repeated abuse of some stimulants. High doses may cause dangerously high body temperature and an irregular heartbeat and possible cardiovascular failure or seizures. …show more content…
These drugs block the feeling of pain and should only used under a doctor’s direct care. Some of these drugs include Codeine Fentanyl (Duragesic), Hydrocodone ( Vicodin), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Meperidine (Demerol), Morphine (MS Contin), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet, Percodan), and Tramadol (Ultram). These drugs are also addictive and some are illegal. Narcotics cause a person to have a sense of well-being. However, it can cause the user to be sleepy, lethargic, nauseous, have stomach cramps, and he or she may lose their appetite. Extended use may cause brain disorders, speech difficulties, and possible