Methamphetamine (MAMP), commonly referred to as “meth,” is an illicit Schedule II controlled-substance in the United States. It is often used recreationally for a variety of reasons such as to: attain a temporary state of euphoria, enhance sexual experiences, promote wakefulness, boost motivation, and/or bolster cognitive function. The pleasurable experience associated with methamphetamine usage is derived …
Nicotine is a parasympathomimetic alkaloid derived from Solanaceae plant and is commonly considered one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Upon ingestion of nicotine, it is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream, and within 10 seconds it reaches your brain. In the brain, it stimulates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) as an agonist to …
It is estimated that over 85% of adults in the United States have consumed alcohol at some point during their lifetime. Of these individuals, over 70% have had a drink within the past year, and upwards of 55% of individuals have had a drink within the past month. Alcoholic beverages contain the psychoactive substance “ethanol,” …
Marijuana (Cannabis) is widely regarded throughout the world as the most commonly used recreational drug. As of 2015, it is estimated that nearly 50% of residents in the United States population have ingested marijuana at some point throughout their lives. Within just the past several years, recreational marijuana usage has steadily increased. This increase is …
Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) is considered to be among the world’s most addictive drugs and is most often used on a recreational basis to achieve a dopaminergic euphoria. Those that use cocaine feel an increased sense of pleasure, attain a pro-social effect (wanting to socialize), and quicker conversational wit (due to enhanced thought speed; beta waves). These effects …
These days it is almost too easy to get prescribed antidepressants. Book an appointment with any general practitioner, talk about the fact that you’ve been unable to shake feelings of sadness, and mention that the sadness is interfering with your quality of life. Chances are good that you’ll walk out of the practitioner’s office with …
Many individuals who feel depressed believe that the smartest, most efficient way to deal with their depression is via pharmaceutical antidepressants. Pharmaceutical antidepressants take effect quickly, altering neural connectivity within 3 hours of ingestion and manipulate neurotransmission to facilitate a mood boost. Though antidepressants can take several weeks to fully work or “kick in,” some individuals …