Essay Example on Drug Use Trends

Introduction

Drug use can be defined as the use of drugs for psychotropic instead of medical purposes. The most commonly used drugs include; heroin, opium, cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, and cannabis. Addictive and excessive use of drugs is termed as drug abuse. Drugs have psychological, physiological and social impacts; therefore, various governments regulate their use. Over the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in drug use globally. The trend has been increasing among young adults and teens in society. The drug use trends have changed as we are often experiencing challenges with mind-altering substances such as marijuana, opiates, synthetic drugs, embalming fluid, and organic drugs. Some of the significant drug use trends experienced globally include;

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Hallucinogens

Over the years, there has been an increase in the rates of hallucinogen use among young people. Substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin are often the most used. LSD use causes intense effects on the auditory and visual capabilities of a person. Psilocybin consists of a psychedelic compound which is ingested as through the use the use with foods (Stafford & Breen, 2017). Other substances that are often used include; embalming fluid and marijuana cigarettes are used to enhance hallucinogenic effects in people. The hallucinogens have implications on people's health including increased risks for cancer.

Synthetic drugs

Synthetic drug use has increasingly become popular in teens and generally among young people. Synthetic drugs are often chemically manufactured drugs that are usually sprayed on plant material. They are synthetic cannabinoids such as K2 and Spice which are sold in the form of liquids that are vaporized in cigarettes. Other commonly used synthetic drugs are synthetic cathinones. Synthetic cathinones are also chemically manufactured and are used as amphetamines and cocaine substitutes. Cathinones are smoked, swallowed, injected or snorted.

Kratom

Kratom is a tropical tree that contains compounds that cause psychotropic effects. Kratom is not illegal, therefore, contributing to its increase in use globally. They are often sold as a green powder and gum. In streets, Kratom is referred to as Thom, Biak, Kakuam, Ketum or Ithang. Kratom is ingested into the body as a pill, smoked, or mixed with food substances and tea. The drug caused psychotropic effects similar to those by hallucinogens and other stimulants. Kratom contains 7-a-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine components which result in decreased pain, sedation and pleasure when consumed in large amounts. Kratom users have reported that small amounts of the drug causes increased sociability, energy, and alertness (Kantor et al., 2015). The uses of these drugs have negative health impacts on users. For instance, they cause loss of appetite, hallucinations, increased urination, respiratory depression, sweating, seizures, and psychosis.

Cocaine

Cocaine is made from coca plant leaves that are mainly found in South America. It is an addictive stimulant that is usually used by people for recreational purposes. Cocaine in some instance is legal for medical purposes such as anesthesia. The recreational use of cocaine is, however, illegal. Cocaine is a white crystal powder which is often mixed with other opioids such as amphetamine and fentanyl. Cocaine is taken in by snorting it through the nose, dissolving it and injecting to the bloodstream and gum rubbing. Cocaine can also be processed into a rock crystal which is then heated into vapor which is inhaled. Cocaine affects the brain causing paranoia, irritability, hypersensitivity, energy, and happiness. Consumption of large amounts of cocaine can result in violent behaviors. Cocaine use among young people has been on the rise in the US.

Opioids

Opioids are a classification of drugs that include, synthetic opioids, heroin, hydrocodone, and morphine. Opioids include illegal and legally prescribed drugs. Opioids can be used for medical purposes under prescription and psychotropic purposes. The use of Opioids continues to increase in all age groups. However, statistics show that the younger population opioid consumption is higher as compared to the older population. Recent trends show that many people are combining opioids with alcohol thus increasing its risk for health concerns such as respiratory failures (Jones et al., 2017). Opioids have been reported to be unknowingly and illegally obtained by people from friends and family members. Statistics show that over 130 people die daily due to opioids overdose. Addiction and misuse of opioids have become a global crisis affecting the economic and social welfare of people. According to the center for disease control and prevention opioid misuse is costing Americans nearly 80 million dollars a year which is an indication of increase opioid use in the US. There is a relationship between prescribed opioids and other drugs such as heroin. About 6% of people that prescription opioids misuses lead to the use of heroin (Johnston et al., 2018).

Conclusion

The development and improvement of technologies have influenced drug markets around the globe. New internet technologies facilitate the virtual market places that are used for buying and selling substances. Internet technologies are often used as a primary source of information to many people on drugs. In some instances, people have usually dedicated entire sites such as dark web to drug uses.

References

Johnston, L. D., Miech, R. A., O'Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., Schulenberg, J. E., & Patrick, M. E. (2018). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975-2017: Overview, key findings on adolescent drug use.

Kantor, E. D., Rehm, C. D., Haas, J. S., Chan, A. T., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2015). Trends in prescription drug use among adults in the United States from 1999-2012. Jama, 314(17), 1818-1830.

Stafford, J., & Breen, C. (2017). Australian drug trends 2016.

Jones, C. M., Logan, J., Gladden, R. M., & Bohm, M. K. (2015). Vital signs: demographic and substance use trends among heroin users-the United States, 2002-2013. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 64(26), 719.