What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

For the brain, the difference between normal rewards and drug rewards can be described as the difference between someone whispering into your ear and someone shouting into a microphone. Just as we turn down the volume on a radio that is too loud, the brain adjusts to the overwhelming surges in dopamine (and other neurotransmitters) by producing less dopamine or by reducing the number of receptors that can receive signals. As a result, dopamine’s impact on the reward circuit of the brain of someone who abuses drugs can become abnormally low,

LANGKAH PERTAMA DALAM KEJAYAAN KEPULIHAN

Langkah pertama ialah individu perlu mengakui  masalah penagihannya. Penafian boleh menyebabkan masalah dalam hidupnya. Mengakui tiada upaya terhadap penagihan perlu dengan hati yang ikhlas dan jujur- kepunyaan. Harapan kosong ( kita mampu mengawal penggunaan) akan membawa kepada penagihan semula dan gagal dalam proses rawatan dan pemulihan.Halangan utama kepada rawatan dan pemulihan ialah salah tafsir mengenai penagihan sering dikaitkan dengan individu yang tidak berumah, tidak terurus, merempat dan lain-lain. Konsep yang betul ialah apabila mengambil dadah, sesuatu yang buruk akan terjadi.

6 Clemson students among 16 charged in drug roundup

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Forty-seven charges against 16 people were announced at a news conference in Clemson Friday afternoon that was held by several law enforcement agencies. Of those charged, six are Clemson University students. The students are facing charges that include distribution of marijuana.  Of the 10 others charged, including three who are still wanted, the charges range from distributing marijuana to distribution of ecstasy, Xanax and LSD. Undercover agents and surveillance techniques employed by Operation "Spring Tiger" targeted drug possession and distribution in the Clemson community, including, but not limited to Clemson University, according to a release. At the news conference, Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark said the drug epidemic isn't limited to college towns, but it is particularly tragic when drugs ruin the lives of young people with great potential. Clark said the drug landscape has changed and the strength of the drugs is different because of their chemical makeup, including scientifically engineered marijuana. He said drugs are now more dangerous and more addictive. He said the operation began in January, and utilized many resources to hopefully "save a life or change a life." Clark said that all types of drugs were seized in the operation. Of the 47 charges, 42 were felonies, Clark said.  He there was no specific tip that began the operation, just "one case that leads to another, that leads to another, that leads to three or four," and so on. Clark said he hopes the arrests will serve as a deterrent that might prevent students from getting involved in drugs when they are young and naive. He talked about a teen who is currently living on the streets because he says he can't go home because he is addicted to drugs.  He said that the drug investigations are in place to try to prevent any more young people from ending up addicted. Clemson officials said there are extensive drug and alcohol prevention programs on campus.  All incoming freshman are required to take an online course and a follow-up program on the risks and effects of alcohol and drugs. The agencies involved included the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Pickens County Sheriff's Office, Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Clemson University Police Department, Clemson City Police Department and The Greenville County Sheriff's Office. The following people were charged as part of the bust: Clemson students: Gregory Neil Ford Dakota William Sligh Klaris Calton Norwood, Jr. Derrick William Castles Justin Edward Hall Jason Yamil Reyes Non-students: Dustin Lee Hooper Montana Caroline Morgan Alexander Dean Pike Alex Nicholas Rankin Salisa Irene Broughton Michael Richard Cotton Joshua Collier Brunch Niesha D. Webb (still at large) Kayla Rae Erickson (still at large) Evan Matthew Roisum (still at large) WYF News 4's Mandy Gaither asked the executive director of student health services how common drug use is among Clemson students. He said his research shows the problem is about the same as it is on campuses across the country. "We know that marijuana is the drug of choice after alcohol," George Clay said. "Sixteen percent of Clemson students use marijuana. That compares to 18 percent nationally, so we're slightly below that national average." As for the charged students, their status at Clemson will be determined by the Office of Community and Ethical Standards. CLEMSON, S.C. —

Mitch McGary helped lead the Wolverines to the NCAA title game in 2013 but missed most of this past season with a back injury. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images) Michigan forward Mitch McGary declared for the NBA draft on Friday while facing a year-long suspension after a positive drug test during the NCAA tournament, the player and school announced. McGary, a 6-foot-10 forward who starred during the Wolverines' run to the 2013 national title game, was a preseason All-America last season. But he battled through a back injury and played only eight games before undergoing season-ending surgery in January. He evidently tested positive for marijuana use while Michigan played in the Midwest Regional semifinals and finals in Indianapolis in March. Yahoo! Sports initially reported McGary's positive test, possible suspension and declaration for the draft Friday. "My family and I want to thank everyone for giving us privacy and the time to make this decision," McGary said in a statement released by the school. "As you know, it was important for us to weigh all the factors that go into something like this. With that being said, I am ready to move on to the next stage in my life and enter the NBA Draft. "Being a part of a program that values integrity, it is important to let everyone know of a poor decision I recently made. I tested positive for marijuana during the NCAA Tournament. We were notified of that result after the Final Four. I regret thoroughly disappointing my family, coaches and administration. Despite all of this they have been understanding and helpful over the last couple of weeks." Michigan now has lost McGary, guard Nik Stauskas and forward Glenn Robinson III — all possible first-round picks — to the NBA draft. "Mitch has had a tremendous impact on our program from the moment he committed to us," Wolverines coach John Beilein said in a statement. "He has injected an enthusiasm that cannot be matched. This is why he is loved by the coaching staff, his teammates and Wolverine fans. The progress he has made on and off the court has been outstanding. His willingness to face a personal issue head on and his positive work ethic during his recent injury have helped him to grow in many ways. We know that he will put all of his energy and effort toward achieving his goals. We will continue to assist and support Mitch as he pursues a career in the NBA."

Nicotine

Nicotine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants (Solaneceae), predominantly in tobacco and in lower quantities in tomato, potato, eggplant (aubergine) and green pepper. (An alkaloid is one of a group of nitrogenous organic compounds that have marked physiological effects on humans.)

Nicotine occurs throughout the tobacco plant and especially in the leaves. Nicotine alkaloids are also found in the leaves of the coca plant. Nicotine constitutes 0.3 to 5% of the tobacco plant by dry weight, with biosynthesis taking place in the roots and accumulating in the leaves.

Nicotine is one of the few liquid alkaloids. In its pure state it is a colorless, odourless liquid with an oily consistency, but when exposed to light or air, it acquires a brown colour and gives off a strong odour of tobacco. Nicotine’s chemical formula is C10H14N2.

Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in the tobacco used in cigarettes, cigars, and snuff. In its psychoactive effects, nicotine is a unique substance with a biphasic effect; when inhaled in short puffs it has a stimulant effect, but when smoked in deep drags it can have a tranquilizing effect. This is why smoking can feel invigorating at some times and can seem to block stressful stimuli at others.

Nicotine is also an addictive drug, though, and smokers characteristically display a strong tendency to relapse after having successfully stopped smoking for a time. When ingested in larger doses, nicotine is a highly toxic poison that causes vomiting and nausea, headaches, stomach pains, and, in severe cases, convulsions, paralysis, and death.

Nicotine is commercially obtained from tobacco scraps and is used as an insecticide and as a veterinary vermifuge. Nitric acid or other oxidizing agents convert it to nicotinic acid, or niacin, which is used as a food supplement.


It is potent neurotoxin with particular specificity to insects; therefore nicotine was widely used as an insecticide in the past and currently nicotine derivatives such as imidacloprid continue to be widely used.

Morphine

Morphine, the principal active agent in opium, is a powerful opioid analgesic drug. Morphine is a narcotic analgesic drug used in medicine in the form of its hydrochloride, sulfate, acetate, and tartrate salts. Morphine was isolated from opium by the German chemist F.W.A. Sertürner in about 1804.

Uses of morphine

In its power to reduce the level of physical distress, morphine is among the most important naturally occurring compounds, being of use in the treatment of pain caused by cancer and in cases where other analgesics have failed.

It also has a calming effect that protects the system against exhaustion in traumatic shock, internal hemorrhage, congestive heart failure, and debilitated conditions (as certain forms of typhoid fever).

It is most frequently administered by injection to ensure rapid action, but it is also effective when given orally.

Morphine is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Short-acting formulations are taken as needed for pain. The extended-release form of this medicine is for around-the-clock treatment of pain. This form of morphine is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain. Morphine is not for treating short-term pain just after surgery unless you were already taking morphine before the surgery.

Side effects

Morphine produces a relaxed, drowsy state and many side effects that result from the depression of the respiratory, circulatory, and gastrointestinal systems. It also is an emetic and a general depressant. The most serious drawback to the drug is its addictiveness. It also decreases hunger, inhibits the cough reflex and produce constipation. Morphine is usually highly addictive and tolerance and physical and psychological dependence develop quickly. Patients on morphine often report insomnia and nightmares.

Morphine, an opium alkaloid, can be converted into heroin, which shows a considerably stronger euphoric effect and is so powerfully addictive that its manufacture is legally prohibited in many countries. Other derivatives of morphine include the analgesics methylmorphine (codeine), ethylmorphine, dihydrocodeinone, and dihydromorphinone and the emetic apomorphine. Morphine is extracted from the dried milky exudate of the unripe seed capsule of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It occurs as colourless crystals or a white crystalline powder.

Drug And Alcohol Abuse

Drug abuse is not harmless. Even short-term use can have long-term effects, and these effects can harm the user and those closest to him or her. The Effects of Alcohol Abuse Abusing alcohol in your teen or young adult years can have a permanent effect on bone development. According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "chronic heavy drinking, particularly during adolescence and the young adult years, can dramatically compromise bone quality and may increase osteoporosis risk…the effects of heavy alcohol use on bone cannot be reversed, even if alcohol consumption is terminated" ("Alcohol and Other Factors Affecting Osteoporosis Risk in Women"). Drinking is also closely related to liver damage and disease, two irreversible medical conditions. Even if you do not experience permanent effects of alcohol abuse first hand, alcohol consumption during pregnancy greatly increases the risk of birth defects. This creates permanent effects on an individual with no choice or power over the situation. Children born with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of symptoms that may include the following: Abnormal facial features Small head or body size Poor coordination Hyperactivity Learning disabilities Delayed speech Poor judgment skills Vision or hearing problems Heart, kidney or bone problems These effects are permanent and lifelong, and greatly impact a child's quality of life and ability to develop and learn. The Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse Misusing prescription drugs always increases the chance of overdose or harmful drug interactions. These can be fatal or can leave users with permanent organ or cognitive damage. Prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin can permanently damage blood vessels, creating high blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The Effects of Recreational Drug Abuse Drugs often mistaken as physically harmless can have serious and permanent side effects. Marijuana has an immediate effect on memory, an effect that is typically short-lived although not without the possibility for academic, personal or professional consequences. And long-term marijuana use can lead to serious and permanent cognitive damage. LSD abuse can lead to permanent issues with anxiety and paranoia, and hallucinogen use may lead to the development of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). HPPD may involve flashbacks, false perceptions or the reoccurrence of other hallucinogen-related perceptual changes long after drug use has ceased. This disorder interrupts daily life and can have a permanent effect on an individual's ability to function, develop relationships or maintain employment

UNODC receives donation from the Japanese

20 March 2014 - UNODC signed a funding agreement with the Japanese Drug Abuse Prevention Centre (DAPC) that provides grants to NGOs who work in the area of drug prevention. Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said, "I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the close to US$5.5 million the DAPC has raised in support of UNODC's work during this time." He added that the need to raise awareness of the drug problem is more urgent than ever and that the UNODC/DAPC partnership shows just how much good work can be done when young people play an active role in these efforts.During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Toshiro Ozawa, the Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna, presented a cheque of around US$190,000 to Mr. Fedotov and signed a new funding agreement with UNODC. Ambassador Ozawa also received a report setting out how UNODC distributed funding to NGOs in 2013.  Since the partnership started, more than 600 grass-root NGOs in some 90 developing countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean have been given funding for their vital work in preventing drug use.The DAPC is an NGO that organizes annual public campaigns throughout Japan and aims to increase awareness among young Japanese of the dangers of drug abuse. It also raises funds for UNODC to spend in support of NGOs working around the world.