The use of prohibited drugs is still very much prevalent in our society, and it hinders the safety of both the drug users and the people around them. Every drug has a different way of affecting the mind and the body. Listed below are a few of the most common street drugs.
The Drugs
Marijuana is a very popular choice among teens and young adults. It comes from the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, more commonly known as hemp. The compound that causes its mind-altering effects are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It can cause altered senses, erratic changes in mood, and impaired body movement, decision-making skills, and memory. Another popular drug is cocaine, made from the leaves of the coca plant that is native to South America. It usually comes in powder form and is taken through snorting or injecting into the bloodstream.
It causes hypersensitivity, irritability, and paranoia. Amphetamines, on the other hand, are a group of synthetic psychoactive drugs. Addiction to these may cause some of the most serious effects. Among these effects are psychosis, cardiac problems, malnutrition, and convulsions. The opiates are also a group of common street drugs. It is derived from the Papaversomniferum plant and can produce a state of euphoria and well being, but an overdose can cause death from cardiac or respiratory arrest. Symptoms from opiate withdrawal can also include low energy, irritability, anxiety, agitation, and insomnia.
The last most common street drug Phenycyclidine (PCP), which was initially made to be an anesthetic. It was pulled out of the market due to its tendency to cause hallucinations coupled with aggressive behavior.
Safety and Prevention
Drug users are everywhere, be it in the streets, in the workplace, or even your own home. They should be seen as victims instead of criminals, and society has to do their very best to help them and give them the best treatment. One way in which companies are trying to prevent drug use among their employees is through regular drug testing.
Drug testing, however, may prove to be quite expensive, especially for smaller companies. Fortunately, there are now kits available that can detect the five most common street drugs that were mentioned above. This is the 5 Panel Drug Test. Because of this product, drug testing is more accessible than ever and it is so much easier to keep our environments safe from the dangers of drug use.