Comparative harms of legal and illegal drugs Essay Example

and heroin (Microsoft Drug 1). It is also possible to abuse legal substances such as nicotine or caffeine through excessive use. The term "abuse" often refers to addiction where one's usage pattern impairs their daily responsibilities (work or family).

There are various treatment methods available for overcoming drug abuse. According to a survey mentioned in Skaar 3, approximately 91% of former smokers quit tobacco without professional assistance. Cold turkey was the most popular method where they abruptly stop smoking without medication or gradual reduction (Skaar 3). Another method involves using a nicotine patch applied to the arm which gradually releases nicotine into the body until cravings cease (Skaar 3).

Various treatment options are available for illegal drug abuse, including psychotherapy, psychological counseling, and supervised detoxification programs that aim to gradually eliminate drugs from the user's system (Microsoft Drugs 1). Drug abuse often leads to criminal behavior such as burglary, robbery, and petty theft as users resort to these activities in order to support their habits (Microsoft Drugs 1). Criminal involvement is common among drug abusers. While wealth is not a requirement for drug abuse, there are individuals with financial means who engage in this behavior. This paper will discuss both legal and illegal drug abuse, focusing on four drugs in each category. Legal drugs that will be examined include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and herbal medicines. The illegal drugs of focus will be marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and heroin - which are commonly used or abused worldwide. The discussion will cover the harm caused by these drugs and various treatments aimed at reducing their usage.

The first legal drug discussed will be tobacco; it is widely recognized that

nicotine contributes to higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease,
and respiratory diseases such as emphysema.Despite knowing this information,
around 25% of the US population still smokes.In 1990,tobacco-related deaths
in the US reached a shocking 400000-accounting for nearly19%of all deaths
and about 40%of preventable deaths(Breslau1)Nicotine addiction is associated with a more than twofold increase in the risk of major depression in both men and women. Although major depression is more prevalent among women, the link between nicotine addiction and depression is similar for both genders. Therefore, both male and female individuals dependent on nicotine are more likely to develop major depression. Additionally, smokers have twice the likelihood of dying from cancer compared to non-smokers, while heavy smokers face a fourfold increased risk (Skaar 2). Roughly 150,000 smoking-related deaths each year can be attributed to cancer. Cigarettes contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines that can disrupt cellular replication, leading to genetic damage and mutations. Secondhand smoke or passive smoking causes an estimated 53,000 deaths annually (Skaar 2). Smoking significantly elevates the chances of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and strokes - with three to four times greater risk for smokers compared to non-smokers. In 1990 alone, approximately 180,000 smoking-related deaths were attributed to cardiovascular issues (Skaar 3). Quitting smoking has been found to substantially improve conditions for individuals with cardiovascular diseases who smoke. Smoking during pregnancy also poses critical risks including pre- and prenatal mortality, placenta abruptia and previa, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (Skaar 3).The United States shoulders a financial burden as it covers hospital expenses for individuals suffering from smoking-related illnesses. To tackle this issue, states collaborated and successfully

won a class action suit against cigarette companies. The resulting settlements led to an increase in cigarette prices, ultimately transferring the cost burden onto smokers themselves. Multiple methods are available for quitting smoking, with "cold turkey" being the most popular approach, adopted by ninety-one percent of individuals (Skaar 3). Other approaches include gradually reducing nicotine intake by switching to cigarettes with lower nicotine content or decreasing daily cigarette consumption over time. Seeking support from family or friends can also prove beneficial.

Alcohol is a legal substance that alters the mind and comes with numerous costs and risks. In the United States alone, alcohol-related expenses reach an estimated annual total of 100 billion dollars and result in roughly 100,000 deaths each year (Dufour 1). Interestingly, small amounts of alcohol can offer protection against coronary heart disease (Dufour 1). However, its effects vary from person to person; therefore, understanding one's individual reaction to it is crucial. Additionally, there are harmful consequences associated with alcohol use such as drunk driving accidents and potential harm to a developing fetus in pregnant women.Furthermore, alcohol use carries various risks including violence, alcohol poisoning, and dangerous interactions with medications (Dufour 2). Long-term risks of alcohol consumption include dependence, cirrhosis, and heart muscle disease. When it comes to detoxification from alcohol, there are two main methods: inpatient and outpatient. Choosing outpatient detoxification may be more cost-effective and faster but increases the chances of relapse. In contrast, inpatient detoxification offers a higher success rate but is more expensive and time-consuming due to constant professional care (Hayashida 1). During outpatient care for detoxification, patients must travel daily to a treatment facility. The average duration of treatment

is around six and a half days within a range of three to fourteen days. On the other hand, inpatient care requires patients to stay at a facility for the entire treatment period which typically lasts five to fourteen days (Hayashida 1). However, the crucial factor in alcoholic detoxification is not the choice between inpatient or outpatient care but rather the individual's personal characteristics. If the patient lacks motivation to quit drinking, neither program will be effective despite constant supervision.

Codeine is frequently used as a painkiller alongside acetaminophen. While acetaminophen primarily relieves peripheral pain, codeine acts on the central nervous system and is commonly administered together with acetaminophen.Codeine is often combined with acetaminophen to enhance its pain-relieving effects when acetaminophen alone is not effective (Walling 1). However, taking multiple doses of codeine can lead to side effects such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation (Walling 1). Additionally, prolonged use of codeine may be used by some patients to alleviate mood disturbances related to psychiatric symptoms. A study conducted at the University of Toronto found a strong connection between depression and extended codeine usage (Depression 1). Patients with depression often experience symptoms like headaches and back pain as they attempt to improve their mood rather than solely addressing their pain issues (Depression 2). It is recommended to avoid using combination analgesics containing codeine whenever possible due to their limited benefits but potential side effects such as constipation (Avoid 1). Excessive consumption of codeine, commonly found in cough syrups, can have serious and potentially life-threatening side effects on children. However, the use of medications like codeine for treating children's coughs caused by viral infections is unnecessary. Instead,

treatment can be achieved through the use of a humidifier and fluids (Use of Codeine 1). The lack of well-controlled scientific studies on narcotics like codeine in children further strengthens the argument against its utilization (Use of Codeine 1).The premature prescription of medication is not recommended as traditional methods like fluids and a humidifier can effectively treat viral infections (Use of Codeine 4). Throughout history, plants have been used as remedies since the Neanderthal period (Winslow 2). Although herbal medicine thrived until the 17th century, scientific remedies gained dominance thereafter. Nevertheless, there has been a recent resurgence in interest towards natural health and herbal remedies (Winslow 2). Approximately thirty percent of currently available drugs are derived from plants (Winslow 2). Estimates on the use of herbal medicines in the United States vary widely, ranging from as high as 93% to as low as 3% (Winslow 3). The economic impact of herbal remedies is significant, with Americans spending approximately $553 million in herb sales in 1994 and an estimated $1.2 billion in 1996 (Winslow 4). Many individuals choose herbal remedies over conventional medications because they feel more control over their treatment. This preference is particularly common among those with conditions like cancer and AIDS who seek natural alternatives due to the absence of a cure. It's important to note that while there isn't concrete proof confirming the safety and effectiveness of herbal remedies, there is also no evidence proving them unsafe. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the intended effects of these herbs may vary significantly between different manufacturers and even batches from the same manufacturer (Winslow 5).Manufacturers of herbal remedies lack the incentive to extensively

test their products as it is not required by regulations. Additionally, proving the efficacy of a new drug can be prohibitively expensive for manufacturers, making it challenging for them to recover costs. Shifting focus to illegal drugs, let's begin with marijuana. The use of marijuana often results in common side effects including impaired memory retention, drowsiness, anxiety, paranoia, and distorted perception of time (Adverse effects 1). Prolonged marijuana usage can lead individuals to lose interest in activities such as school, work, and relationships. It is important to note that not everyone experiences physical effects from marijuana use; however, negative impacts encompass tremors, nausea, headache, poor coordination, breathing issues, increased appetite reduction in blood flow to the brain and irreversible changes in reproductive organs (Adverse effects 2). Marijuana contains chemicals that can cause cancer comparable to those found in cigarette smoke. Interestingly enough smoking marijuana cigarettes or joints without a filter may pose greater harm to the lungs compared to many tobacco cigarettes (Adverse effects 2). Smoking marijuana can also result in a decrease in positive mood states like friendliness and elation while increasing negative mood states such as anger and fatigue (Brook 1).Research indicates that individuals who used marijuana frequently during their adolescence and early twenties were almost twice as likely to face unemployment later in life (Brook 7). LSD was initially introduced in the United States in 1949 with the intention of creating a model psychosis. Nevertheless, psychiatrists began utilizing LSD by the late 1950s for treating neuroses, alcoholism, and fostering creativity. Initially, Sidney Cohen believed that supervised medical use of LSD was safe; however, he reversed his stance in 1962 due to the

adverse effects resulting from its widespread illegal availability (Monroe 2). Despite its popularity, LSD poses several physical risks including increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, tremors, lack of coordination, incoherent speech, decreased sensitivity to touch and pain leading to potential injuries. Tolerance can also develop necessitating higher doses that heighten the risk of coma, heart and lung failure, and even death. Additionally, heavy users of LSD may have an elevated likelihood of birth defects occurring in their offspring (Monroe 2). Psychological risks are also prevalent such as feelings of detachment and depersonalization, depression anxiety paranoia confusion loss of control and flashbacks (Monroe 3). The unpredictability associated with LSD trips is another concern since individuals cannot anticipate whether the experience will be positive or negative. This drug has the ability to induce terrifying thoughts and feelings along with a fear of insanity or death.Cocaine, derived from the coca plant, is a highly dangerous substance. In the Andes region, consuming tea or chewing on the coca plant has been legally practiced for centuries. However, in the United States, a considerable amount of resources is spent combatting cocaine production due to its harmful effects on military and police personnel.

Unfortunately, farmers face social and economic challenges when they attempt to stop cultivating the coca plant due to a lack of alternative crops. Efforts to promote soybean production were discontinued out of concern for competition with American growers and export issues.

Exporting the coca plant brings significant earnings to Peru (ranging from $1.3 billion to $2.8 billion) and Bolivia (between $1.4 billion and $2 billion). Once imported into Colombia, it undergoes processing into cocaine. Colombia earns between $7 billion and

$15 billion from drug exports while revenue generated within the United States reaches much higher levels (ranging from $76 billion to $181 billion).

Heroin is another drug that often gets mixed with other substances to increase its weight for sale and create different pharmaceutical effects. It is typically injected into a user's arm, which increases the risk of needle sharing among users (Zule 1). Notably, heroin users have a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV compared to those who inject drugs like methamphetamine.The main goal of this paper is to discuss the impacts and dangers associated with four legal drugs and four illegal drugs. Users of heroin frequently encounter signs of overdose including fatigue, depressed breathing, and constricted pupils (Scopolamine 4). It should be acknowledged that different drugs can have varying effects on the body, some of which may not be detrimental. Nevertheless, both legal and illegal substances can pose harm when used (Scopolamine 4).