The WHO (World Health Organisation) considers narcotic drugs to be substances of plant or synthetic that are psychotropic, namelycapable of acting on the central nervous system, altering the psycho-physical balance of the individual from whom they are taken.
There is a wide variety of drugs, so it is possible to classify them according to their origin: synthetic or natural, or considering their pharmacological effects, therefore, they can be: stimulant drugs, which temporarily increase alertness and energy (Khat, GHB, cocaine, amphetamine); hallucinogenic drugs affecting thoughts, emotions and sensations (LSD, Ketamine, mescaline); depressant drugs such as opiates, tranquilisers and barbiturates.
The term drug dependence refers to the condition of certain people who abuse drugs, making compulsive use of them, and there are two types of drug dependence: physical and psychological dependence.
Physical dependence is induced by some, but not all, substances of abuse, and occurs when repeated use of a drug changes the way our brain distinguishes between pleasant and unpleasant sensations.
Psychological dependence, on the other hand, is defined as the uncontrollable need to use the substance: when the substance is used to change one's mood and build one's self-esteem, the dependent person needs to continue using the substance that gives him or her these feelings.
Drug use is very dangerous and risky, a study using neuroimaging techniques has shown that even occasional drug use causes damage to brain tissue.
Drugs act on neurotransmitters, damaging the functioning of the brain's capacities and the molecules that coordinate the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to consequences such as split personalities, mental changes, a distorted perception of space and time, and alterations in cognitive functions.
Most drugs when they enter the body, releasing dopamine, they produce euphoria and well-being, but after this phase the individual may experience anxiety, fear and agitation, all accompanied by thirst and hunger.
Recent studies have shown that cannabis can be used therapeutically, as a useful remedy for pain caused by disease or trauma of the nervous system. Many people, however, consider cannabis to be ineffective and that it increases the risk of being used as a drug rather than a medicine.
Some people take drugs to relieve stress, some do it for fun, some try it out of curiosity, also, drugs are very popular among young people, so we need to be careful, educate and inform.
Mariacarla Frippa
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