The top 3 most common drugs used by teens Essay Example

alcoholic beverages for entertainment purposes—a fact that should be a source of shame. Alcoholic spirits are readily available at many establishments where excessive drinking is often encouraged.

Despite campaigns promoting designated drivers, drunk driving remains common and poses a potential danger to all parties involved.

Marijuana is another substance derived from drying leaves, stems, and flower tops of Cannabis sativa hemp plants (Wikipedia). Similar to tobacco in nature, it can be smoked or consumed for recreational purposes and is found in various locations. While illegal in some states, it serves medicinal purposes in others.Marijuana affects both the cardiovascular system and central nervous system. At low doses, it induces feelings of well-being and relaxation. However, as doses increase, other effects are observed such as distorted perception of time and heightened sensory awareness. Memory difficulties may arise, including trouble remembering recent events, leading to disjointed thoughts and interrupted conversations.

Higher doses of weed can cause uncertainty, hallucinations, anxiety episodes, and distorted pleasurable experiences. It also impacts the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and enlarging eye veins. Smoking marijuana has been proven to raise the risk of heart attacks and can result in difficulty in body movement and coordination as well as chest pain.

Regular users may experience a decrease in immune function while men may see a decrease in sperm count. The impact on lungs is similar to tobacco smoke since cannabis contains three times more tar than tobacco. Chronic users often suffer from throat irritation, productive coughs, bronchitis, and emphysema.

While cannabis does have medicinal uses, it is also used recreationally for relaxation purposes. The use and legalization of cannabis continue to be debated in many states. In May 1999,

the National Institutes of Health called for more research on therapeutic treatment and drug use which remains ongoing today.On another note, the text discusses cocaine, which is commonly used by individuals aged 18-25. It provides an energetic but dangerous high that alters perception. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in 2002, there were approximately 1,059,000 new cocaine users in the United States with an average age of 20.3 years old. Unfortunately, from 2003-2004 about 34.9 million Americans over the age of12 had experimented with cocaine at least once.

Cocaine is known as the most potent natural stimulant and was originally used as a local anesthetic during surgeries in the late 1800s. It can be consumed through different methods like snorting, injection, and inhalation into the lungs. Another form of cocaine known as crack is made by mixing it with ammonia or baking soda and water.

According to ONDCP in 2002, there were approximately 1,059,000 new cocaine users in the United States with an average age of 20.3 years old.Unfortunately,in2003-2004 around34.9millionAmericansovertheageof12hadexperimentedwithcocaineatleastonce.Thesenumbersarealarmingastheycontinuetoriseovertime.Cocaineuseposesvarioushealthrisksduetoitseffectsonthecentralnervoussystem.Physicaleffectsincludeconstrictedveins,increasedbodytemperatureacceleratedheartrate,dilatedpupils,heightenedalertness,andelevatedbloodpressurenosebleeds, loss of appetite, borrowing money from friends and family, and lying.

When individuals develop a dependence on cocaine, they may encounter issues with their stomach, an elevated heart rate, and occasional cold sweats.

Paranoia, irritability, anxiety, auditory hallucinations, mood swings, and other similar effects are observed in the long run.

The use of these drugs also leads to feelings such as restlessness and jitteriness.

This text emphasizes that cocaine is among the top three substances frequently used by teenagers, highlighting the alarming drug abuse prevalent in today's youth.

Regardless of differing viewpoints, it asserts that these

drugs pose significant risks and remain popular among teenagers.