Heroin is extracted from the dried latex of opium poppy directly. This drug was
found useful in the early days to treat the people addicted to morphine. This drug
cross the blood brain barrier just soon after the introduction of the drug and is
converted into morphine and it mimics the action of endorphins which induces
a sense of pleasure or well being, this specific characteristic euphoria is also
known as orgasm. Heroin is mostly introduced in the body through intravenous
injections.
Cocaine belongs to the class of tropane alkaloid. This is found in crystalline form
from the leaves of cocoa plant. This drug is a CNS stimulant and it evokes the
sympathetic nervous system and is therefore an appetite suppressant, it has
characteristic euphoric sense of happiness and well being. It excites the mood
and promotes ejaculation. This drug is mostly used for this purpose. Cocaine is a
potent stimulant of CNS. The duration of the drug in the blood stream last from
20 minutes to several hours and it varies according to the dose. Hypersensitivity,
increased blood pressure, agitation, euphoria, and increase heart and pulse rate.
It is also observed that the person craves to experience the drug again. Paranoia
and impotence is observed as a side effect if taken frequently.
Methamphetamine is sympathomimetic drug or CNS stimulant. This drug can
cross the blood brain barrier and can enter the brain and trigger the release of
the hormone nor epinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. This drug stimulates the
mesolimbic pathway and causes excitement and euphoria. It is prone to addiction
and person carves for this drug. Side effects include repetitive tasks such cleaning
or washing hands again and again and arranging and disarranging the objects.
Withdrawal symptoms are associated with depression, anxiety, excessive sleeping
and drug craving.
Lysergic acid diethylamide LSD, belong to tryptamine family. It is a semi synthetic
psychedelic drug, it is a recreational drug. This drug is mainly utilized in different
kinds of exercises for transcendence which includes meditation, psychonautics.
The drug effect varies from person to person and depends on various factors
such state of mind and environment. This drug is also dose dependent. This drug
can have long term psycho emotional effects and it causes specific changes in a
person and life perspective.
Ecstasy is another semi synthetic psychedelic drug. It is a recreational drug that
is banned and it s associated with sex and other club drugs. It produces stimulant
like effects. These effects includes euphoria, sense of openness, feeling f well
being, love and happiness. Side effects includes elevated pulse pressure, jaw
clenching.