Chapter 4
This chapter was over neuropsychopharmacology, drugs, and drug addiction. Both of which I do not know too much about. Before a drug can be developed the pharmacokinetics (how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body) and the pharmacodynamics (its effects on the body) must be understood. Then for it to be considered safe, there are a series of questions must be answered.
I found the section on cocaine to be very interesting because I was unaware of its history (minus the part about Coca-Cola) and all of the effects it has on the body. For instance, I did not realize it had a different form than the white powder we think of today. Imagining people chewing coca leaves leaves is amusing. Cocaine can lessen hunger and fatigue while increasing alertness and a sense of euphoria. It is no wonder people get curious. It's also interesting to me that while alcohol is a depressant it has an initial stimulating affect on people. I wish the text had covered why exactly that is more. While alcohol is the most abused drug, marijuana is the most used illegal substance. Both of which I could have guessed as they seem to be the less frightening.
Drug addiction is a vicious cycle. I think treatment programs are a great alternative to throwing offenders in jail. Addiction is a huge problem and I hope that we will continue to normalize conversations about it.
I agree with you that treatment programs are much more beneficial to addicts than jail time! I was already aware that addiction was a sickness, but this chapter really clarified the extent to which brain chemistry plays a role in drug abuse.
ReplyDeleteWow, this was an excellent post! I also found it extremely interesting learning about the effects of different drugs on the body. Hopefully, by studying these things we can understand the world around us and have more empathy for those whom are addicted to drugs.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do hope that we are able to normalize discussions about addiction and get people the treatment they need, I also believe that it's only possible to help people who want to be helped. It's great to normalize conversation and get good treatment for those who need it, but their should be some kind of limit so that repeat offenders don't abuse the system meant for those who are actually trying to quit.
ReplyDeleteI second treatment programs as opposed to jail. If more money was put toward research and treatment of addiction as opposed to the cost of incarcerating people, there might be less deaths caused by overdose!
ReplyDeleteSuper interesting that you thought about issues with how our society treats addiction! I agree, I believe that people undergoing withdraw need treatment rather than jail time.
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