...for our daily functions. Drugs however such as Alprazolam, also known as Xanax, can alter these actions and have short and long term effects that aren't always the best feeling. The nervous system is made up of nerves, the spinal cord and the brain. The nerves control everything we do; they carry messages that tell us to move, to breathe, to feel and to think. Nerves run to the muscles, organs, heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain-even to our teeth and skin. Neurons are the specialized cells that conduct impulses through the nervous system. There are about 100 billion neurons in just the brain. A neuron has three parts that make it up, a cell body, which carries metabolic functions, dendrites being branched fibers which are the primary receivers of the impulses from other neurons, and axons that are slender tail like extensions that are the transmitting end that sprouts into many braches each ending in an axon terminal. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant. This means it slows brain activity. Xanax works specifically by increasing GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity, curbing the brain’s “excitability” and allowing the brain to restore its natural balance. Although different classes of central nervous system depressants work in unique ways, ultimately it is their ability to increase GABA activity that produces a drowsy or calming effect. When taken as prescribed, the short-term effects of Xanax are beneficial to many individuals. It has the potential to reduce the...
Words: 494 - Pages: 2
...Effects of Xanax Xanax, the origin name of Alprazolam is a drug commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. In the family of Benzodiazepins it works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain that causes unbalance. The different street names for Xanax’s are Zannie’s, Zan’s, z-bars, handle -bars and white-boyz. If commonly used the drug can have short and long term effects on the brain. Xanax’s are highly effective on the brain and can have two major setbacks. Xanax’s hyperbolize brain cells and by hyperbolizing brain cells can induce fear of anxiety and fear. When the brain areas are turned downed people feel calmer and are less likely to become anxious and agitated. The first set back with using the drug people commonly show...
Words: 823 - Pages: 4
...Xanax, also known as alprazolam, affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety (drugs.com, n.d.). This is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine (Marshall, 2015). They are used as sedative and to relieve anxiety. It is the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine in the U.S. It was prescribed 49 million times in 2011 (drugabuse.com, 2017). It only takes an hour for most of the drugs desired effects to occur, and the effects typically last for at least 6 hours (drugabuse.com, 2017). The medication usually comes in tablet form or an extended release capsule (drugabuse.com, 2017). http://www.drugrehabcenter.com/addiction/addictions-and-substances/xanax-addiction-and-treatment.html Neurotransmitters are chemicals...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
...Some side effects of Xanax are drowsiness, dizziness, and increased saliva production. The more serious side effects of Xanax is mental changes, slurred speech, hallucinations, memory problems, and loss of coordination. “Alprazolam is used by drug addicts and has become a popular party drug during the last decade.” (Vester) Signs and symptoms of Xanax abuse are more likely noticed when a person has reached high levels of consumption. A person who has become dependent on this drug- which means they have come to rely on this drug psychologically as well being physically addicted-will probably need rehabilitation before they are able to embark on a new, sober life. When a person is addicted, they have found an escape from certain life problems...
Words: 1376 - Pages: 6
...Drug use in the United States is a growing problem. It is important for businesses to have an understanding of the types of drugs that are available. This guide will give an overview of stimulants, depressants, opiates, hallucinogens, and cannabis. Stimulants Meth is a highly addictive stimulant that can cause severe damage to the body and brain. Meth has many street names, such as, ice, crank, crystal, glass, and speed. Most of these names are derived from the way it looks. It appears as crystals. Meth can be taken by snorting, smoking, injecting, or by dissolving it in water or alcohol. According to "National Institute on Drug Abuse" (2010), “Methamphetamine’s ability to release dopamine rapidly in reward regions of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or “rush,” that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug.” This aids to the addiction process. For those that chronically abuse methamphetamines, their brain will undergo changes in the way it functions. These changes include both cognitive, emotional and memory issues. The side effects associated with taking meth include increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia ("National Institute on Drug Abuse", 2010). Long term meth use can lead to extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances...
Words: 1432 - Pages: 6
...as an anesthetic.” According to the website of Illegal Drugs, “Cocaine comes from the leaves of a cocoa plant which grows in South America and transformed into a white powder.” This particular drug can be addictive because it causes the blood vessels in the body to become narrow, constricting the flow of blood. Prescription drugs can be taken for different reasons, but can also be addictive if not taken properly. According to the website of Turning Point of Tampa, “Prescription drug abuse is a modern day plague with estimates of up to six million Americans that have or currently abuse prescription medication.” The chart below shows that 2/3 of Americans are addicted to Valium, 1.1 million are addicted to Adderall, 80% are addicted to Xanax, and 31% are addicted to Hydrocodone. Taking high doses of stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin can cause an irregular heartbeat, dangerously...
Words: 786 - Pages: 4
...The Effect of Modern Drugs on Today’s Youth Children and the Law Seminar It’s nearing finals time and students across campus are beginning to feel the anxiety with exams over the horizon. While many students hit the books to quash this feeling, others search for something more. Whispers soliciting a need for Adderall resonate throughout the halls. These students don’t have prescriptions for their drug of choice, but this doesn’t deter them. They know that the risk in purchasing and ingesting this “study buddy” is far outweighed by the extreme focus and potentially high exam scores it may bring. It’s not that these students are ignorant of the law; it is quite the contrary. These situations are now so commonplace that today’s youth perceives the law to be a technicality in their search to find a means to an end. This pervading attitude should come as no surprise to most adults. For as long as human history has been recorded, drugs have defined and reflected the attitudes of their era. In the 1920’s, alcohol was placed under prohibition and Americans were looking to every which way to circumvent this federal regulation. In the 1930’s, reefer madness swept the country and marijuana was criminalized. The 1960’s marked the era of a rising counter-culture fueled by the psychedelic drug LSD. Even the cocaine boom of the 1970’s and 1980’s define a period of American history marked by high crime rates and an evolving nightlife. Today’s society is no different. In many ways, people...
Words: 6890 - Pages: 28
...in about thirty minutes. Ms. Wilkie reported that smoking the marijuana made her feel goofy and relaxed. Ms. Wilkie stated at the age of thirty-four, her use of marijuana has ceased. Ms. Wilkie reported that she was thirty years old when she consumed Percocet. Ms. Wilkie reported that she was with friends at a friend’s house. Ms. Wilkie reported that she took two 5 mg. pills in under a minute. Ms. Wilkie reported that it made her feel numb. Regarding her consumption of Percocet, she stated that her use of Percocet has ceased. Ms. Wilkie reported that she first experimented with Xanax at the age of thirty years old. Ms. Wilkie reported that she consumed Xanax with friends at a friend’s house. Ms. Wilkie reported that she took one pill that was 2 mg in under a minute. Ms. Wilkie stated that she felt calm after taking the pills. Regarding her consumption of Xanax, she stated that her use of Xanax has ceased. Ms. Wilkie stated that she only consumes alcohol with friends. Ms. Wilkie reported that her drug of choice is alcohol. Ms. Wilkie reported that her beverage of choice is Smirnoff Vodka and mixed alcoholic beverages. Ms. Wilkie reported she has never suffered from hangovers, dehydration after drinking episodes, blackouts, delirium tremens or any other serious withdrawal symptoms. Given Ms. Wilkie’s disclosures, there is no apparent need for in-patient detoxification at this time. Ms. Wilkie stated she has never experimented with any other type of mood altering drugs nor...
Words: 1132 - Pages: 5
...effects everyone right now. There are many thing that are being affected because of the legalization of marijuana. Other medication effects Being in the trucking industry, my drivers cannot under any circumstances use marijuana because the FEDs have not approved it as a medicine, it is still a controlled substance in their eyes. I have one driver who has anxiety, she has to take pills for it. These particular pills, your body becomes dependent on and you can’t just stop taking it. Your body will have withdrawn symptoms. So why would we want our truckers driving all over the country using pills instead of a natural plant? Truckers are allowed to take Xanax for their anxiety, Xanax is a very addictive pill also, and it also is a very strong pill that causes you to black out, forget things, and just pass out, fall asleep. I tried Xanax for my anxiety and it was not something I could use and function in a normal day. I am not okay with my drivers using pills instead of marijuana. I have another driver who has a bad hip, she is getting a whole hip replacement soon. This driver is not even allowed to use CBD lotion on her hip that does not even get her high. Instead she is overloaded with pain pills that are bad for her kidneys. Crime One thing people do not think about is how crime effects their business. Where I am from, there is so much crime! People think twice before opening a business in certain places in the city. Location and its surroundings can affect your business. In Colorado...
Words: 732 - Pages: 3
...It all began right after I checked in for my flight, I walked towards the gates and was about to enter the line. I was ready to go through the security screening and suddenly my anxiety crept up on my out of nowhere; “Are they going to strip-search me?”. My hands began to shake, “I couldn’t risk it.”, I thought to myself. I quickly popped the xanax pill in my mouth that my roommate gave me and got in line. You see, I’m absolutely terrified of flying. Have you ever been through turbulence? It’s no joke! My roommate was aware of my fear of flying, so he kindly offered me a xanax pill to help calm me during the flight. He told me, I would “blackout” and then I would be fine. But suddenly it hit me that maybe I couldn’t take it in through security and that's when the anxiety hit me. As walked closer towards the gate, I couldn’t help but notice all the security guards; were they looking at me? It felt like they were giving me the mean mug and I began to ask myself, “Why are they looking at me?”. Then I began to get paranoid -I forgot to mention that I ate a weed brownie an hour before all this and it was in full-effect. Now I was truly beginning to freak out! I am not sure how I managed to keep it together, but I finally got to front and put my bags on the belt for screening. I walked through the metal detector, but quickly noticed my bags didn’t. The officer told me there was a “red flag” and they needed to go through my bags. My face quickly became as pale as a ghost, even...
Words: 1243 - Pages: 5
...STATISTICS - TEEN DRUG USE, ABUSE AND ADDICTION In 2008, among persons with substance dependence or abuse, the proportion with dependence on or abuse of illicit drugs also was associated with age: 60.6 percent of youths aged 12 to 17 were dependent on or abused drugs compared with 37.4 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 and 24.3 percent of adults aged 26 or older. Ages of Teens Vs Types of Drugs Used: Among youths aged 12 to 17, the types of drugs used in the past month varied by age group. Among 12 or 13 year olds, 1.5 percent used prescription-type drugs (xanax, Percocet, oxycontin, etc) nonmedically, 1.2 percent used inhalants (huffing aerosols), and 1.0 percent used marijuana. Among 14 or 15 year olds, marijuana was the most commonly used drug (5.7 percent), followed by prescription-type drugs used nonmedically (3.0 percent), inhalants (1.3 percent), and hallucinogens (1.0 percent). Marijuana also was the most commonly used drug among 16 or 17 year olds (12.7 percent); it was followed by prescription-type drugs used nonmedically (4.0 percent), hallucinogens (1.6 percent), cocaine (0.7 percent), and inhalants (0.7 percent). Persons 12 and older, classified with substance dependence, addiction, or abuse in 2008: In 2008, an estimated 22.2 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year (8.9 percent of the population aged 12 or older). Of these, 3.1 million were classified with dependence on or...
Words: 750 - Pages: 3
...Series, Tdap, and Varicella. c. TB skin test negative. Pap smear- no abnormalities found. d. No environmental hazards. e. Exercises four to six times per week at 30-60 minutes each time. Exercises include both cardio and strength training. f. Patient goes to sleep with ease but awakens several times throughout the night. g. Patient states diet is as follows; “Anywhere between 1500 to 2200 calories per day. Usually eats well and attempts to abide by daily recommendations of each food group.” Daily multi-vitamin. Minimal caffeine intake. h. On a daily basis, patient takes Effexor, Trinessa, Alavert and a multi- vitamin. Patient also uses an albuterol inhaler as needed. Patient has prescription for Parfon forte and Xanax which is taken as needed and rarely. i. Does not smoke. j. Patient drinks 1-2 glasses of wine 2-3 times per week. No drug...
Words: 632 - Pages: 3
...Psychological Disorders Shirley Myers Psy/240 06/26/2011 Gazda There are a plethora of psychological disorders to be discussed and the many theories about these disorders are endless. Along with theories about the disorders there are also many different kinds of treatments with many different effects. There are also levels of severity that come along with each individual mental disorder. Some of these disorders include Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa, and Tourette syndrome. There are treatments for these disorders but with all treatments there can be negative results associated with the treatment. The theories associated with each disorder give professionals some insight into what the mental disorder is exactly and how it is to be treated and has caused psychological medicine to come a very long way from its sordid beginning. Schizophrenia is classified as one of the many major psychological disorders and can be incapacitating. Pinel explained that the term Schizophrenia means, “The splitting of psychic functions” (Pinel, 2009). There are several symptoms associated with the diagnosis of Schizophrenia and they are as follows: delusions, inappropriate affect, hallucinations, incoherent thought, and odd behavior (Pinel, 2009). For most professionals it usually only takes one sort of symptom to form a diagnoses of Schizophrenia. One of the theories that are believed to cause Schizophrenia is that an individual may inherit the...
Words: 1238 - Pages: 5
...Anxiety in My Life Webster’s Dictionary defines anxiety as “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increase pulse).” Webster’s definition of anxiety clear describes my life. Anxiety has been a big factor in my life for a long time; I can get anxious over the smallest things, sometimes for no reason at all. I suppose most people have something that makes them anxious in their lives. I wish that I just had one thing that made me anxious, that would seem easy. You see, there are so many things that cause me to be anxious that there is no way I could name them all, so I’ll just give a few examples. I have anxiety over animals, public speaking, health, my job, and my family and I have learned how to cope in these situations. Spiders, snakes and rats, make me anxious. When I see them, I get sweaty palms and feet, I shake and my heart pounds. I dream about spiders and snakes. In the dream they are always falling on me. I wake myself up from the dream when I scream. My heart will be racing like I have run a marathon, and I am usually in the middle of a panic attack. It takes me several minutes to calm down after one of these dreams. I usually have to search the bedding and the floor to assure myself that there are not any spiders or snakes in the room. Speaking in front of people is another source of anxiety. Speaking in public, or better yet, just the thought of speaking...
Words: 1283 - Pages: 6
...what-“ifs”. There are a few ways to break through that chain of worries. A person can hang with family to get through the lost together. Exercising also is a helpful way to get yourself back to a normal state of mind. Secondly, tackling the changes that come with losing someone is extremely difficult to manage. Waking up without that person present is dreadfully overwhelming. Making changes to do any actives that have normally been done together are very sad. Sometime a person have to relocate to another city to get use to that person not being around. Finical circumstances changes for which the love one was able to help, is no longer an aid. Although, Taking depressants to cope with a person death have its pros and cons. Some depressant like Xanax have many side effects that add to just being depressed. The side effects can lead to several health problems such as decrease heart rate, appetite increases, delusional, and possible death. A person body can get dependent on the medication and suffer from withdraw if taken off the drug. Depressants also can be abuse and overdosing develop. Although, the drug can have a couple of advantages. Depressant gives a person the ability to go about life easier. The drug also make a person not feel sad or depressed mood swings. Finally, a person life will change while overcoming anxiety. Everyday habits will change from how...
Words: 334 - Pages: 2
