Drug Abuse by Anya Jillson Neuwirth

Drug abuse or substance abuse is the use of any chemical substance (especially controlled substance such as psychoactive drugs, narcotics, hormones, prescription medication or over the counter medicines) in a way that society deems harmful to the user or others. Drug abuse is most commonly associated with addictive substances. Alcohol is also addictive and prone to abuse, however the term alcohol abuse is generally used distinctly from “drug abuse. Definition of Topic

Why Controversial… The reason drugs are controversial is that if they were legal, them some people might only use drugs for recreation. But if they weren’t legal, then less people might take drugs.

Marijuana A strong-smelling plant from whose dried leaves a number of euphoria and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared. Cannabis: the most commonly used illicit drug; considered a soft drug, it consists of the dried leaves of the hemp plant; smoked or chewed for euphoric effect. Also known as Indian hemp, is a member of the Cannabaceae or hemp family, thought to have originated in the mountainous districts of India, north of the Himalayan mountains.

Cocaine A narcotic (alkaloid) extracted from coca leaves; used as a surface anesthetic or taken for pleasure; can become powerfully addictive. A stimulant narcotic in the form of a white powder that users generally self-administer by insufflations through the nose.

Heroin A narcotic that is considered a hard drug; a highly addictive morphine derivative; intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense rush. Also known as diamorphine (BAN) or diacetylmorphine (INN), is a semi-synthetic opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy.

Hallucinogens The general group of pharmacological agents commonly known as hallucinogens can be divided into three broad categories: psychedelics, dissociatives, and deliriants. hallucinogen - a psychoactive drug that induces hallucinations or altered sensory experiences, "LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic drug."

My Personal Opinion on Drugs I think drugs are okay for medical use, for example if someone has cancer and has symptoms that marijuana can help, then I think it is okay to use medical marijuana. It is not okay if you are using them for fun. Neutral position I think drugs are not recommended because of harmful side effects.

Action to Help Drug Abusers One way that you could help is by getting involved with DARE. Drug Abuse Resistance Education, better known as DARE, is an international education program that seeks to prevent use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior. D.A.R.E., which has expanded globally since its founding in 1983, is a demand-side drug control strategy of the U.S. War on Drugs. Students who enter the program sign a pledge not to use drugs or join gangs and are taught by local law enforcement about the dangers of drug use in an interactive in-school curriculum which lasts ten weeks. D.A.R.E. America has its headquarters in Inglewood, California.

I learned: How harmful drugs can be. What the symptoms of drugs are. How to take a stand. How to do research. What I Learned From Doing This

Bibliography - WordNet Search. Define marijuana. - Treatment Solutions Network Dictionary. - WordNet Search. Define cocaine. - Wiktionary. Wiki-based open content dictionary. - WordNet Search. Define Heroin - Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia. - Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia. - WordNet Search. Define hallucinogen.