On a past occasion we have talked about drug effectsOn this occasion we want to make a classification of the most well-known types of drugs that exist, and it is worth mentioning that all of them are harmful to human health.
We already know the stimulant drugs, now let's talk about relaxing drugs, where the opium, the morphine, the heroin and marihuana.
Opium: A Powerful Natural Narcotic
The first one is an analgesic drug that has a natural origin since it is extracted from a plant called Papaver somniferum, also known as the opium poppy, which has sleeping propertiesOpium has been used for centuries, and its consumption was extremely popular in the 19th century, especially in Asia, Especially in China, where the opium trade also had an enormous geopolitical impact, leading not only to mass addictions, but also to wars and treaties that deeply marked the history of the region.
One of the peculiarities of opium is that it is consumed in different ways; it can be smoked, consumed orally or sometimes injected, depending on how it is processed. Substances derived from opium include medicines used in medical treatments, but also recreational drugs such as heroin, which has been classified as one of the most dangerous drugs due to its high addictive potential.
The effects of opium include analgesia (pain reduction) and a strong relaxation which can turn into sedation or lethargy, depending on the amount consumed. However, prolonged abuse generates dependence and leads to the appearance of a set of symptoms when its use is discontinued, known as withdrawal syndrome.
In addition, opium can cause respiratory repercussions, due to its ability to depress the central nervous system, which in severe situations can cause death by respiratory arrest.
Morphine: A powerful painkiller for medical use
Let us now mention morphine, which is an extremely strong drug that has analgesic properties. It is usually used for relieve extreme pain, particularly in patients with terminal illnesses such as cancer.
Morphine is an alkaloid extracted directly from opium. It was first isolated in the early 19th century and revolutionized pain management. Although it is extracted from the same base compound as opium, morphine is considerably more potent and is often administered in hospitals and supervised medical settings. Its primary use is pain relief when other painkillers are not sufficient to control a patient's discomfort.
In the short term, morphine produces effects similar to other opioids, such as euphoria, the muscle relaxation and a deep sense of well-beingHowever, its use is not without risks. Morphine abuse can cause physical dependence, meaning that regular users will need increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Some of the most potentially dangerous effects are: respiratory depression, the extreme sedation which can result in coma and, in some cases, death. Morphine has a high addictive potential, and although it is an inexpensive and accessible substance in medical settings, people who become dependent on it may begin to seek unauthorized means of obtaining it.
As for long-term effects, morphine can significantly alter the user's life by generating tolerance, dependence and even addictionThese effects occur because the body reduces its ability to produce dopamine naturally, leading to the need to consume it regularly to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, nausea y extreme anxiety.
Marijuana: A drug with controversial effects
As for marijuana, also known as Cannabis sativa, it is a plant that, although many consider it medicinal, It has generated great debate due to both its recreational and therapeutic properties.
Marijuana is consumed in different forms: smoked, vaporized, ingested as food or drink, and even as oil in some medical cases. The main active compound is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which acts on brain receptors to alter the sensory perception and cause a feeling of euphoria o relaxation.
Among the effects of marijuana it is worth highlighting that it produces a welfare statea whirlpool bath, greater sensitivity to stimuli, and in some cases, a distortion of perceptions of time and space. However, despite its increasing medicinal use, recent studies conclude that it may be more harmful to the lungs than tobacco, presenting a greater risk of lung diseases.
Prolonged use of marijuana can lead to memory problems y cognitive deficits. In addition, abuse in people vulnerable to mental illness can increase the likelihood of developing disorders such as schizophrenia and anxiety.
Despite its risks, marijuana has been legalized for medical purposes in many countries due to its ability to relieve chronic pain, reduce the dizziness caused by chemotherapy treatment and improve appetite in patients with HIV or other debilitating diseases.
In summary, despite the different uses and effects of sedative drugs such as opium, morphine and marijuana, they all share significant health risks, from addiction to serious illness and even death if not used with caution and under proper medical supervision.