When we examine medications, the brain, and behavior, we see that historically, drugs have been therapeutic compounds created to have the possible benefit with the least amount of toxicity or adverse effects. In essence, psychoactive medications alter cognition, behavior, and emotion by altering how the brain works when it comes to how people are addicted to drugs (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). With this, the drugs have been categorized into seven major categories (cannabis, narcotics, steroids, hallucinogens, inhalants, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens). For this assignment, only two of those will be used. The chosen categories are cannabis and steroids.
Comparing the Chosen Drug Categories
This is one major category of drugs that many people are addicted to. The most common type of drug under this category that people abuse is glucocorticoids. Under this group, the readily available substance for addicts includes Betamethasone, Prednisolone, and Anabolic steroids (ADF.org, 2021). The drug comes from Lanosterol (opisthokonts) or cycloartenol, and the two sterols used to make all steroid compounds in cells (plants). Squalene, a triterpene, is cyclized to produce Lanosterol and cycloartenol. These are some of the sources of the rug that significantly affects people.
The drug use of this substance has a long social history. The drug was first heard in 1935 as a means of treating depression medically (Winkler, 2021). However, as the use increased, when athletes got injured, they were given Anabolic steroids, which increased their body cell’s ability to grow (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018). Whether administered through an injection or taking pills orally, steroids significantly impact the user’s body as they are highly addictive. They have negative impacts, which are both physical and psychological. Some of the physical impacts it can result in include; cysts, oily skin, oily hair, and 70–72 percent head hair loss (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018). When used for a long time, they may cause the user to have changes in their brain chemicals, which then interfere with their brain neurotransmitters. The addict exhibit behavior such as aggressiveness and mood swings. This raises along of concern and therefore calls for the nee to find ways to change this scenario.
Cannabis
Many people are familiar with cannabis. Almost everywhere one goes, one will hear of cannabis being illegal, while in other places, it is legal. It is also referred to as Marijuana, and the major types found in this drug category include; cannabis ruderalis, cannabis sativa, and cannabis indica (Yu et al., 2020). Cannabis was federally classified as a Schedule I drugged in the US in 1970. This classification is strictly controlled and reserved for medications not recognized by the medical community. According to the US federal government, there are generally four basic categories when defining medicines used therapeutically or recreationally. A substance can be classified as an opiate or an opium derivative, a depressive, a hallucinogen, or a stimulant depending on its characteristics and effects.
The drug is administered in various ways; it can be consumed, smoked, or vaporized. Depending on the mode of consumption, users claim that the subjective effects of cannabis vary greatly (Winkler, 2021). Marijuana is the name for the dried cannabis plant’s leaves and buds, which are smoked in joints or bongs (Winkler, 2021). Additionally, cannabis is viewed as a safe drug, and young people are increasingly using it recreationally. In recent years, high-potency illegal cannabin mimetics have been more readily available, and the concentration of active chemicals in recreational formulations has gradually grown. The general public consumes more cannabis (Testai et al., 2022). Preclinical research has shown that cannabinoid receptors are highly expressed in brain regions associated with cognition and behavior, especially during active neurodevelopment and maturation. Also, it has some perceived physical impacts, such as frequent lung illness, daily cough, and increased risk of lung infections.
Cannabis and steroids are more similar as they are both stimulants that give the required pressure to the user, but when not controlled, they can be dangerous. The two drug categories also have physical impacts, which can lead to death if not addressed well. The difference which has been seen in the two categories is the mode of administration; where steroids are not smoked or inhaled, cannabis can use through methods. With this, it calls for there to have additional counseling.
Difference Methods of Treatment for Steroids and Cannabis
To understand and come up with the best treatment, it is recommended first to know the substance used affects an individual. Using these two drug categories is prohibited and frequently results in users being kicked from teams or receiving negative criticism from the wider athletic community. Cannabis has the power to reduce emotional anxiety. It lessens inhibitions and deteriorates the ability to make decisions. There are different treatments, from therapy to the use of medication to treat side effects such as; depression, paranoia, mood swings, and anxiety. Hence, by implementing medication and therapy, it becomes easy for counselors to help reduce the waves of anger from using substances (cannabis and steroids).
References
ADF.org. (2021). Steroids- alcohol and drug foundation. Organization AU. Web.
Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. (2020). Foundations of addictions counseling (4th ed.). Pearson Education.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Are anabolic steroids addictive? National Institute on Drug Abuse. Web.
Testai, F. D., Gorelick, P. B., Aparicio, H. J., Filbey, F. M., Gonzalez, R., Gottesman, R. F., Melis, M., Piano, M. R., Rubino, T., Song, S. Y., & American Heart Association Stroke Brain Health Science Subcommittee of the Stroke Council; Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; and Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. (2022). Use of Marijuana: Effect on brain health: A scientific statement from the American heart association. Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation, 53(4), e176–e187. Web.
Winkler, N. (2021). Is cannabis classified as a hallucinogen, stimulant, or depressant? Cannabis Central Veriheal. Web.
Yu, B., Chen, X., Chen, X., & Yan, H. (2020). Marijuana legalization and historical trends in marijuana use among US residents aged 12-25: Results from the 1979-2016 National Survey on drug use and health. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 156. Web.