-Hot Topic- 
The theme of this -Hot Topic- is to consider the significant Psychological damage caused by drug and substance abuse. This is not an attempt to promote an anti-drug message; individuals are free to behave as they wish. However, this is to raise awareness of what
COULD happen as the result of periodic substance abuse. If you would like to share your experiences with drugs and substances, you are welcome to discuss them in the -Hot Topic- thread.
Hallucinogenic drugs *Drugs classified as hallucinogens include: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetime(DOM), N,N-dimethyltrptamine(DMT), psilocin, and mescaline. *They all have common side effects, including distortion of sensory perception, and other psychic and somatic effects. *These drugs may cause hallucinations and illusions as well, as the amplification of sense, and the alterations of thinking and self-awareness. It is quite possible to have a bad reaction to hallucinogenic drugs. This is referred to as a "bad trip" and may cause panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. These long-term effects may include: flashbacks, mood swings, impaired thinking, unexpected outbursts of violence and eventually possibly depression that may lead to death or suicide. *hallucinogenic drugs structurally resemble serotonin. *Hallucinogenic drugs cause an increase in the level of brain serotonin, but they inhibit the rapid firing of neurons containing serotonin.
SOURCE:
Article Ecstasy *Although ecstasy is not a hallucinogen in most people, it can cause hallucinations on occasion, especially in higher doses. *In rare cases, ecstacy use can cause temporary psychosis. *The use of ecstasy may sometimes alter the clinical picture in a pre-existing psychosis such as schizophrenia. This is referred to as a pathoplastic effect. *Chronic ecstasy use is also sometimes followed by a longer lasting depression.
SOURCE:
Article Cannabis *Accute effects: -anxiety, dysphoria, panic and paranoia, especially in naive users *Chronic effects: -subtle forms of cognitive impairment, most particularly of attention and memory, which persist while the user remains chronically intoxicated, and may or may not be reversible after prolonged abstinence from cannabis. -individuals with schizophrenia, who are at increased risk of precipitating or of exacerbating schizophrenic symptoms.
SOURCE:
Article Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) *Anxiety, radical behavioral shifts, anger, emotional swings and paranoia are the most common crystal meth effects chronic users experience. These psychological symptoms can increase over time and continued use and can evolve into paranoid delusions and hallucinations, violence and self-destructive behavior.
SOURCE:
Article Share your thoughts on drug and substance abuse in the -Hot Topic- thread; consider the increasing pressure people experience when confronted with the culture of drugs. Also, consider the role of alcohol which is just as easily abused.
-Hot Topic- Compiled by Marisa (Bloody_Mari)
AND Shannon (-Screaming_Inside-)
