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Main article: Responsible drug use The concept of "responsible drug use" is that a person can use drugs recreationally or otherwise with reduced or eliminated risk of negatively affecting other aspects of one's life or other people's lives. Advocates of this philosophy point to the many well-known artists and intellectuals who have used drugs, experimentally or otherwise, with few detrimental effects on their lives. Responsible drug use becomes drug abuse only when the use of the substance significantly interferes with the user's daily life. Responsible drug use advocates that users should not take drugs at the same time as activities such as driving, swimming, operating machinery, or other activities that are unsafe without a sober state. Responsible drug use is emphasized as a primary prevention technique in harm-reduction drug policies. Harm-reduction policies were popularized in the late 1980s, although they began in the 1970s counter-culture where users were distributed cartoons explaining responsible drug use and consequences of irresponsible drug use.[4] Another issue is that the illegality of drugs in itself may also cause social and economic consequences for those using them — the drugs may be "cut" with adulterants and the purity varies wildly, making overdoses more likely — and legal regulation of drug production and distribution would alleviate these and other dangers of illegal drug use.[5] Harm reduction seeks to minimize the harm that can occur through the use of various drugs, whether legal (e.g., alcohol and nicotine), or illegal (e.g., heroin and cocaine). For example, people who inject illicit drugs can minimize harm to both themselves and members of the community through proper injecting technique, using new needles and syringes each time, and proper disposal of all injecting equipment. Types Common drugs The drugs most popular for recreational use worldwide are: [6] [dated info] caffeine and theobromine (from coffee, tea, cocoa and other plant sources) – legal in almost all parts of the world, but not consumed by members of some religions. ethanol (ethyl alcohol, commonly referred to as simply alcohol, produced through fermentation by yeast in alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer) – legal but regulated in most parts of the world, and illegal in several Muslim countries such as Pakistan, Libya, Sudan, Iran and Saudi Arabia; not consumed by members of some religions. It acts as a GABAA receptor agonist. In chemistry, an alcohol is any compound containing a hydroxyl functional group. Methanol (methyl alcohol, or wood alcohol) is poisonous. tobacco - mainly from tobacco smoking. Tobacco contains nicotine and beta-carboline alkaloids. It is legal but regulated in most parts of the world and not consumed by members of some religions.[7][better source needed] cannabis (in the form of herbal cannabis or hashish). Contains cannabinoids, primarily THC – tetrahydrocannabinol. Illegal in most parts of the world. opiates and opioids – in general legal by prescription only, for relief of pain. Opiates used for recreational purposes are morphine and codeine. Opioids include heroin (diacetylmorphine, not used in medicine in most countries), oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone (Vicodin), fentanyl, pethidine, tramadol and others. See also: naloxone/naltrexone (antidotes for opioids), opiate replacement therapy, opium, poppy and poppy tea. cocaine – a euphoric stimulant derived from the coca plant in South America. Use of the stimulating coca leaf (e.g. chewing it, often with slaked lime to increase bioavailability), but not cocaine, is legal in Bolivia. Cocaine is illegal in most parts of the world. The freebase form, crack cocaine, has also been very popular since the mid to late 1980s. Cocaine was formerly used in medicine and dentistry for local anesthesia. Derivatives such as lidocaine and novocaine are now used instead. amphetamine (Adderall), methamphetamine (Desoxyn; methamphetamine hydrochloride, aka crystal meth), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) – stimulants (sympathomimetic), all three are prescribed for ADHD Other popular drugs are: modafinil and its active enantiomer, armodafinil – eugeroic stimulants, prescription drugs MDPV with effects similar to amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine and methylphenidate MDMA – a stimulant (entactogen) and a psychedelic (phenethylamine), in ecstasy pills (described below) or in crystal form; illegal virtually everywhere LSD – a psychedelic tryptamine, also DMT; 2C family, DOB, DOC, DOI, DOM – psychedelic phenethylamines psilocybin mushrooms (containing psilocybin and psilocin, tryptamines) and other psychoactive mushrooms tranquilizers (sedatives, most of them are prescription drugs): barbiturates, benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines and others (including GHB, known for its use as a date-rape drug, but also as a party drug) kava – sedative plant following dissociatives: ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), alkyl nitrites (Poppers), diethyl ether khat containing cathine and cathinone (stimulants) over-the-counter medications (in some countries they might be prescription drugs): dextromethorphan (DXM, dissociative), codeine (opiate, often with paracetamol to discourage recreational use), some deliriants (benzydamine, dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine) and stimulants (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine) recreational designer drugs (e.g. BZP, mephedrone) and synthetic cannabis salvia divinorum containing Salvinorin A producing dissociative effects and hallucinations nutmeg containing myristicin – a deliriant widespread plants – for example those from Solanaceae family (e.g. datura, deadly nightshade) which contain following deliriants: atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine (pilocarpine is antidote in overdoses) inhalants – solvents, propellants and fumes of glues containing these, but also nitrous oxide (laughing gas), Poppers (alkyl nitrites), diethyl ether and others (see also the section about them) Legally available opioids are sometimes combined with other drugs such as NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin), paracetamol, antihistamine, expectorant, homatropine/atropine. The purpose of the non-controlled drugs in combination is often twofold: 1) To provide increased analgesia via drug synergy. 2) To limit the intake of opioid by causing unpleasant and often unsafe side effects at higher-than-prescribed doses. See also: Hydrocodone/paracetamol (Vicodin). Inhaling nitrous oxide from tanks used in automotive systems is unsafe, because the toxic gas sulfur dioxide is mixed in around 100 ppm, specifically to discourage recreational use. Routes of administration Drugs most often associated with a particular route of administration: intravenous injection (see also the article Drug injection) – morphine and heroin, less commonly other opioids or stimulants like cocaine or amphetamine, but almost every substance (with some exceptions) can be injected smoking (see also the section below) – tobacco, cannabis, opium, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and heroin (diamorphine as freebase) known as chasing the dragon insufflation – snuff (a form of smokeless tobacco), amphetamine and cocaine inhalation – all inhalants (listed above), as the name suggests chewing, absorbing sublingually, placing under the lip, etc. – some forms of smokeless tobacco (e.g. dipping tobacco, snus), LSD blotters, coca leaves with slaked lime, paan (see betel), some hallucinogens intrarectal - administering into the rectum, most water soluble drugs can be used this way transdermal patches with prescription drugs – e.g. methylphenidate (Daytrana) and fentanyl oral intake – caffeine, ethanol, hash cakes (cannabis), nutmeg, datura, psilocybin mushrooms, coca tea, poppy tea, laudanum, GHB, ecstasy pills with MDMA and/or various other substances (mainly stimulants and psychedelics), prescription and over-the-counter drugs (ADHD and narcolepsy medications, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, sedatives, cough suppressants, benzydamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, morphine, codeine, opioids and others) Many drugs are taken through various routes. Intravenous route is the most efficient, but also one of the most dangerous. Nasal, rectal, inhalation and smoking are safer. Oral route is one of the safest and most comfortable, but of little bioavailability. Drugs which can be smoked See also: Smoking Plants: tobacco cannabis salvia divinorum opium datura and other Solanaceae (formerly smoked to treat asthma) possibly other plants (see the section below) Substances (also not necessarily psychoactive plants soaked with them): methamphetamine crack cocaine black tar heroin phencyclidine (PCP) synthetic cannabinoids (see also: synthetic cannabis) dimethyltryptamine (DMT) 5-MeO-DMT many others, including some prescription drugs Psychoactive plants, fungi and animals See also: List of psychedelic plants Minimally psychoactive plants which contain mainly caffeine and theobromine: coffee tea (caffeine in tea is sometimes called theine) – also contains theanine guarana (caffeine in guarana is sometimes called guaranine) yerba mate (caffeine in yerba mate is sometimes called mateine) cocoa kola Most known psychoactive plants: cannabis – cannabinoids tobacco – nicotine and beta-carboline alkaloids coca – cocaine opium poppy – morphine, codeine and other opiates salvia divinorum – salvinorin A khat – cathine and cathinone kava – kavalactones nutmeg – myristicin Solanaceae plants – contain atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine datura deadly nightshade atropa belladona henbane mandrake (Mandragora) other Solanaceae Cacti with mescaline: peyote Peruvian torch cactus San Pedro cactus Other plants: kratom – mitragynine, mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, raubasine and corynantheidine ephedra – ephedrine damiana Calea zacatechichi Silene capensis valerian – valerian (the chemical with the same name) various plants like chacruna, jurema, vilca, and yopo – 5-MeO-DMT Morning glory and Hawaiian Baby Woodrose – lysergic acid amide (LSA, ergine) Ayahuasca Tabernanthe iboga ("Iboga") – ibogaine Areca catechu (see: betel and paan) – arecoline Rauvolfia serpentina – rauwolscine yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) – yohimbine, corynantheidine probably many others Fungi: psilocybin mushrooms – psilocybin and psilocin various Amanita mushrooms – bufotenin Amanita muscaria – ibotenic acid and muscimol Claviceps purpurea and other Clavicipitaceae – ergotamine (not psychoactive itself but used in synthesis of LSD) Psychoactive animals: hallucinogenic fish psychoactive toads – bufotenin, Bufo alvarius (Colorado River toad or Sonoran Desert toad) also contains 5-MeO-DMT Other psychoactives Depressants Depressants are psychoactive drugs that temporarily diminish the function or activity of a specific part of the body or mind.[8] Examples of these kinds of effects may include anxiolysis, sedation, and hypotension. Due to their effects typically having a "down" quality to them, depressants are also occasionally referred to as "downers". Stimulants or "uppers", which increase mental and/or physical function, are in stark contrast to depressants and are considered to be their functional opposites. Depressants are widely used throughout the world as prescription medicines and as illicit substances. When these are used, effects may include anxiolysis, analgesia, sedation, somnolence, cognitive/memory impairment, dissociation, muscle relaxation, lowered blood pressure/heart rate, respiratory depression, anesthesia, and anticonvulsant effects. Some are also capable of inducing feelings of euphoria. Depressants exert their effects through a number of different pharmacological mechanisms, the most prominent of which include facilitation of GABA and/or opioid activity, and inhibition of adrenergic, histamine and/or acetylcholine activity. Antihistamines Antihistamines (or "histamine antagonists") inhibit the release or action of histamine. "Antihistamine" can be used to describe any histamine antagonist, but the term is usually reserved for the classical antihistamines that act upon the H1 histamine receptor. Antihistamines are used as treatment for allergies. Allergies are caused by an excessive response of the body to allergens, such as the pollen released by grasses and trees. An allergic reaction causes release of histamine by the body. Other uses of antihistamines are to help with normal symptoms of insect stings even if there is no allergic reaction. Their recreational appeal exists mainly due to their anticholinergic properties, that induce anxiolysis and, in some cases such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and orphenadrine, a characteristic euphoria at moderate doses. Hallucinations and possibly delirium resembling the effects of Datura stramonium can result if the drug is taken in much higher than therapeutical dosages. Antihistamines are widely available over the counter at drug stores (without a prescription), in the form of allergy medication and some cough medicines. They are sometimes used in combination with other substances such as alcohol. The most common unsupervised use of antihistamines in terms of volume and percentage of the total is perhaps in parallel to the medicinal use of some antihistamines to stretch out and intensify the effects of opioids and depressants. The most commonly used are hydroxyzine, mainly to stretch out a supply of other drugs, as in medical use, and the above-mentioned ethanolamine and alkylamine-class first-generation antihistamines, which are - once again as in the 1950s - the subject of medical research into their anti-depressant properties. For all of the above reasons, the use of medicinal scopolamine for recreational uses is also seen. Analgesics Analgesics (also known as "painkillers") are used to relieve pain (achieve analgesia). The word analgesic derives from Greek "αν-" (an-, "without") and "άλγος" (álgos, "pain"). Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems; they include paracetamol (para-acetylaminophenol, also known in the US as acetaminophen), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, and opioid drugs such as hydrocodone, codeine, heroin and oxycodone. Some further examples of the brand name prescription opiates and opioid analgesics that may be used recreationally include Vicodin, Lortab, Norco (hydrocodone), Avinza, Kapanol (morphine), Opana, Paramorphan (oxymorphone), Dilaudid, Palladone (hydromorphone), and OxyContin (oxycodone), kratom. Tranquilizers Tranquilizers (GABAergics): Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Nonbenzodiazepines Ethanol (drinking alcohol; ethyl alcohol) Others carisoprodol (Soma) chloral hydrate diethyl ether ethchlorvynol (Placidyl; "jelly-bellies") gabapentin (Neurontin) gamma-butyrolactone (GBL, a prodrug to GHB) gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB; G; Xyrem; "Liquid Ecstasy", "Fantasy") glutethimide (Doriden) kava (from Piper methysticum; contains kavalactones) ketamine meprobamate (Miltown) methaqualone (Sopor, Mandrax; "Quaaludes") phenibut pregabalin (Lyrica) propofol (Diprivan) theanine (found in Camellia sinensis, the tea plant) valerian (from Valeriana officinalis) Euphoriants See also: Euphoriant and Euphoria § Pharmacologically-induced Alcohol: "Euphoria, the feeling of well-being, has been reported during the early (10–15 min) phase of alcohol consumption" (e.g., beer, wine or spirits)[9] Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is widely used as a sedative that has calming effects on the nervous system and acts as a sleep aid. One harmala alkaloid present in this herb in the form of harmine is thought to induce meditative and euphoric effects.[10] Catnip Catnip contains a sedative known as nepetalactone that activates opioid receptors. In cats it elicits sniffing, licking, chewing, head shaking, rolling, and rubbing which are indicators of pleasure. Catnip does not however, induce the same response in humans.[11] Cannabis Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient in this plant can have sedative and euphoric properties. Stimulants: "Psychomotor stimulants produce locomotor activity (the subject becomes hyperactive), euphoria, (often expressed by excessive talking and garrulous behaviour), and anorexia. The amphetamines are the best known drugs in this category..."[12] MDMA: The "euphoriant drugs such as MDMA (‘ecstasy’) and MDEA (‘eve’)" are popular amongst young adults.[13] MDMA "users experience short-term feelings of euphoria, rushes of energy and increased tactility."[14] Opium: This "drug derived from the unripe seed-pods of the opium poppy ... produces drowsiness and euphoria and reduces pain. Morphine and codeine are opium derivatives."[15] Hallucinogens Hallucinogens can be divided into three broad categories: psychedelics, dissociatives, and deliriants. They can cause subjective changes in perception, thought, emotion and consciousness. Unlike other psychoactive drugs such as stimulants and opioids, hallucinogens do not merely amplify familiar states of mind but also induce experiences that differ from those of ordinary consciousness, often compared to non-ordinary forms of consciousness such as trance, meditation, conversion experiences, and dreams. Psychedelics, dissociatives, and deliriants have a long worldwide history of use within medicinal and religious traditions. They are used in shamanic forms of ritual healing and divination, in initiation rites, and in the religious rituals of syncretistic movements such as União do Vegetal, Santo Daime, Temple of the True Inner Light, and the Native American Church. When used in religious practice, psychedelic drugs, as well as other substances like tobacco, are referred to as entheogens. Starting in the mid-20th century, psychedelic drugs have been the object of extensive attention in the Western world. They have been and are being explored as potential therapeutic agents in treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcoholism, and opioid addiction. Yet the most popular, and at the same time most stigmatized, use of psychedelics in Western culture has been associated with the search for direct religious experience, enhanced creativity, personal development, and "mind expansion". The use of psychedelic drugs was a major element of the 1960s counterculture, where it became associated with various social movements and a general atmosphere of rebellion and strife between generations. Deliriants atropine (alkaloid found in plants of the Solanaceae family, including datura, deadly nightshade, henbane and mandrake) dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, an antihistamine) diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Unisom, Nytol) hyoscyamine (alkaloid also found in the Solanaceae) scopolamine (another Solanaceae alkaloid) myristicin (found in Myristica fragrans ("Nutmeg")) ibotenic acid (found in Amanita muscaria ("Fly Agaric"); prodrug to muscimol) muscimol (also found in Amanita muscaria, a GABAergic) Dissociatives dextromethorphan (DXM; Robitussin, Delsym, etc.; "Dex", "Robo", "Cough Syrup", "DXM") "Triple C's, Coricidin, Skittles" refer to a potentially fatal formulation containing both dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine. ketamine (K; Ketalar, Ketaset, Ketanest; "Ket", "Kit Kat", "Special-K", "Vitamin K", "Jet Fuel", "Horse Tranquilizer") methoxetamine (Mex, Mket, Mexi) phencyclidine (PCP; Sernyl; "Angel Dust", "Rocket Fuel", "Sherm", "Killer Weed", "Super Grass") nitrous oxide (N2O; "NOS", "Laughing Gas", "Whippets", "Balloons") Psychedelics Phenethylamines 2C-B ("Nexus", "Venus", "Eros", "Bees") 2C-E ("Eternity", "Hummingbird") 2C-I ("Infinity") 2C-T-2 ("Rosy") 2C-T-7 ("Blue Mystic", "Lucky 7") DOB DOC DOI DOM ("Serenity, Tranquility, and Peace" ("STP")) MDMA ("Ecstasy", "E", "Molly", "Mandy", "MD", "Crystal Love") mescaline (found in peyote, Peruvian torch cactus and San Pedro cactus) Tryptamines (including ergolines and lysergamides) 5-MeO-DiPT ("Foxy", "Foxy Methoxy") 5-MeO-DMT (found in various plants like chacruna, jurema, vilca, and yopo) alpha-methyltryptamine (αMT; Indopan; "Spirals") bufotenin (secreted by Bufo alvarius, also found in various Amanita mushrooms) dimethyltryptamine (DMT; "Dimitri", "Disneyland", "Spice"; found in most plants and animals as it is a common metabolite ) lysergic acid amide (LSA; ergine; found in morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds) lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD; L; Delysid; "Acid", "Lucy", "Sidney", "Blotters", "Sugar Cubes") psilocin (found in psilocybin mushrooms) psilocybin (also found in psilocybin mushrooms; prodrug to psilocin) ibogaine (found in Tabernanthe iboga ("Iboga")) Atypicals salvinorin A (found in Salvia divinorum, a trans-neoclerodane diterpenoid ("Diviner's Sage", "Lady Salvia", "Salvinorin")) Stimulants Stimulants, also known as "psychostimulants",[16] induce euphoria with improvements in mental and physical function, such as enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion. Due to their effects typically having an "up" quality to them, stimulants are also occasionally referred to as "uppers". Depressants or "downers", which decrease mental and/or physical function, are in stark contrast to stimulants and are considered to be their functional opposites. Stimulants enhance the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common effects may include increased alertness, awareness, wakefulness, endurance, productivity, and motivation, arousal, locomotion, heart rate, and blood pressure, and a diminished desire for food and sleep. Use of stimulants may cause the body to reduce significantly its production of natural body chemicals that fulfill similar functions. Until the body reestablishes its normal state, once the effect of the ingested stimulant has worn off the user may feel depressed, lethargic, confused, and miserable. This is referred to as a "crash", and may provoke reuse of the stimulant. Examples include: Sympathomimetics (catecholaminergics) — e.g. amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, methylphenidate, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine Entactogens (serotonergics, primarily phenethylamines) — e.g. MDMA Eugeroics, e.g. modafinil Others arecoline (found in Areca catechu) caffeine (found in Coffea spp.) nicotine (found in Nicotiana spp.) rauwolscine (found in Rauvolfia serpentina) yohimbine (Procomil; a tryptamine alkaloid found in Pausinystalia yohimbe) Inhalants Inhalants are gases, aerosols, or solvents that are breathed in and absorbed through the lungs. While some "inhalant" drugs are used for medical purposes, as in the case of nitrous oxide, a dental anesthetic, inhalants are used as recreational drugs for their intoxicating effect. Most inhalant drugs that are used non-medically are ingredients in household or industrial chemical products that are not intended to be concentrated and inhaled, including organic solvents (found in cleaning products, fast-drying glues, and nail polish removers), fuels (gasoline (petrol) and kerosene), and propellant gases such as Freon and compressed hydrofluorocarbons that are used in aerosol cans such as hairspray, whipped cream, and non-stick cooking spray. A small number of recreational inhalant drugs are pharmaceutical products that are used illicitly, such as anesthetics (ether and nitrous oxide) and volatile anti-angina drugs (alkyl nitrites). The most serious inhalant abuse occurs among children and teens who "[...] live on the streets completely without family ties."[17] Inhalant users inhale vapor or aerosol propellant gases using plastic bags held over the mouth or by breathing from a solvent-soaked rag or an open container. The effects of inhalants range from an alcohol-like intoxication and intense euphoria to vivid hallucinations, depending on the substance and the dosage. Some inhalant users are injured due to the harmful effects of the solvents or gases, or due to other chemicals used in the products that they are inhaling. As with any recreational drug, users can be injured due to dangerous behavior while they are intoxicated, such as driving under the influence. Computer cleaning dusters are dangerous to inhale, because the gases expand and cool rapidly upon being sprayed. In some cases, users have died from hypoxia (lack of oxygen), pneumonia, cardiac failure or arrest,[18] or aspiration of vomit. Examples include: chloroform diethyl ether laughing gas (nitrous oxide) Poppers (alkyl nitrites) solvents and propellants (including propane, butane, freon, gasoline, kerosene, toluene) and the fumes of glues containing them Recreational drug use is the use of a drug (legal, controlled, or illegal) with the intention of enhancing life (increasing euphoria, blocking unhappy memories, or creating pleasure). Some would also include creativity and religious growth among the effects of certain drugs (cannabis and the psychedelics); understood broadly, this is recreation. Usage of recreational drugs has been associated with various dispositions ranging from curiosity to boredom or low self-esteem, a want to be risky, to meditate, to escape from or cope with difficulties, to relax, to increase energy and decrease sluggishness, and to improve focus or concentration. Psychological disorders such as depression, trauma, social anxiety, and schizophrenia are also seen as promoters of drug use. Additionally, users seek positives such as a disinhibiting effect on socialization or an aphrodisiac effect.[1][2][3] Drugs commonly considered capable of recreational use include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and controlled substances within the scope of the United Nations' Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Convention on Psychotropic Substances. international and domestic law enforcement agencies are perpetually occupied with interdiction efforts against illegal drug usage, manufacture, and distribution. |
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