There are many types of drugs. Misuse of these drugs has been shown to damage physical and mental health. Get to know the various types of drugs that are widely circulated in Indonesia, along with their effects on users and their health.
Narcotics and dangerous drugs (drugs) are drugs that can affect how the brain works, disrupt a person's physical and mental condition, and have a strong risk of addiction.
There are various types of drugs. Each has different basic ingredients and effects on the body. In safe doses and medically appropriate use, several types of drugs actually have uses.
However, due to its opiate effects, the drug has a high risk of being misused by people outside of medical practice in doses that can be life-threatening. That is why these drugs have become illegal.
Various types of Drugs
The following are the types of drugs that are most commonly used and their effects on health:
1. Cocaine
Cocaine or coke is a type of drug that is highly addictive and can affect the central nervous system. The drug, which is made from the leaf extract of the coca plant, is in the form of a fine white powder or crystal and can be used by injection, snorting, or inhalation.
Although it can be used in some medical procedures, cocaine can be abused for recreational purposes as it triggers the brain to release dopamine and create a momentary feeling of joy.
Because the effects felt are temporary, a person must use cocaine repeatedly to maintain the happy sensation they get. This of course can increase the risk of several health problems, such as:
- Depression or anxiety
- Arrhythmia
- Heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature increase
- Intestinal damage
- Loss of appetite and malnutrition
- Loss of smell (anosmia), especially when taking cocaine through the nose
- HIV and hepatitis C
Cocaine is also known to trigger violent and unpredictable behavior that can increase the risk of breaking the law.
Side effects of cocaine abuse, including heart attacks, seizures, and respiratory arrest, can occur at any time. In fact, death from overdose can occur with the first use of cocaine, especially if it is used in conjunction with alcohol.
2. Marijuana
Cannabis refers to the leaves, flowers, stems and seeds of the plant Cannabis sativa which is dried. This type of drug, known as "cimeng" is usually used by being smoked like cigarettes, put into food, or brewed as tea.
In some countries, marijuana with certain doses and contents can be used as adjunct therapy for several diseases, such as: multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, and Crohn's disease. But in Indonesia, marijuana is illegal because the risks of health problems far outweigh the benefits.
Marijuana contains psychoactive chemicals that act on the brain and cause changes in bodily sensations, feelings, movements, thoughts, and memories. This change makes the user feel happy for a moment and the sensation is often referred to as "high”.
These psychoactive ingredients can also be addictive and harmful to overall health because they can cause:
- Cognitive impairment (thinking power)
- Respiratory disorders
- Increased heart rate
- Heart attack risk
- Suicidal thoughts
3. Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a synthetic amphetamine-derived drug known for its hallucinatory and stimulant effects. This type of drug is at high risk of being abused and can lead to dependence.
Ecstasy is known to increase mood, energy, appetite, and sexual arousal. However, when these effects end, ecstasy can have side effects such as confusion, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, making the user need additional doses.
In addition, ecstasy can also cause:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Muscles tense
- Nauseous
- Blurred vision
- Dizzy
- Sweating or cold
The effects of excessive ecstasy abuse can increase the risk of more serious health problems, such as hyperthermia, heart and blood vessel disorders, mental disorders, dangerous impulsive behavior, and overdose.
4. Heroin
Heroin or putaw is a type of addictive drug that comes from flowers opium poppy. Some drugs belonging to the class of heroin can be used as pain relievers in some medical cases.
However, heroin is classified as an illegal drug because it has dangerous side effects, is quickly absorbed into the brain, and can make people so addicted that it is difficult to stop.
This type of drug comes in the form of a white or brown powder that can be used by injection, inhalation, or snorting. The immediate effect of heroin abuse is a feeling of pleasure and calm.
However, after this initial effect, users cannot think clearly and feel sleepy and awake back and forth. In addition, users may also experience side effects, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Redness of the skin
- dry mouth
- Pupils narrowed
- Nauseous
Meanwhile, an overdose of heroin can cause the user to experience hypotension, blue lips and nails, muscle stiffness, seizures, respiratory arrest, and even death.
5. Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine or shabu-shabu is a type of stimulant drug that acts on the central nervous system and is highly addictive. This type of drug is included in the list of drugs that are most often abused in Indonesia. Shabu-shabu is a white crystalline powder, odorless, and has a bitter taste.
Usually, methamphetamine is used by swallowing, smoking, or injection. Misuse of this type of drug can cause various side effects, such as:
- Appetite down
- Breathe faster
- Faster or irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure and body temperature
- Dull skin, dry mouth, and broken or stained teeth
Just like the effects of drugs in general, shabu-shabu abuse can also make a person more at risk of getting HIV/AIDS. In addition, psychological effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, confusion, difficulty sleeping, and violent behavior are also commonly experienced by shabu-shabu users.
In addition to the types of drugs mentioned above, there are various other types of drugs, such as morphine, mushrooms, and LSD. Regardless of the type, drug abuse can be life-threatening and impair your quality of life.
Avoid using drugs for any reason and never use drugs as an escape from life's problems. Drugs may be able to calm feelings for a while, but after that, drugs will only increasingly damage and disrupt various aspects of the user's life.
If you're already addicted and having trouble quitting on your own, remember that it's never too late to improve. So, don't hesitate to ask a doctor for help and undergo drug rehabilitation.