Intoxicants

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Intoxicants

The intoxicants used in Society  might be taken as the following: alcohol, bhang, ganja, tobacco and opium, coca etc.

Alcohol as an intoxicant

Alcohol, also known by its chemical name ethanol, is a psychoactive substance that is the active ingredient in drinks such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits (hard liquor). It is one of the oldest and most common recreational substances, causing the characteristic effects of alcohol intoxication (“drunkenness”). Among other effects, alcohol produces a mood lift and euphoria, decreased anxiety, increased sociability, sedation, impairment of cognitive, memory, motor, and sensory function, and generalized depression of central nervous system function. Ethanol is a type of chemical compound known as an alcohol, and is the only type of alcohol that is found in alcoholic beverages or is commonly used for recreational purposes; other alcohols such as methanol and isopropyl alcohol are toxic.

Alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting in sufficiently high amounts (varies by person).  Alcohol stimulates gastric juice production, even when food is not present, and as a result, its consumption stimulates acidic secretions normally intended to digest protein Molecules. Consequently, the excess acidity may harm the inner lining of the stomach. The stomach lining is normally protected by a mucosal layer that prevents the stomach from, essentially, digesting itself. However, in patients who have a peptic ulcer disease (PUD), this mucosal layer is broken down. PUD is commonly associated with the bacteria H. pylori. H. pylori secrete a toxin that weakens the mucosal wall, which as a result lead to acid and protein ENZYMES penetrating the weakened barrier. Because alcohol stimulates a person’s stomach to secrete acid, a person with PUD should avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Drinking alcohol causes more acid release, which further damages the already-weakened stomach wall. Complications of this disease could include a burning pain in the abdomen, bloating and in severe cases, the presence of dark black stools indicate internal bleeding. A person who drinks alcohol regularly is strongly advised to reduce their intake to prevent PUD aggravation.

Opium

The Sumerians in 3400 BC cultivated the opium poppy and referred to it as Hul Gil, the “joy plant.” It was passed on to the Assyrians who in turn passed it on to the Egyptians. The Ebers papyrus (c. 1500 BC), one of mankind’s oldest medical documents, describes a remedy to prevent excessive crying in children using grains of the poppy plant, strained to a pulp, passed through a sieve, and administered on 4 successive days. Opium was known to ancient Greek and Roman physicians as a powerful pain reliever.

Translators of the original Greek say that the drug that was mentioned was Nepenthe, which figuratively means “that which chases away sorrow”; (ne = not, and penthos = grief, sorrow, or mourning). So, literally, it means “not-sorrow” or “anti-sorrow”. In today’s world, Nepenthes would be an anxiolytic or an antidepressant. It is thought that this substance was prepared from opium..

It is believed that nepenthes maybe similar to laudanum, an opium tincture attributed to Paracelsus in the 16th century. In the 19th century, laudanum was extensively used in adults and children, for numerous indications such as insomnia, cardiac and infectious diseases. Laudanum was not taxed and hence, cheaper than gin or wine, and so the working class largely consumed laudanum. In the early 20th century, encyclopedias in Western countries still stated that persons in good mental and physical Health could use opium without risk of dependence. Opium was also used to treat melancholia.


Coca

Coca (Erythroxylon coca) has been used as a medicine and stimulant for over 4000 years. It is grown in the Andes Mountains of South America – in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Cocaine is extracted from its leaves and inhabitants in South America would chew the leaves as they believed it to elevate mood, help with digestions, and suppress appetite.

Nearly 100 years ago, cocaine was touted as a wonder drug – a cure for everything from morphine addiction to tuberculosis to depression to dyspepsia. To meet the demand, American drug companies began to explore South America for new medicines.

Cocaine has an anesthetic effect and Western medicine used it as such especially in nasal surgery. Cocaine still has limited use in medicine today as a local anesthetic. It is still occasionally used in medical procedures as a topical anesthetic for skin lacerations, nose or throat surgeries, and dental procedures.

Incidentally, at one time there was cocaine in Coca-cola (late 1800s). At that time it was common to use cocaine in patent medicines. Coca-cola drastically reduced its cocaine content to a “mere trace” when it became known that cocaine could be harmful. It was not until 1929 that Coca-Cola drink became cocaine free.

In the 1970s, cocaine evolved as a recreational drug but it was expensive and widely believed to have no serious consequences. It was perceived as a “safe drug.” The price dropped steadily, and by the mid-1980s, it was used on a regular basis, especially by the Americans. The realization that cocaine was highly addictive and dangerous was slow and brought home by the high-profile deaths of celebrities.

Cocaine is processed as powder and crack; crack is considered the more dangerous form of cocaine. Powder cocaine is the hydrochloride salt form (cocaine HCL). As a salt, it is soluble in water, stable as a powder, and usually snorted through the nose and absorbed through nasal mucosa membranes. It can also be dissolved in water or melted and injected. Crack on the other hand is powder cocaine that has been processed with a base, such as baking soda, to remove the HCL, hence, has a slightly modified chemical structure, which allows it to reach the brain more quickly, producing a more intense “high” and thus allowing crack to have greater potential for addiction. The name “crack” is derived from the cracking Sound this form of cocaine makes when burned.

 

Cannabis (Marijuana or hashish)

Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine are stimulants and have permeated our culture. They are integral for social interaction and studies claiming health benefits have proliferated. The use of these commodities is a way to escape the drudgery of everyday life.

Each culture has methods to deal with the harshness of reality. Among the Sufis, a Muslim sect, hashish (cannabis or marijuana) was eaten or smoked to reach a state of euphoria. Hashish (sometimes called “wine of Haydar”) was known to the Arabs long before its alleged discovery in mid-12th century by the ascetic monk, Haydar, founder of the religious order of the Sufis.

Fly-agaric or Amanita muscaria mushroom Priests or shamans have consumed Plants for millennia to induce states of trance. The shamans were guardians of the traditions of their culture, and their knowledge of myths, songs, medicines and religious rites was extensive.  The mushroom Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly-agaric, has been at the center of religious rituals in Siberia and Central Asia for at least 3000 years. The fly- agaric is a hallucinogen. The Siberian shaman performed religious rituals usually under the influence of fly-agaric (“mushroom intoxication”). The first known account of the phenomenon is found in a journal written in 1658 by a Polish prisoner of war, who describes its use among the peoples of Western Siberia. The myths of many Siberian peoples contain fly-agaric themes. In many Siberian languages, words meaning “ecstasy”, “intoxication” and “drunkenness” are traceable to words meaning fly-agaric. Siberian cliff drawings depicting armless, one-legged figures bear a remarkable resemblance to the descriptions of figures by men under the influence of Amanita Muscaria.

 


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The following is a well-informed ARTICLE without introduction and conclusion, with a total length of about 600 words, on the list of subtopics:

  • The history of the English language
  • The different dialects of English
  • The English language in the world
  • The future of the English language

The English language is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England and is now a global lingua franca. Named after the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes that migrated to England, it ultimately derives its name from the Anglia peninsula in the Baltic Sea. It is closely related to the Frisian languages, but its vocabulary has been significantly influenced by other Germanic languages, particularly Norse (a North Germanic language), as well as by Latin and French.

English has developed over the course of more than 1,400 years. The earliest forms of English, a group of West Germanic (Ingvaeonic) dialects brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the 5th century, are called Old English. Middle English began in the late 11th century with the Norman conquest of England; this was a period in which English was influenced by Old French, in particular through its Old Norman dialect. Early Modern English began in the late 15th century with the introduction of the printing press to London, the printing of the King James Bible and the start of the Great Vowel Shift.

Through the worldwide influence of the British Empire, modern English spread around the world from the 17th to mid-20th centuries. Through all types of printed and electronic media of these times, English became the leading language of international discourse and the lingua franca in many regions and professional contexts such as science, navigation and law. Modern English is the most widely learned second language and is either the Official Language or one of the official languages in almost 60 sovereign states. There are more people who have learned it as a second language than there are native speakers. It is the most widely spoken Germanic language, accounting for at least 70% of speakers of this Indo-European branch. English is the third most widely spoken native language in the world, after Standard Chinese and Spanish. It is the most widely spoken Germanic language, accounting for at least 70% of speakers of this Indo-European branch. English is the third most widely spoken native language in the world, after Standard Chinese and Spanish.

The English language is a pluricentric language, with several standard varieties, each with its own set of norms. The most widely spoken standard variety is Standard British English, which is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and some other countries. Other major standard varieties include Standard American English, Standard Canadian English, and Standard Indian English.

The English language is also spoken in many other countries as a second language or a foreign language. It is the official language of 53 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. It is also one of the official languages of the European Union, the United Nations, and many other international organizations.

The English language is constantly evolving, and new words and phrases are being added to the language all the time. Some of the most recent additions to the English language include “selfie”, “twerk”, and “Bitcoin”.

The future of the English language is uncertain. Some linguists believe that the language will continue to evolve and change, while others believe that it will eventually become a global lingua franca. Only time will tell what the future holds for the English language.

What are the effects of alcohol?

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a number of effects, including impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Alcohol can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being drunk.

What are the effects of marijuana?

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that can cause a number of effects, including relaxation, euphoria, and impaired judgment. Marijuana can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the effects of cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant that can cause a number of effects, including increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. Cocaine can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the effects of heroin?

Heroin is an opiate that can cause a number of effects, including drowsiness, euphoria, and slowed breathing. Heroin can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the effects of methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that can cause a number of effects, including increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. Methamphetamine can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the effects of ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a stimulant that can cause a number of effects, including increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. Ecstasy can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the effects of LSD?

LSD is a hallucinogen that can cause a number of effects, including hallucinations, changes in perception, and altered mood. LSD can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the effects of PCP?

PCP is a dissociative drug that can cause a number of effects, including hallucinations, changes in perception, and altered mood. PCP can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the effects of inhalants?

Inhalants are a group of drugs that can cause a number of effects, including hallucinations, changes in perception, and altered mood. Inhalants can also lead to intoxication, which is a state of being high.

What are the long-term effects of alcohol use?

Long-term alcohol use can lead to a number of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and cancer. Alcohol use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of marijuana use?

Long-term marijuana use can lead to a number of health problems, including impaired memory and Learning, and increased risk of psychosis. Marijuana use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of cocaine use?

Long-term cocaine use can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and seizures. Cocaine use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of heroin use?

Long-term heroin use can lead to a number of health problems, including infection, overdose, and death. Heroin use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine use?

Long-term methamphetamine use can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and psychosis. Methamphetamine use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of ecstasy use?

Long-term ecstasy use can lead to a number of health problems, including memory loss, depression, and anxiety. Ecstasy use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of LSD use?

Long-term LSD use can lead to a number of health problems, including flashbacks, anxiety, and depression. LSD use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of PCP use?

Long-term PCP use can lead to a number of health problems, including memory loss, depression, and anxiety. PCP use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

What are the long-term effects of inhalant use?

Long-term inhalant use can lead to a number of health problems, including brain damage, heart disease, and cancer. Inhalant use can also lead to addiction and dependence.

  1. Which of the following is not a type of drug?
    (A) Stimulant
    (B) Depressant
    (C) Hallucinogen
    (D) Intoxicant

  2. Which of the following is not a symptom of drug addiction?
    (A) Withdrawal symptoms
    (B) Tolerance
    (C) Craving
    (D) Intoxication

  3. Which of the following is not a risk factor for drug addiction?
    (A) Family history of addiction
    (B) Mental illness
    (C) Peer pressure
    (D) Intoxication

  4. Which of the following is not a treatment for drug addiction?
    (A) Detoxification
    (B) Therapy
    (C) Medication
    (D) Intoxication

  5. Which of the following is not a way to prevent drug addiction?
    (A) Talk to your children about drugs
    (B) Monitor your children’s activities
    (C) Set clear rules and expectations
    (D) Intoxicate yourself

  6. Which of the following is not a myth about drug addiction?
    (A) Drug addiction is a moral failing.
    (B) Drug addiction is a lifelong disease.
    (C) Drug addiction is only a problem for people who live in POVERTY.
    (D) Drug addiction can be treated and recovered from.

  7. Which of the following is not a fact about drug addiction?
    (A) Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease.
    (B) Drug addiction is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
    (C) Drug addiction is a problem that only affects a small Percentage of the Population.
    (D) Drug addiction is a problem that can be treated and recovered from.

  8. Which of the following is not a sign of drug abuse?
    (A) Using drugs more often than you intended
    (B) Using drugs in dangerous situations
    (C) Having trouble controlling your use of drugs
    (D) Intoxicating yourself

  9. Which of the following is not a way to help someone who is struggling with drug addiction?
    (A) Offer your support
    (B) Encourage them to seek professional help
    (C) Judge them or criticize them
    (D) Intoxicate yourself

  10. Which of the following is not a resource for people who are struggling with drug addiction?
    (A) The National Institute on Drug Abuse
    (B) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
    (C) The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
    (D) Intoxication