The Effects of Drugs

The effects of drugs, any drugs, are a complex and interactive issue. It is not like switching on a light or an electrical appliance that the same effect occurs every time. The effect that a drug has is a product of the interaction of three elements 1/ the drug 2/ the individual and 3/ the environment.

1 The Drug
Each drug has a pharmacological (chemical) effect and can be classified into three groups.

depressants, depress the nervous system and so relieve anxiety and tension. The user tends to feel relaxed and this feeling may be interpreted as pleasure. However, depressants also impair cognitive and physical performance. A description of the effects of these drugs can be found by clicking on the name of the drug. Examples of depressants are Alcohol, Heroin , Benzodiazepines, Solvents (click on the name for more information about each drug)

stimulants: stimulate the nervous system, increasing alertness and energy, diminishing fatigue and delaying sleep. They also elevate mood but may also increase anxiety and restlessness. Examples of stimulants are Amphetamines, Cocaine, Tobacco (click on the name for more information about each drug)

hallucinogens also stimulate the nervous system but distort perception, heightening awareness and sensory experiences. There is generally little physiological effect. They can elevate mood but can induce anxiety and panic. Examples of hallucinogens are LSD, Ecstasy, Cannabis (click on the name for more information about each drug)

2 The Individual
Individuals experience the effects of drugs differently and that experience will be dependent on a huge number of factors.

Firstly this is one case when size does matter, smaller individuals (usually but not always) get a greater effect from drugs than larger ones, simply because there is more individual to affect. Gender, is another important factor with, in general, females being less affected by the same dose. This is not merely because on average males are bigger than females but instead is due to the fat to water ratio in the respective anatomies. Males bodies have a higher water content which dilutes drugs like alcohol and females bodies have more fat which tends to absorb it.

However because the effects of drugs tends to be regulated by so many factors one can often see the reverse of these predictions. For example one can see a large man being more intoxicated than a small woman when they are both drinking the same amount.

Among some of the other physical factors that are important are age, level of fitness, obesity and health. There are some genetic facors as well, some people can be allergic to various substances and so cannot tolerate them. However it may not be a full blown allergy, for example some orientals have a low tolerance of alcohol and produce the 'flushing response' (face gets red even at small doses).

To repeat the effects of drugs are governed by many factors, probably most of which we have not discovered. Other non-physical factors that affect the experience of the effects of drugs include experience, expectancy and mood. Experience of taking a drug means that we can take a larger dose than inexperienced users. This is a different efect from tolerance (a physical effect) and is more about being able to function while under the influence. For example experienced heavy drinkers often compensate for their drunken state, this does not mean that they are not drunk just that they are 'hiding' it better.

What we expect from a drug also has an effect on how we experience effects of drugs (and even what effects are experienced). In fact there is a huge amount of research on the subject which can be summarised thus. We learn what to expect from drugs (especially alcohol) prior to taking them by observing others. Therefore when it come to taking drugs/drinking we have a good idea what to expect and hence, often, we experience that effect even if the drug itself cannot produce the effect. For example people often describe feeling sexy when they drink but alcohol is not an aphrodisiac instaed it is the relaxation produced that allows the inhibitions to be overcome and thus alcohol is thought to make one feel sexy. However for men too much can have the complete opposite effect, even if the desire is still present.

Finally mood can have a large bearing on the way effects of drug are experienced. Moods can be heightened quite dramatically by some drugs.

3 Environment
The environment in which the drug is consumed can also have a marked effect. For example research on alcohol consumption has shown that drinkers tend to match their consumption to the
company that they are drinking with. If the company are slow drinkers and tend to vary their consumption between soft drinks and alcoholic drinks or are composed of heavy drinkers drinking quickly, then these patterns will be adopted by all. Other moods and behaviours of the company will also have an affect and can result in drunkeness, recklessness, violence, paranoia, enjoyment or an abstemious evening.

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