(1) The sedative-hypnotic drugs include such drugs as barbiturates and tranquilizers like Phenobarbital and Valium respectively. The effects of sedative-hypnotics like these range from relaxation and lowered inhibitions to loss of body control and passing out. Such drugs may also reduce muscular coordination or depress respiration. The effects of such drugs like these and others like Nembutal and Quaaludes are often exaggerated when used in combination with alcohol. Stimulants include amphetamines like Dexedrine, Methamphetamines, Cocaine and others. The stimulants stimulate the central nervous system, increase blood pressure and pulse rate, cause appetite loss and restlessness and insomnia. To excess they create paranoia and temporary psychosis. Opiates are also a depressant and include drugs like Opium, Morphine and Heroin. Such drugs suppress pain, lower blood pressure and respiratory rate, and can cause hallucinations, convulsions or even coma when used to excess. Hallucinogens or psychedelics include drugs like LSD, PCP and Mescaline. These drugs alter mental processes, distort perceptions and cause psychosis, hallucinations, panic, and aggressive behavior.
Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs of abuse, whose prolonged use in large quantities can cause psychosis, paranoia, and nervous system damage (NIDA 2004). Use of cocaine leads to development of high tolerance and during withdrawal users often experience severe depression of both a physical and psychological nature.
(2) The media is extremely responsible for pushing drugs, especially alcohol. During the Super Bowl the top six highest rated ads were all for Budweiser. While cigarette advertising is banned from television, companies like Phillip Morris resort to a variety of media alternatives from billboards to magazine advertising to push tobacco. Ever since the classification of nicotine as an addictive drug, Phillip Morris has unconscionably push...