Drugs That Make You Happy

Drugs and Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is a universal human endeavor. Often, people turn to substances, or 'feel-good drugs', in an attempt to achieve a state of euphoria or bliss. However, the relationship between drugs and happiness is complex and fraught with potential dangers.

Feel-Good Drugs Overview

Feel-good drugs, often referred to as 'drugs that make you happy', range from legal substances such as alcohol and caffeine, to illegal narcotics like heroin and methamphetamine. These substances often work by interacting with the brain's reward system, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that induce feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Despite their capacity to induce momentary happiness, it's crucial to understand that these substances are not a sustainable solution for achieving long-term happiness or well-being. Most feel-good drugs can lead to addiction, and their repeated use can result in significant physical and psychological harm.

Long-Term Impacts of Drug Use

The long-term impacts of drug use can be severe, and in some cases, irreversible. Chronic opioid misuse, for example, is associated with several adverse effects on the organs and systems within the body, such as liver damage, heart problems, and neurological disorders [1].

Long-term meth use can result in severe dental problems, weight loss, and skin sores, while chronic marijuana use may lead to a rare condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes cyclic and severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Psychotic consequences from long-term meth use, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions, can last for months or years after meth use stops. Alcohol-induced brain changes that impact thinking, feeling, and behaving can improve and possibly reverse with treatment and sustained abstinence [1].

While the initial effects of these drugs may create a temporary sense of happiness, the lasting impact on users' health and lives can be devastating. It's crucial to understand these risks when considering the relationship between drugs and happiness.

Common Feel-Good Drugs

When it comes to substances that induce a state of happiness or euphoria, several drugs come to mind. These substances, often referred to as 'feel-good drugs', can produce a temporary sense of well-being, joy, or even a sense of interconnectedness. However, these temporary effects often come with a host of negative long-term consequences.

Marijuana and Alcohol

Marijuana and alcohol are two commonly used substances that are associated with feelings of relaxation and euphoria. The chemical structure of some drugs, such as marijuana, mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter in the body. This similarity allows these drugs to activate neurons and send abnormal messages through the network [2].

Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant that slows down brain activity. This slowdown can lead to feelings of relaxation and happiness in low doses. However, excessive consumption can lead to negative effects such as impaired judgement, coordination problems, and even dependence.

Magic Mushrooms and Ecstasy

Magic mushrooms (containing psilocybin) and ecstasy (MDMA) are examples of psychedelic substances that can induce intense feelings of happiness, interconnectedness, and awe. These drugs interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, although the exact mechanisms behind these effects are still being studied.

MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, also acts on serotonin receptors and can lead to feelings of increased energy, empathy, and pleasure. However, these substances can also lead to dangerous effects such as hallucinations, paranoia, and even psychosis in some cases.

Heroin and Caffeine

Heroin, a powerful opioid, is also considered a 'feel-good' drug due to its ability to rapidly induce a state of relaxation and euphoria. However, its highly addictive nature and severe withdrawal symptoms make it a dangerous substance.

Caffeine, meanwhile, is a stimulant that many people use daily in the form of coffee or tea. It increases activity in the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness, energy, and focus. It can also induce a sense of well-being by stimulating the release and inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.

It's important to note that while these substances can induce a temporary state of happiness, their long-term use can lead to serious health issues, including addiction. It's always recommended to seek professional advice and support when dealing with substances that impact brain function and mood.

Effects on the Body

While there are drugs that make you happy, it's crucial to understand the potential health consequences associated with their misuse. Different substances can have varied effects on the body, some of which can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Opioid Misuse Consequences

Chronic misuse of opioids is associated with several adverse effects on the organs and systems within the body. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when the drug use is stopped. Over time, this can result in reduced sensitivity to the drug's effects, leading to users taking higher doses and increasing the risk of overdose. Chronic opioid use can also lead to respiratory issues, kidney or liver disease, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders. In some cases, opioid misuse can even lead to death due to overdose. (American Addiction Centers)

Dental Problems from Meth Use

Long-term use of methamphetamines, commonly known as meth, can cause severe dental problems. This includes tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, a condition often referred to as "meth mouth". In addition to dental issues, meth use can also lead to significant weight loss, skin sores, and increased risk of infectious diseases due to the drug's impact on the immune system. (American Addiction Centers)

Chronic Marijuana Use Effects

While marijuana is often perceived as a less harmful drug, chronic use can still lead to health complications. One such condition is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is characterized by severe, cyclic nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Chronic marijuana use can also affect mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and in some cases, psychosis. Furthermore, it has been linked to respiratory issues, particularly in individuals who smoke marijuana. Long-term use can also lead to cognitive impairment, affecting a user's memory and ability to learn. (American Addiction Centers)

While there are drugs that can create a temporary state of euphoria or happiness, the potential long-term effects on the body can be severe and detrimental. It's essential to be fully informed about these consequences and to seek help if struggling with substance misuse.

Psychotic Consequences

While drugs that make you happy might provide a momentary sense of euphoria, their long-term use can lead to serious psychotic consequences. This section will cover the effects of long-term usage of two specific substances: meth and alcohol.

Long-Term Meth Use

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. While its short-term effects might bring about a high, long-term use can have severe repercussions on an individual's physical and mental health.

According to American Addiction Centers, meth use over an extended period can lead to severe dental problems, tooth decay, weight loss, and sores on the skin. More importantly, chronic meth use can result in serious psychotic consequences. These include paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions, which can persist for months or even years after meth use ceases.

On a neurological level, meth use can alter important brain areas necessary for life-sustaining functions and drive compulsive drug use. One such area is the basal ganglia, a part of the reward circuit in the brain.

Alcohol-Induced Brain Changes

Alcohol, though legal and widely consumed, can have profound effects on the brain when used chronically. American Addiction Centers note that alcohol-induced brain changes can impact thinking, feeling, and behaving. These changes can potentially be improved or even reversed with treatment and sustained abstinence.

Alcohol can also alter the brain's reward circuit, much like meth. The changes in the brain caused by alcohol consumption can lead to compulsive drug use, marking the onset of addiction.

In conclusion, while certain drugs might induce a temporary state of happiness or euphoria, their long-term use can cause severe mental health issues and changes in the brain. It's therefore crucial to understand these risks and seek help if struggling with substance misuse.

Global Drug Use Trends

A comprehensive examination of global drug use trends is essential when discussing substances often associated with happiness.

Decline in Illicit Drug Use

Over the past few decades, certain regions have seen a decrease in illicit drug use. For instance, since 1979, there has been a roughly 30 percent decline in the overall use of illicit drugs in America, suggesting some progress in combating drug use over the long term.

However, this does not imply a universal trend. According to Transform Drugs, more than 50 years of prohibition and over a trillion dollars spent on enforcement have not prevented a dramatic rise in illegal drug use. An estimated 284 million people use drugs each year worldwide today.

Impact of Drug Laws

The impact of drug laws on usage trends varies widely. In the Netherlands, where the possession and retail supply of cannabis is legal in practice, rates of cannabis use are almost the same as the European average. This suggests that legalization does not necessarily lead to a surge in drug use [5].

When Portugal decriminalized the possession of all drugs in 2001, drug use did not rise dramatically, as some had feared. The change in policy primarily affected how drug use was treated, moving it from a criminal issue to a public health concern [5].

It's also important to note that levels of drug use are often directly equated with levels of drug harm, but most drug use is non-problematic. The focus of drug policy should be on reducing overall health and social harms rather than narrowly focusing on reducing use.

While understanding global drug use trends is essential, it's also important to consider the long-term impacts of drug use, especially substances often associated with a state of happiness. Further sections of this article will delve into the physical and psychological consequences of drug use, as well as strategies for treatment and regulation.

Treatment and Regulation

The pursuit of happiness through illicit drug use is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach for treatment and regulation. This section will discuss the role of policy in reducing harm and various health interventions and treatments available.

Role of Policy in Reducing Harm

More than 50 years of prohibition and over a trillion dollars spent on enforcement have failed to prevent a dramatic rise in illegal drug use. Today, over 284 million people use drugs each year worldwide.

While levels of drug use are often directly equated with levels of drug harm, most drug use is non-problematic. Therefore, policy should focus on reducing overall health and social harms rather than narrowly focusing on reducing use [5].

Moving towards regulated drug markets can free resources to be redirected into health interventions. This can reduce drug-related health harms, including evidence-based prevention and risk education, harm reduction, and treatment.

Health Interventions and Treatment

When it comes to substances often associated with the pursuit of happiness, such as alcohol, various treatment strategies exist. The most common treatment strategies for alcoholism are psychosocial interventions and self-help groups. However, pharmacotherapies have been limited. Yet, naltrexone and acamprosate have been approved for clinical use to reduce alcohol consumption [6].

Treatment for regular users of substances referred to as 'drugs that make you happy' often involves mood stabilizers. These medications are not addictive, but when taken over months or years, the body adjusts to their presence. Stopping mood stabilizers suddenly can result in withdrawal effects or a return of symptoms. It is important to gradually reduce the dose under the guidance of a healthcare provider to minimize these risks.

The regulation and treatment of substances that induce a state of happiness are multifaceted. It is essential to continue developing comprehensive health interventions and policies that focus on reducing harm and providing effective treatment options.

References

[1]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/health-complications-addiction/permanent-effects

‍[2]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

‍[4]: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2013/02/05/drug-laws-why-do-we-have-them-and-do-they-work

‍[5]: https://transformdrugs.org/blog/how-regulation-controls-availability-of-drugs

‍[6]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC80880/

‍[7]: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/mood-stabilizing-medication