In spite of knowing the health risks
In spite of knowing the health risks
Introduction
There is a certain abnormal heart rhythm called arrhythmia which can lead to death. And there is a process called rhabdomyolysis which can cause sudden kidney failure (WebMD, par 4). Like many other fatal or derogatory effects of drugs on health, arrhythmia and rhabdomyolysis are caused due to consumption of cocaine. No matter common people are acquainted with these terminologies or not, it is certain that most of them are conversant with the health risks associated with stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. But still, some of them take drugs. This short essay aims at briefly illuminating the possible psychological reasons behind why people choose to consume stimulants like cocaine though they are aware of the severe health impairments associated with these.
Why to try the ‘ecstasy’
One of the patients interviewed for explaining the effect on cocaine had articulated the following- “It’s like a hurricane blast of pure white pleasure” (Morton, Cocaine and Psychiatric symptoms). It is one of the main reasons why people start to use drugs; they seek the pleasure and ‘ecstasy’ associated with it. Indeed, those who choose to continue using the drug prefer the euphoric pleasure to healthy life. They understand the health risks but are tempted to try the drugs in order to either enhance the good feeling or to get rid of the negative feelings like anxiety or depression (Dr. Sack, Why People Start Using Drugs).
It is also a reality that certain sportsperson or artists take drugs, though they know how dangerous it is, to ameliorate their energy levels and hence, strengthen their performance (HelpGuide.org, 2013). To them, certain ‘superficial’ benefits of drugs outweigh the health risks.
However, another crucial reason behind people getting attracted to drugs is curiosity. It is human psychology to get allured to experience a new and hopefully exultant state of mind, be it through listening to music or watching favourite sports or taking drugs. Many youngsters fall victim to addiction because of this very curiosity to live through the intoxication appreciated by their friends.
Conclusion
People usually know that drugs like cocaine and amphetamines can deteriorate mental and physical stability in the long run. They also know that once the addiction gets hold of them, it becomes exorbitantly difficult to abstain from drugs. Still, they fall for it due to basically on or more of the following three reasons- to seek pleasure, to seek a cure for their negative emotions, to fulfil their curiosity.
But, the point which deserves a mention here is that the pleasures of getting high with drug consumption get reduced in intensity with time. And eventually, only the painful craving and impaired health are left to deal with. So, it is always better to choose to comprehend the health risks associated with drugs like cocaine to be able to avoid it powerfully.
References
- Dr. Sack, D. “Why People Start Using Drugs (And Why they Sometimes Don’t Stop)”. Selfgrowth.com. Web 14 July 2013.http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/why-people-start-using-drugs-and-why-they-sometimes-dont-stop
- Morton, W.A. “Cocaine and Psychiatric Symptoms”- Effects of Cocaine Use. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Web 14 July 2013.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181074/
- Robinson, L, Smith, M & Saisan, J. “Drug Abuse and Addiction”. Helpguide.org. Web 14 July 2013. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm
- WebMD.com. Cocaine Use and Its Effects. 2013. Web 14 July 2013.
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/cocaine-use-and-its-effects
