A Short Note On Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, And Opioids

Julie Thao HSCD 300-01 Essay 1 February 7th, 2016 1. The four most commonly used substances as described from the course textbook are alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and opioids. Alcohol is a translucent liquid in appearance and has a bitter acquired taste which suppresses brain activity. The intake of alcohol effects the cerebral cortex by ceasing the inhibition of user and develops a relaxed and more social characteristic in the way the user interacts with others. As a depressant, the use of alcohol with its relaxing effect causes impairment in cognition and ability to make effective decisions. Another effect caused by the intake of alcohol are increased sex drive prior to the frontal lobe of the brain being under the influence of chemicals and damage to the major brain neurotransmitters, which can lead to impairment of new memories. 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