Illegal Drugs

A Research Paper

Presented to

Mr. Avelino R. Quiday, Jr.

and

The High School Department

Holy Rosary Colleges Foundation

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the course requirements in the course

English IV

Maricris M. Hernandez

March 2011

1
 Rating Sheet

Holy Rosary Colleges Foundation

San Isidro, Nueva Ecija

This Research Paper

Which is submitted by Maricris M. Hernandez

In partial fulfillment of the course

Requirements in English is hereby

approved.

Approved:

____________________________

Mr. Avelino R. Quiday,

Jr.

Rating: ____________________

2
Date: ______________________

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………….. 4

Dedication…………………………………………………………………………... 5

Chapter I

Introduction……………………………………………………………………….. 6

Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………… 7

Significance of the Study…………………………………………………….. 7

Scope and Delimitation………………………………………………………. 7

Chapter II

Topic…………………………………………………………………………………. 8-12

Chapter III

Summary………………………………………………………………………….. 13

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………. 14

3
Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt gratitude to the

following persons who have made the completion of this research paper

possible:

First is our English teacher, Mr. Avelino R. Quiday, Jr., for his vital

encouragement and support.

Second, my best friends, for their understanding and assistance.

Third, my parents, for their constant reminders and much needed

motivation.

Lastly, to God, who made all things possible.

Thank you so much!!

4
Dedication

This research paper is dedicated to my parents who give us support

and much needed motivation, for giving assistance and constant reminders,

and for giving all I need during the time we develop our system.

5
Introduction

Drugs are chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies

work. When you

put them into your body (often by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting them),

drugs find their

way into your bloodstream and are transported to parts of your body, such

as your brain.

In the brain, drugs may intensify or dull your senses, alter your sense of

alertness, and

sometimes decrease physical pain.

A drug may be helpful or harmful. The effects of drugs can vary

depending upon the

kind of drug taken, how much is taken, how often it is used, how quickly it

gets to the brain,

and what other drugs, food, or substances are taken at the same time.

Effects can also vary

based on the differences in body size, shape, and chemistry.

6
 

Statement of the Problem

• What are illegal drugs?

• What are the processes in taking illegal drugs?

• Why do people use illegal drugs?

• What are the outcomes of illegal drugs?

• What are the effects of using illegal drugs?

Significance of the Study

This study aims to inform people that illegal drugs are very dangerous

to our health. It specifically discuss the effects of illegal drugs mentally and

physically.

7
Scope and Delimitation

This research covers topics such as the type of illegal drugs, place of

origin, and the effects of illegal drugs. It also covers the advantages and

disadvantages of illegal drugs.

8
II.

A. Definition of illegal drugs

Illegal drugs are often addictive. The word addictive means that

a person will want to keep taking drug, even if it is making them

sick. They can also be dangerous because they change the way in

which other drugs work. Drugs that are classified as illegal often

have good uses too. That way a drug that is legitimately used to

treat a condition becomes an illegal drug.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/illegal_drugs.

B. Types of illegal drugs

There are different types of illegal drugs and they also have

different effects in using it. Drugs change the way the body and the

brain function. Sometimes the results are pleasant as in the case of

prescription medications that are used to treat various conditions

and diseases. However, sometimes, the results are monstrous and

cause great harm to your body and well-being. But one thing

remains the same: any addictive substance has the potential of

changing your life-for good or for bad.

That’s why it’s important when looking at the different types of

drugs, not to demonize them nor presume they’re always safe, but

9
 rather to recognize of you are addicted. For the drug addict, serious

consequences can result from the use of almost all illicit drugs and

prescription medications.

B.

1. Cocaine

Cocaine is a highly potent stimulant that is considered to be one

of the greatest drug threats to the world because of the violence

associated with trafficking and use, the physical and psychological

effects associated with its use, and the costs to society as a whole.

http://www.streetdrugs.org/

2. Marijuana

Nowadays, marijuana is often used in all parts of the world. The

eleven states in United States are currently legal in using this drug.

The others undergo legalization in using it. Some cities has legalized

the use of this drug.

http://www.streetdrugs.org/

10
 3. Shabu/Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is one of the popular drug in the world. It is

known as crystal meth, meth and ice. This drug can cause an

infectious disease such as HIV and hepatitis. It can be injected and

can also be inhaled. This drug gives a person an unnatural high and

a brief intense rush.

http://www.streetdrugs.org/

4. Ecstasy

Ecstasy is marketed as a feel good drug. It produces profoundly

positive feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety, and

extreme relaxation. Teenagers and young adults continue to the

primary targets of sophisticated crime syndicates who are supplying

distribution groups with ever-increasing amounts of ecstasy tablets.

When used alone, it is dangerous. It is even more dangerous when

used in combination with other substances.

http://www.streetdrugs.org/

III. How do illegal drugs become famous?

A. History of illegal drugs

The illegal drug has arisen as a result of drug prohibition laws. In

the First Opium War the Chinese authorities had banned opium but the

11
United Kingdom forced the country to allow British merchants to trade

in opium with the general population. Smoking opium had become

common in the 19th century due to increasing importation via British

merchants. Trading in opium was extremely lucrative. As a result of

this illegal trade an estimated two million Chinese people became

addicted to the drug. The British Crown took vast sums of money from

the Chinese government through this illegal trade which they referred

to as “reparations”. The official rise of drug trade started in 1954. The

peak of drug selling was in 1979.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/illegal_drugs.

1. Legal Penalties

In many countries, drug smuggling carries a severe penalty,

including the death penalty. In 2010, two people were sentenced to

death in Malaysia for trafficking 1 kilogram/2.2 pounds of cannabis into

the country.

Drug trafficking is widely regarded the most serious of drug

offences around the world. However, sentencing often depends on the

type of drug and where the drugs are sold and how they are disturbed;

for example if the drugs are sold to or disturbed by underage people,

then the penalties for trafficking will be harsher than in other

circumstances.

12
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/illegal_drugs.

B.

1. Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex disorder characterized by

compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an

overwhelming, uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking and use that

persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. For

many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses

possible even after long periods of abstinence. With treatment and

support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of addiction and

regain control of your life.

http://helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_

effects_treatment.htm

2. Behavior

When science began to study addictive behavior in the 1930s,

people addicted to drugs were thought to be morally flawed and

lacking in willpower. They drop in attendance and performance at

work or school. They frequently get into trouble such as fights,

accidents and illegal activities. As a result, addiction affects both

brain and behavior.

13
 http://helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_

effects_treatment.htm

IV. What are the influences that cause drug use?

A. Status Symbol

1. Peer Pressure

Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in

encouraging a person to change his or her attitudes, values, or

behavior in order to conform to group norms. A person affected by

peer pressure may or may not want to belong to these groups.

When teens get involved in risk-taking behaviors such as drug use,

truancy or other problem, you have a negative peer pressure issue.

Parents are then faced with a dilemma. They are capable of

handling these issues together.

http://parentingteens.about.com/od/peerpressure/a/negative_peer.

htm

14
Summary

Illegal drugs are very dangerous because they can cause damage to an

individual’s brain, heart, and other important organs. For example, cocaine

which is illegal can cause a heart attack the very first time it is used. Also,

when a person uses drugs that are illegal they are less likely to do well in

school, work, and other activities. They have a hard time thinking clearly

and tend to make poor decisions. When an individual uses drugs they often

do irrational things such as driving under the influence which can be harmful

to themselves and others.

People use illegal drugs for many different reasons. Often it is to fit in

with their friends or just because they are curious. Over all, the underlying

reason a person tries drugs is to escape from reality. If they are sad they

take the drug to make them feel better for a short time until the drug wears

off and then they find that the problem is still there. Taking drugs has never

solved anyone’s problems, however, it often creates new ones. The user

becomes dependent on the drugs and finds they are addicted to it.

15
Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/illegal_drugs.

http://www.streetdrugs.org/

http://helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_t

reatment.htm

http://parentingteens.about.com/od/peerpressure/a/negative_peer.htm

www.google.com

www.wikipedia.com

16