Module 4 (Chapter 6 & 10)

The content in module 4 has been my favorite so far! It was an interesting approach to read Chapter 6 followed by Chapter 10 because of their polarity. Chapter 6 contains information about depressants, whereas Chapter 10 talks about stimulants. I learned a ton this module, but here are a few key points:

1. Chapter 6 (approximately page 165) talks a lot of benzodiazepines. I've heard a lot about drugs in this category like Valium and Xanax and previously knew that these drugs are easily prescribed in mass quantities. But, in this module, I learned that benzodiazepines are prescribed for an array of symptoms ranging from anxiety relief to sleep deprivation. These drugs are so easily prescribed because of their perceived innocence. Medical professionals have predicted that these drugs are essentially impossible to die from and as the textbook jokes "the only way a person could die from using benzodiazepines would be to choke on them."

2. Chapter 10 talks about all different sorts of stimulants. I want to focus this point on cocaine. I feel as if cocaine is an extremely popular drugs, especially in the Niagara Falls area and I wanted to learn more about why people use the drug. I found it interesting that people are using cocaine as a self-medicating practice for depression and anxiety. I learned from the textbook that cocaine's effects can be compared to that of superhuman powers. Those high on cocaine feel invincible and as if there isn't anything they cannot do.

3. For this section I had a discussion with another student about coffee as a stimulant. I did tons of research on whether or not coffee is actually safe and the answer seemed to be that in moderation, coffee is actually pretty healthy for you. I found some interesting links to more about coffee and its effects on health which can be found in the discussion forum for this module.

I think I have improved a lot with my discussion participation. I'm doing really well, and I believe my grades are reflecting that. I make sure to have everything done thoroughly by the due date and I actually read and I am engaged in conversation, which is why I think I am doing so well.

freebasing- conversion of cocaine into its alkaline version for smoking
Users "freebase" their cocaine to get it to its purest form to get the best high they can. This is done with a combination of chemicals and crystallization process.

speedballs- combinations of amphetamine or cocaine with an opioid narcotic, often heroin
People who use amphetamines often use them with other types of drugs like barbiturates, or alcohol to intensify the effects. This is often called a speedball.