For this discussion we were asked to pick one particular drug and discuss the negative effects and apparent benefits. The drug I chose to discuss is Caffeine. Most people would not consider caffeine a drug, but in fact it is. “Caffeine is a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages traveling between the brain and the body (Ad’. org).” Caffeine can be found in many drinks, such as coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks. The effects of caffeine consumption can be feeling more alert and active, dizziness, dehydration, faster breathing and heart rate. Many people consume caffeine for better concentration at work or school, or may consume it ahead of a long day. Unfortunately, caffeine can be addicting. Caffeine occurs naturally in plants used to produce coffee, tea, and chocolate and has long been the most widely used drug in the world. In the United States, 90% of the population reports annual use (Frary, Johnson, R. Wang, 2005). Many people who do not consume caffeine after consuming it can become a victim to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be anything such as headache, fatigue, stomach pains, anxiety! irritability, or even difficulty concentrating. Caffeine can cause negative effects on a persons body also by causing weight gain. Gaining too much weight can cause diabetes which can be vary harmful to your body if not controlled. The benefit of caffeine can be help with concentrating if used properly and very little. Unfortunately the effects of caffeine outweigh the benefits and it is one of the biggest drug problems in our country today.
Question for the class: Do you believe the caffeine consumption in our country is out of control? Do you consume a lot of caffeine? References: Alcohol and Drug Foundation. December 16,2020. Caffeine. Retrieved January 24, 2021 from https://adf. org.aw drug-facts caffeine’ Alone C J M.S M. (2020). Drugs and Drug Policy. [Bookshelf Anabassadored]. Retrieved from
