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Drawbacks of Drug-Induced Euphoria

Euphoria can be described as a feeling of intense well-being, elation, happiness, ecstasy, excitement or joy. Euphoria may occur naturally, due to mental illness, through the use of prescribed medication or as an effect of illegal drugs. Though drug-induced euphoria is usually described as a positive experience, it is important to recognize that there are a number of drawbacks and risks inherent in using drugs to induce the experience.

  1. Drugs That Cause Euphoria

    • Drugs that commonly cause euphoria include cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, marijuana and psychedelics.

    Physical Health Risks

    • Different drugs affect the body in different ways. Many drugs, such as cocaine, are toxic to the body and cause tissue damage. Alternatively, drugs may harm the body through their route of ingestion, such as smoking of marijuana or injection of opiates. The lifestyle adopted by heavy drug users may also physically harm the user. For instance, heavy amphetamine users may experience malnutrition due to loss of appetite caused by the drug. A cocaine or amphetamine overdose can even cause a heart attack.

    Mental Health Risks

    • Drugs work by altering the chemical composition of the brain to achieve an altered mood state (i.e., euphoria). In addition to the positive mental effects that the drug user seeks, he may also experience unwanted negative mental or emotional side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, depression and insomnia. With frequent or heavy drug use, the composition of the brain may remain changed even after cessation of use, with potential permanent effects. Users with underlying predispositions to mental illnesses may trigger and exacerbate mental health issues. For instance, marijuana users with a family history of schizophrenia may put themselves more at risk of developing the disease.

    Legal Risks

    • Most drugs used to provide euphoria are subject to the Controlled Substances Act (1970). According to a drug's place on the Schedule of Controlled Substances, there are a number of legal repercussions for its possession, use and sale. There are five levels of restrictions, from Schedule I (the most controlled, with the most severe punishment and with no U.S. recognized medical use) to Schedule IV (the least controlled).

    Addiction

    • Many drugs used to achieve euphoria have been proved to be chemically addictive, in that they alter the user's brain to persistently seek the drug despite any negative effects. Opiates such as heroin are a prime example of this effect. All drugs that cause euphoria are behaviorally addictive, in that the user finds the euphoric effect of the drug to be pleasurable and would enjoy the effect again.

    Withdrawal

    • Many drugs that induce euphoria have a period of withdrawal afterwards. The effects of this withdrawal negatively mirror the positive effects. For example, users of stimulants may experience depression, apathy, anxiety and fatigue for a short period of time (hours).

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