Different drugs for different people?

[infiniteawesome]

My question is this:

Do you believe that certain kinds of personality or psychological profiles are naturally predisposed to certain kinds of drugs?

Like, are some people more disposed to like alcohol over weed? Why?

Why are so many people more disposed to marijuana than say, shrooms or lsd?


In addition to that, what is it about super addictive substances that changes a person's personality as opposed to how marijuana changes a person?

Etc.

Let me know what you guys think.

[dirtybongwater]

I do believe that certain kinds of personality or psychological profiles are naturally predisposed to certain kinds of drugs. A question is whether or not those people will actually ever come in contact with those drugs?... I know people who have been around drugs their whole life and choose not to do them. I also know people who were raised in the best of homes and were taught that drugs were very harmful, but once they came in contact with drugs there was no problem jumping on the bandwagon. So I do think predisposition has to play a part in this and not just each person's environment. I don't want to say that personal experiences don't aid in people's decision to do or not do drugs, because it does. But I also believe there is a predisposition there... Why does this occur? haha I have no idea. I can't wait to see what others have to say.

On the last question, It all has to do with each person's chemical makeup. When you mix a new/foreign chemical in with what your body is already made up of, you will change that makeup of your chemicals at some point. It will change the homeostasis of your body after time. Different drugs attack different systems in your body. Take for example barbiturates; they depress the central nervous system. Let me quote Wikipedia on this "Barbiturates are sedatives used for seizure disorders, induction of anesthesia, and management of increased intracranial pressure. Barbiturates enhance the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid GABA and are general depressants to nerve and muscle tissue. Mild to moderate barbiturate toxicity mimics alcohol intoxication. Severe acute barbiturate toxicity results in CNS problems, including lethargy and coma. Constricted pupils, confusion, hypotension, poor coordination, respiratory depression, and coma may be found on physical exams. Although a barbiturate serum level may be obtained, the clinical presentation predicts the seriousness of the overdose. Attention must be given to the ABC's - airway, breathing and circulation. Gastric Lavage and multiple doses of activated charcoal may be used to decontaminate the GI system. IV fluids and forced diuresis and alkalinization should be used for long acting barbiturate intoxication. In severe cases, hemodialysis may be necessary. Early death are usually a result of shock or cardiopulmonary arrest. Later death are usually the result of pulmonary complications such as aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary edema." -- So you can see how chemical substances can def change a person's personality. -- In comparison to Marijuana our body has cannabinoid receptors in it already (brain, spinal column and immune system). So you really aren't changing the makeup of chemicals in your body, the cannabinoid receptors in your body are blending with the thc you are ingesting/inhaling. Let me copy some educational marijuana facts to help backup the information about how marijunana interacts in the body. It's a little more than what you are even asking for, but you are a member that actually will appreciate all the facts and information.

Originally Posted by meatwad

It gets you high..............as far as technically speaking Im not sure what happens to your body. I will get back to you when I have an answer.


EDIT: I found this info on Erowid


Caution : Reactions and experiences may vary dramatically from person to person. [see below]
<table class="duration-surround" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td> <table class="duration-summary" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Cannabis Duration
</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2">Smoked
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Total Duration
</td><td class="col2">1 - 4 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Onset
</td><td class="col2">0 - 10 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Coming Up
</td><td class="col2">5 - 10 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Plateau
</td><td class="col2">15 - 30 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Coming Down
</td><td class="col2">45 - 180 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">
</td><td class="col2">
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">After Effects
</td><td class="col2">2 - 24 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Hangover / Day After
</td><td class="col2">- - -
</td></tr> </tbody></table> <table class="duration-summary" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Cannabis Duration
</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2">Oral
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Total Duration
</td><td class="col2">4 - 10 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Onset
</td><td class="col2">30 - 120 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Coming Up
</td><td class="col2">30 - 60 mins
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Plateau
</td><td class="col2">2 - 5 hours
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Coming Down
</td><td class="col2">1 - 2 hours
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">
</td><td class="col2">
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">After Effects
</td><td class="col2">6 - 12 hrs
</td></tr> <tr><td class="col1">Hangover / Day After
</td><td class="col2">0 - 1 day
</td></tr> </tbody></table> </td><td class="table-spacer-h">
</td><td valign="top"> </td></tr></tbody> </table> Duration is strongly affected by dose, tolerance, and individual reaction. Those who use cannabis regularly experience a shorter duration than those who do not. Note that most cannabis smokers smoke multiple times in a single session which extends the duration.

Further, for oral consumption, duration is complicated by stomach contents and delivery mechanism. Taking THC-capsules on an empty stomach lasts much shorter than eating THC-containing cookies or food, which take hours to fully digest.

There has been some research into the pharmacokinetics of THC (how it moves through and is processed by the body). See Grotenhermen's research, which showed that the peak THC concentration after smoking was between 15-30 minutes and sloped down for 1-2 hours. He also showed that oral consumption caused the THC levels to peak between 2 and 4 hours and lasted for 4 to 8 hours.


<!-- end effects-text --><!-- end effects-duration --> EFFECTS LIST #
The effects of smoking Cannabis are usually lighter than those of many other recreational psychoactive substances. People are generally capable of carrying out normal actions and activities while high.


<!-- end effects-text --> POSITIVE

• mood lift, euphoria
• laughter
• relaxation, stress reduction
• creative, philosophical or deep thinking : ideas flow more easily
• increased appreciation of music. More aware of, deeper connection to music.
• increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell)
• change in experience of muscle fatigue. Pleasant body feel. Increase in body/mind connection.
• pain relief (headaches, cramps)
• reduced nausea, increased appetite (used medically for this)
• boring tasks or entertainment can become more interesting or funny

<!-- end effects-list-positive --> NEUTRAL

• general change in consciousness (as with many psychoactives)
• increased appetite, snacky-ness
• slowness (slow driving, talking)
• change in vision such as sharpened colors or lights
• closed-eye visuals (somewhat uncommon)
• tiredness, sleepiness, lethargy
• stimulation, inability to sleep (less common)
• blood shot eyes (more common with certain varieties of cannabis and inexperienced users)
• mouth dryness, sticky-mouth (varies with strain)
• interrupts linear memory. Difficulty following a train of thought.
• cheek, jaw, facial tension / numbness (less commonly reported)
• racing thoughts (especially at high doses)
• increased emotional impact of music
• Time sense altered: cars seem like they are moving too fast, time dilation and compression are common at higher doses

<!-- end effects-list-neutral --> NEGATIVE

• nausea, especially in combination with alcohol, some pharmaceuticals, or other psychoactives
• coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems
• difficulty with short term memory during effects and during periods of frequent use
• racing heart, agitation, feeling tense
• mild to severe anxiety
• panic attacks in sensitive users or with very high doses (oral use increases risk of getting too much)
• headaches
• dizziness, confusion
• lightheadedness or fainting (in cases of lowered blood pressure)
• paranoid & anxious thoughts more frequent
• possible psychological dependence on cannabis
• clumsiness, loss of coordination at high doses
• can precipitate or exacerbate latent or existing mental disorders

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

• mild to moderate, non life-threatening withdrawal symptoms occur after daily use in some users. These may last for 1-6 weeks after cessation of use and can include anxiety, anhedonia (reduced experience of pleasure), headaches, general unease/discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and a desire to smoke pot. Severity of symptoms is related to frequency of use and individual sensitivity.
• slight loss of appetite
• finding non-stoned life a bit dull, increased boredom

<!-- end effects-list-negative -->
<!-- end effects-list --> DESCRIPTION #
The primary effects sought by those using cannabis recreationally are euphoria, relaxation, and changes in perception. Effects vary depending on dosage, with effects at low doses including a sense of well-being, mild enhancement of senses (smell, taste, hearing), subtle changes in thought and expression, talkativeness, giggling, increased appreciation of music, increased appetite, and mild closed-eye visuals. At higher doses, sense of time is altered, attention span and memory are frequently affected, and thought processes and mental perception may be significantly altered.

One of the most common comments about cannabis effects is that it enhances the appreciation of sensory experiences without substantially changing the perceptual experience. Many people attribute their love of music, appreciation for new forms of music, and ability to play instruments to the use of cannabis.

At overly high doses, the effects are often likened to other psychedelics and panic and dysphoria (bad mood) are common. High doses, especially when taken orally, can sometimes result iin difficult experiences and trips to the emergency room in response to racing heart, extreme confusion, short term memory loss, and panic. After high dose experiences, especially among those who are not regular users, after effects can last 1-2 days.

Paradoxically, although cannabis is normally considered a relaxant / depressant, its effects are stimulating in a substantial portion of those who use it. While some people us it to help them sleep, others cannot sleep for 3-6 hours after their last smoke.


<!-- end effects-text -->
<!-- end effects-description --> CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid's effects information is a summary of data gathered from users, research, and other resources. This information is intended to describe the range of effects people report experiencing. Effects may vary dramatically from one person to another based on a variety of factors such as body chemistry, age, gender, physical health etc.

Originally Posted by Reform MaryJane Laws

It's a lot of info but it's worth reading. Basically, brain cells die naturally, anyway. There was a study done that says that THC stimulates the death of only cancerous cells in the brain (sounds like a good thing) and finally a bit from the untold story that is one of my favorite sources of info.


What is cell death? And what is the difference between apoptosis and necrosis?

Here's a fact of life that may sound odd at first: Cell death is absolutely necessary for any living thing to develop, grow, and survive. Hmm, you say, so my human cells have to follow a regular schedule of dying off for me to live on? Exactly right.

Our bodies are made up of quadzillion different kinds of cells — bone cells, muscle cells, liver cells, brain cells, skin cells, blood cells, and way too many others to mention. Cells die naturally by a process called "apoptosis," which in Greek means "falling off." This well-timed cell death keeps everything in working order and helps fight off attacks from invaders, like bacteria and viruses.

If you think of apoptosis as cell suicide, you can consider "necrosis" more in the line of cell murder. In necrosis, an outside influence injures a cell. The cell that's been treated poorly swells, the membrane around it splits, and nasty chemicals leak out all over a bunch of nice neighboring cells. Those cells are now damaged, too.

When cells follow the right program of apoptosis, everything runs smoothly. When there's not enough apoptosis going on, problems occur. Cells that ignore their death sentences can create cancers, viral infections, and auto-immune diseases. Likewise, cells that die before their time — because of too much apoptosis — are the bad guys in cases of AIDS, Alzheimer's, liver disease, and heart attacks.

Studies of all this stuff will tell us how to make sure cells don't kick off too soon or too late, which will contribute to controlling diseases. Meanwhile, in the time you've taken to read this response, millions of cells in your body have followed orders to self destruct. (And you didn't feel a thing!)

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/...id-110141.html


Cannabis 'May trigger cancer cell suicide'

Scientists at Complutense University in Madrid, led by Dr Manuel Guzman, found THC infusions to kill cancerous 'glioma' cells in the brains of mice. Glioma is a rare form of malignant brain cancer, and affects around 1800 people a year in the UK. Gliomas are extremely difficult to treat. Even after a course of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the median survival rate is less than a year.

Researchers induced tumours in the brains of 45 rats. A third were given THC, the main active chemical in cannabis, a third were given a synthetic cannabinoid, while the rest were used as controls.

Within 18 days the untreated rats died but, when THC and the man-made cannabinoid were injected directly in the tumours over seven days, they had a dramatic effect. The chemicals destroyed the tumours in a third of the mice and prolonged the life of another third by up to six weeks. Guzman reported "These results may provide the basis for a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant gliomas"

The team believe that cannabinoids trigger the build-up of a chemical messenger, ceramide, which in turn leads to programmed cell death in the tumour in a selective way, only triggering cell death in cancerous brain cells - stimulating the cancer cells to commit suicide in a natural process called apoptosis. Future studies will try to discover why cannabinoids appear to have no effect on healthy brains and whether they can be used on people.

Pharmacologist Daniele Piomelli, who wrote a commentary for the Spanish research, published in the March 2000 issue of 'Nature Medicine', commented to the UPI press agency:

"This is the first convincing study to show that a marijuana-based drug treatment may combat cancer. If the drug works as well in humans, then this will be a paper of great importance."

http://www.idmu.co.uk/medup3.htm


Like any substance, marijuana can be abused. The most common problem attributed to marijuana is frequent overuse, which can induce lethargic behavior, but does not cause serious health problems. Marijuana can cause short-term memory loss, but only while under the influence. Marijuana does not impair long-term memory. Marijuana does not lead to harder drugs. Marijuana does not cause brain damage, genetic damage, or damage the immune system. Unlike alcohol, marijuana does not kill brain cells or induce violent behavior. Continuous long-term smoking of marijuana can cause bronchitis, but the chance of contracting bronchitis from casual marijuana smoking is minuscule. Respiratory health hazards can be totally eliminated by consuming marijuana via non-smoking methods, i.e., ingesting marijuana via baked foods, tincture, or vaporizer.

http://www.cannabis.com/untoldstory/hemp_9.shtml

[Yarostafari]

I definately believe that theres different jokes for different folks. From what I know the drug of your preferance has alot to do with what your parents did. I know a couple of buds whos parents were serious drinkers, and sure enough these guys drink the most out of everyone. The rest I think has to do with the way you like to trip and self control.

[meehai]

Scientists have pinpointed a 'addict' gene, meaning a person has a predisposition to addiction, and we all know people who cannot control their habits as a result like others... For example many people here will see being dry as a mixed blessing due to health benefits etc, and others will be scraping their floor like a cracker, looking for a tiny bit of bud

Different strokes for different folks, as dbw says our differing chemical makeup means some prefer weed to beer and vice versa...