The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) presents a suspect along with evidence at its offices in Jakarta, Tuesday (25/7). The BNN arrested a member of an international drug network and confiscated 10.534 kilograms of crystal meth, which was hidden in a washing machine.
The history of psychoactive substances is as old as human civilization. Psychoactive substances have been used in religious ceremonies, as medication and, of course, recreationally. Yet, its alluring effects have lured people into misusing it.
A psychoactive substance is a chemical compound that enters the body and then affects the nervous system and brain, causing changes in feeling, cognition and behavior.
It is not surprising that the Amanita muscaria mushroom, which affects consciousness, is widely used in traditional ceremonies to make it easier to induce a trance state. The same goes for opium.
Nepenthes pharmakon, a magical potion that alleviates grief and pain,is mentioned in the classic tale of Helen of Troy in the 9th century BC. The potion is received from the Queen of Egypt and is mixed with the wine given to Greek soldiers. The concoction then frees the soldiers of their pain and anger (Marc-Antoine Crocq, “Historical and cultural aspects of man’s relationship with addictive drugs”, 2007).
Nepenthes pharmakon, which etymologically means “medicine to reduce suffering” – or in the contemporary era, an anti-depressant – is normally made from opium.
Based on the oldest medical text recorded on papyrus around 1,500 BC, the potion made from the poppy flower was used to soothe crying children.
Several substances that are potentially addictive are used in social interactions, such as coffee, nicotine and alcohol. So is hashish, which is made from the resin of the Cannabis sativa syn. Cannabis indica plant –cannabis – commonly used in Middle East.
New methods
With the development of science and technology, the variety of psychoactive substances is rising and the process is easier. Consequently, the psychoactives are more affordable and more easily affects the brain.
The World Health Organization classifies psychoactive substances into several categories: stimulants, depressants, opioids and hallucinogens. Stimulants increase the function of the central nervous system, making the users feel energetic, raising heart rates and quickening breathing. Stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA (ecstasy).
Depressants affect neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which works to reduce the excitability of brain cells. Substances like alcohol, lorazepam, diazepam, valium and barbiturates are included in this group. They work to slow brain activity so that people feel calm and relaxed.
Opioids are a strong psychoactive substance that inhibits pain. Opioids affect the opioid receptor in the body’s nervous system. These include codeine, morphine, heroine, hydrocodone and fentanyl. Prolonged consumption of opioids can lead to addiction and high doses can cause death.
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are produced individually as synthetics or derivatives, and their functions cannot be separated from the categories above. According to the United Nations’ Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), more than 640 types of NPS were recorded in 2016.
It is not easy to eradicate drug abuse. According to the UNODC, many factors contribute to eradication efforts, including policymakers, the regulatory enforcers and families as agents of empowerment.
