Title: Using LSD and Illegal Drugs as Treatment for Depression Word Count: 495 Summary: Many individuals turn to drugs as a treatment for depression and other emotional and mental problems. Illegal drugs should not be the answer to depression and anxiety. These drugs may lead to addiction and in return develop many physical and mental problems Keywords: stress, anxiety, counseling, dry mouth Article Body: Sometimes young people try illegal drugs to fit in or just out of curiosity. But some often try it to escape reality for awhile to get “high”. A “high” is the feeling that drug users to describe certain feelings that are experienced after taking drugs. These feelings may be described as happy or spacey feelings. Persons experiencing stress and anxiety take illegal drugs to feel better, to forget about issues or certain problems. Many individuals turn to drugs as a treatment for depression and other emotional and mental problems. One of the drugs used to attain “highness” is lysergic acid diethyiamide (LSD). It is a hallucinogen that is used as a recreational drug, and as a so-called “tool of transcendence.” This drug is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It can be painted on small papers and can be licked or swallowed. Many individuals use this drug to detach themselves from the the real world. LSD us an illegal drug in the United States and other countries around the world. People refer to this experience as “tripping out.” This drug is popular influence in the sixties and seventies. LSD remains a potent drug, as well as a risk to physical and mental health. The potency of this drug is unpredictable and may cause thoughts and feelings to be distorted. Taking 100-200 millionth of a gram of LSD may cause a person to experience a “trip” that may last up to 12 hours. While experiencing a “trip” users tend to see hallucinations of colors, light patterns, and many users claim to have experienced news insights about their personality. One of the effects of LSD is having flashbacks of a user's previous hallucinations. LSD users often experience panic, confusion, sadness, and scary images. Physical changes may include increased heart rate, sweating, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, dry mouth, and shaking. LSD develops addiction because a number of users who take this drug repeatedly end up taking up higher does to achieve the state of “highness” they had previously achieved. LSD mixed with other drugs may contribute to severe health effects that may lead to mental health problems. Illegal drugs should not be the answer to depression and anxiety. These drugs may lead to addiction and in return develop many physical and mental problems. There are many ways in eliminating and depression and anxiety. The following methods have been proven to be very beneficial in relaxing the mind and therefore relieve mental and emotional troubles: · Journaling or keeping a diary · Exercising regularly · Having a pet · Yoga · Music therapy · Tai chi · Meditation People who are suffering from drug addiction should consult specialists that may help them overcome their drug addiction. Drug addiction treatment may include counseling, cognitive therapy, and psychotherapy. Behavioral therapies offer people many strategies that may enable them to cope with their drug cravings, and teach them to avoid drugs and other harmful substances. People should bear in mind that turning to illegal drugs to treat depression is not an option.