7. Let’s get this one thing straight I Corinthians 6:12–20 reminds us of some very important truths about our lives and our lives in relation to God. First, the Apostle Paul, the author of the book, reminds us in verse 12 that “everything is permissible for me, but everything is not beneficial,” in addition to … More Head Games: “Come on Now” (Part 3 of 3)

“Come on Now!” 4. Pharmacology 101 Although there are some 60 different neurotransmitters in the brain, there are three that predominantly deal with our emotional well-being: Norepinephrine (NE), Dopamine (D) and Serotonin (S). If we are in a normal and balanced state in our lives (homeostasis), these neurotransmitters are functioning and doing the job the … More Head Games: “Come on Now” (Part 2 of 3)

“Come on Now!” So in previous posts we’ve been doing a lot of talk about addiction, drugs, drugs of abuse, recovery, passion and the misplacement of passion.  So how does some of this fit together with you and your relationship with God? If you have ever been in a black church and heard the preacher … More Head Games: “Come on Now” (Part 1 of 3)

Sedative/Hypnotics Introduction Barbiturates and benzodiazepines belong to the family of drugs that are frequently called the Sedative/Hypnotics or Tranquilizers, due to the fact they reduce anxiety and cause sleep as well. The “major tranquilizers” are used to treat schizophrenia and the severely mentally ill (by reducing delusions, hallucinations, agitation and aggressiveness), while the “minor tranquilizers” … More Head Games: Drugs of Abuse – Sedative/Hypnotics

O p i a t e s Introduction Opiates is the name given to the family of drugs that are derived from opium and have properties similar to opium and its main active ingredient, which is morphine. Opiates, which are abused either in their natural or synthetic form (Opioids), are frequently called narcotics, due to … More Head Games: Drugs of Abuse – Opiates

Hallucinogens (Marijuana and LSD) Introduction Marijuana is the drug that produces the “dumb” high. It is composed of crushed leaves, stems and flowers of the female hemp plant and is smoked or orally consumed in baked goods. Hashish is the resin from flowers and leaves and is more potent than marijuana. It is also smoked … More Head Games: Drugs of Abuse – Hallucinogens (Marijuana and LSD)

Drugs of Abuse: C O C A I N E Introduction Cocaine is derived from the coca leaves of the coca plant found predominantly in South America. Cocaine is probably the most addictive drug, as it powerfully stimulates the Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway, creating the intense and euphoric “rush” users desire and forcefully “imprints” the “I … More Head Games: Drugs of Abuse – Cocaine

A m p h e t a m i n e s    Introduction Amphetamine is a synthetic form of Ephedrine, which is found in the herb ma huang, as this herb has been used in China for the past 5,000 years. Amphetamine is a stimulant and has some of the same effects on the … More Head Games: Drugs of Abuse – Amphetamines

A l c o h o l Introduction Alcohol is the oldest and most commonly used drug in the world and is taken orally, and is the only drug that contains calories. It is rapidly metabolized and absorbed and distributed to cells throughout the body and is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water within a … More Head Games: Drugs of Abuse – Alcohol

In this post, we are going to look at the “head games” or the effect of psychoactive drugs in the life of the person who abuses or is dependent on alcohol and other drugs.  It must be noted that these “games” are neither fun nor entertaining but are very dangerous, as overdose and death are very … More Head Games: Introduction to the Drugs of Abuse