When using drugs, the release of calcium ions (Ca+2) and neurotransmitters from one cell to another gets messed with and slowly kills receptors on the receiving cell. The neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles via Ca+2. The first cell releasing the neurotransmitters, is called the pre-synaptic membrane, and the receiving cell is called the post-synaptic membrane. The area between these two cells is called the synaptic cleft; this is the area that the neurotransmitters flow through. The kind of and amount of neurotransmitter released depends on what has been consumed and how many Ca+2 were created to release the neurotransmitters. The whole process of pre to post-synaptic membranes happens at a junction between two neurons. As there are 1,000 to 10,000 axon terminals in one synapse, any damages are directly connected to your nervous system and ultimately with your brain.

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This is a simple process of exchange between two cells. From whatever is consumed, Ca+2 are released which in turn release neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft. After they are released, the neurotransmitters flow through the synaptic cleft until they reach and bind to the binding sites along the outside of the post-synaptic membrane. Once bound to the binding site, the neurotransmitters have stimulated that receptor which sends the stimulus through the nervous system to the brain, creating whatever emotion may come of it. After the neurotransmitters are used and have given the stimulus, they separate from the receptors and are reabsorbed back into the pre-synaptic membrane or are "eaten" apart by enzymes in the body. Though normal enough, when a drug of any sort is consumed or inhaled, the process goes askew and, like any problem, complications occur. During the time of drug usage, the neurotransmitters do not get broken apart by the body, but remain intact and re-stimulate the receptor on the post-synaptic membrane over and over again. This is a problem because it causes the stimulus to go through the nervous system to the brain and keeps the feeling of pleasure and well-being so that you remain in such a state of euphoria that you don't know if you are hurting yourself or if anything harmful is being done to you until the next day; you can only tell that you are hurt if there is a mark. Drugs like alcohol, cocaine, caffeine, marijuana, and more, are used to smoke, sniff, or in drinks to cause a young woman to lose touch with reality long enough for something horrible to happen to her. These "bad things" can sometimes leave no physical mark, like rape or oral sex, that you will be able to see the next day; and this is why it is very dangerous to do drugs.

Because drugs are so harmful to your body internally it is best to find other ways to relieve stress. If stressed out and in desperate need of support or help there are always teen health centers to go to or ways that you can talk to your parents or friends or counselors at school to make them understand and help you with your problems. If all else fails, you can always go see a psychiatrist that will listen to you and help guide you through a difficult time, no matter what your problem is and no matter what is stressing you out. Remember, there is never a silly problem to have, never a stupid question to ask when it comes to your life and your health. Your life is precious, you only have one. Make the most of it and live safely and drug free. Seek help, not drugs.

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