Soft Drugs Vs Hard Drugs. What’s The Difference?

The subject of drug use has a lexicon of different words and phrases that are used and two phrases that are often heard within the vocabulary of those discussing drug use in whatever context, are “hard drugs” and “soft drugs”. It is safe to say that these two phrases have probably been more misused and created more confusion and misunderstanding than any others concerning drug use.

Firstly, it is the case that there is no hard and fast definition of what constitutes a hard drug or a soft drug. Both of these terms are completely arbitrary and there are no official criteria as to what would identify any drug as hard or soft. Further, no official scientific or medical paper exists that definitively outlines what a hard drug or soft drug is.

Consensus? What Consensus?

Whilst there may not be a definite definition of what a hard or a soft drug is,  you will find that there are general views of what they are. It must be stated that individuals, whether they be doctors, drug recovery specialists, or even drugs users themselves may have specific views that vary slightly from the general view.

Even here there is a misconception that the terms “hard” and “soft” relate solely to the amount of damage that drug can do to someone who takes it, and ultimately becomes addicted to it. By this definition, hard drugs are regarded as being more toxic to the user’s system and some believe that a drug that is more addictive should have the label “hard”.

Addiction, Cocaine Addiction, Heroin Addiction, Methamphetamine

Ice Addiction

The Physical Effects of Ice Addiction

There are many consequences, both immediate and long term, that come with the regular use of Ice. Ice, Crystal, Tina, Meth, Krank, all are names for a certain neurotoxin;

The very powerful stimulant called methamphetamine. When taken, ice will give the user an instant elevation and heightened awareness, a sense of euphoria, or a blissful warmth. And these are just some of it’s main effects.

There are, however, many negative and life threatening side effects that arise due to how damagingly methamphetamine works in the body, and how heavily the user pursues this high. Understanding both the immediate and long term effects that ice has on the brain and on behavior will also help us understand how to best treat the addiction and begin to heal the body and the mind.

Short-Term Effects

When absorbed, methamphetamine or ice, will signal the body to release an elevated amount of dopamine to the brain. Dopamine serves a very important role in our central nervous system and works closely with the reward and motivation pathways of our brain as well as with some motor function. When we are feeling good inside after eating something sweet, or happily receive a compliment, or become excited to play a game, dopamine will be involved.

When using meth, it is the influx of dopamine that creates a flood of sensation and often a pleasurable feeling which comes immediately after smoking, snorting, or shooting the drug. However, some users will experience anxiety, aggression, discomfort, irritability, or paranoia.

Ice Addiction, Methamphetamine