Week 3 assignment

(NOTE: THIS PAPER IS FOR SAME CLIENT WA PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER; BIPOLAR.)

Select a psychoactive drug that is of pharmacological interest to you, but not one you will review as part of your Critical Review. For this paper, you may choose drugs of abuse; however, the paper must focus on the pharmacology of the drug and not on the social or addictive aspects. If you focus on addiction and social impact, your paper will not receive credit.

In addition to the text, research a minimum of three peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years on your selected drug. Prepare a three-page summary of the drug using the PSY630 Rapid Review Example paperas a guide.

In your Rapid Review, analyze and explain the pharmacological aspects of the drug as they relate to the following: neurotransmitters affected, receptors, route of administration, half-life, doses, side effects, drug interactions, contraindications, and other important facets of the drug. Explain these aspects of the drug in terms of the psychiatric disorders indicated for the drug and the issue(s) associated with that use. If there is no accepted therapeutic use for the drug, evaluate and describe the actions of the drug with regard to the abuse process.

The paper:

Must be three to five double-spaced pages in length, excluding title page and references page, and it must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a title page with the following:

Title of paper

Your name

Course name and number

Your instructor’s name

Date submitted

Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

Must use at least three peer-reviewed sources in addition to the text.

Psychoactive Drugs

The psychoactive drug that I chose for this paper is marijuana also known as cannabis sativa. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. The drug is mainly used for recreational purposes. It can be consumed through smoking, vaporizing, and when it is ingested as food. The drug contains more than four hundred and twenty one components. Out of these, sixty are said to contain cannabinoids that are pharmacologically active. Two of the best described cannabinoids include CBD and THC. Some of the other components are not clearly known and thereby it would be difficult to ascertain the exact effects they have on the human body. Marijuana is perceived to be one of the most lipophilic drugs through the manner in which it spreads in the user’s body.

(950 words)