Drug High?

The most commonly heard word from a drug user’s vocabulary is the phrase “I’m high.” According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, being high from drugs is the result of overstimulation of the brain through molecular structures that are similar to natural neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline, and serotonin. These substitutions enhance the natural effect of neurotransmitters, creating a longer period of euphoria (Drug Abuse and Addiction 2016). The experience of ‘high’ is different for every drug. For example, in cocaine, the high is commonly associated with increased alertness, confidence, and a sense of power. In contrast, the high in opiates such as heroin can be associated with a sense of calmness and serenity. Long term usage of the drug; however, causes potential problems as the usual intake quota no longer produces the same level of ‘high’ for the user. Other side effects of drug addiction include failure in decision making, memory, and behavioral control (What Happens to Your Brain When You Take Drugs, 2016). 

However, how does that relate to the experience of ‘Up?’ In class we came to a consensus that for the most part up had a positive connotation. According to Lakoff and Johnson, we use words such as ‘take over’ and ‘power up’, because we are physically above and in control. In the peak of drug usage, when the high is in effect, this seems to be the case, the individual believes him/herself to be powerful, and supposedly in control. But, could the artificial high also be linked to the idea that Up does not necessarily have the power its always associated with, such as “his head is up in the clouds,” a sense of lack of awareness/control about what is actually going on around the individual. The power the drug abuser thinks he temporarily obtains is from the high he received from the drug, which makes you question if high is actually associated with a positive connotation in this scenario.   

Another connection that I had was that UP is generally associated with positive things. When your 'up' on the social hierarchy your probably a notable/ popular figure. In many social situations using drugs and being "high" is considered cool. For example, in a stereotypical high school setting, the less appreciated individual may attempt to use drugs or alcohol to 'up' their social standing in the school community. 

"Drug Abuse and Addiction." Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. National Institute of Drug Abuse, July 2014. Web. 15 Feb. 2016.

"What Happens to Your Brain When You Take Drugs?" What Happens to Your Brain When You Take Drugs? Phoenix House, 2016. Web. 15 Feb. 2016.