With evidence from as early as 5000 B.C. suggesting that the Sumerians (part of the world's supposed first urban civilization) used opium, drugs in some form or another have nearly always been a cultural universal - featured in a number of societies across the world. A "drug" is commonly defined as "a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body". They are even popular among animals such as cats (catnip), dolphins (puffer fish) and cows (locoweed). However, fast forward from 5000 B.C. to 2017, where less natural drugs with more dangerous possible side effects are being created, including spice (a.k.a. synthetic marijuana), MDMA (ecstasy/Molly) and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)- some of the most commonly used drugs, especially by young people. However, what do they really do? 

Spice is, according to "The Conversation", an academic website- "not a single drug, but a range of laboratory-made chemicals that mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)". More than ten years ago hundreds of synthetic cannabinoids were invented by John W. Huffman –an organic chemist- in Clemson University, America.  These were reportedly invented to be used during animal testing for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Among these synthetic cannabinoids invented was the compound JWH-018; the compound that spice has been found to contain.  Spice is made from shredded plants, which are then sprayed with synthetic chemicals. Although sometimes these synthetic chemicals are made illegal, the chemical composition is often altered, therefore rendering it legal until the new compound is discovered. However spice, a "legal" high, is currently illegal to produce, distribute, sell and supply in the UK due to the recently implemented Psychoactive Substances Act. Yet, many are still unsure as to what spice-as a psychoactive substance- actually does. Firstly, the chemicals attach onto the same nerve cell receptors in the brain as THC, a chemical found in natural marijuana. However, often the effect of spice can be much stronger (allegedly up to 100 times) than the effect of non-synthetic marijuana, and can cause psychosis, paranoia and an elevated heart rate amongst other side effects.  

MDMA, a synthetic drug, was first made by a German company called Merck in 1912, but its use escalated throughout the late 1900s- including to aid psychotherapy and later for recreational use. MDMA is made from 3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a psychoactive substance with a similar chemical structure to some hallucinogens and stimulants. The short-term effects of the drug can last for up to 3-6 hours, with the effects including distortion in time, buoyant moods, and increased energy levels. But how does the drug affect the brain? It affects the release and production of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain), including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline). MDMA tends to reduce levels of dopamine and increase levels of serotonin, subsequently causing an elevated mood. However, this often causes a "comedown" which can last several days, as the body can no longer produce enough serotonin to balance the individual's mood. Although the euphoric high appears widely appealing to many people, long term use of MDMA can cause "long-lasting confusion, depression, and selective impairment of working memory and attention processes", according to the NIH website. Additionally, ecstasy is often mixed with other drugs varying from cocaine and PMA (a drug with much more lethal and dangerous effects than MDMA), to caffeine.  

LSD (a.k.a. acid) was discovered in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, who was a chemist studying derivatives of lysergic acid in Switzerland, reportedly during research into circulatory and respiratory stimulants. Its hallucinogenic properties were later discovered in 1943 and then used in experiments, including ones related to the military and secret intelligence services in the US until it was banned in approximately 1966. LSD is a semi-synthetic chemical, with the natural ingredient being lysergic acid- derived from ergot (a fungus found growing on rye and other cereals). Diethylamide is a man-made derivative of lysergic acid. The hallucinogenic effects last up to twelve hours, and include dramatic perceptual changes such as a number of distortions (including of time and vision) and rapid mood swings. This is due to the fact that acid greatly influences the amount of serotonin produced in the brain- it has been said to stick to some serotonin receptors. Additionally, studies have suggested that LSD actually mimics the structure and therefore effect of serotonin itself.  Studies have suggested that long-term use can cause persistent psychosis and recurrent hallucinations.  

Spice, MDMA and LSD are all amongst the most popular drugs for recreational use, yet are the short-term effects really worth the long-term risks?