Chemical Reactions Chapter Summaries

In the chapter “Chemical reactions” from the book Saying yes in defense of drug use. It compares Muslim and Mormon Religion restrictions of substances that are acceptable for use outside of these religions. The chapter focuses on alcohol and caffeine, but there are other substances that are mentioned as forbidden. Alcohol and caffeine highly addictive yet they are widely available for purchase in stores however the substances are viewed as illicit substances. In the Muslim tradition,any intoxicant is forbidden because it is important for an individual to know what he says and does. In Mormon religion, any drug or substance that results in addiction and physical or mental impairment or lowering of moral standards is forbidden there are however exceptions,prescribed medications are acceptable for individuals to use for health benefits only. Caffeine is viewed same as alcohol because it provides a small buzz. Caffeine has been categorized as a forbidden substance but has not been as widely enforced it has been
used as ingredients in Mormon recipes in the form of chocolate, also caffeinated soda is widely consumed. Mormons have also accepted the use of the stimulant plant ephedra also known as Mormon tea, this use is not for medical purposes and still its use is acceptable.
As previously stated in the Muslim religion has also forbade the use of alcohol, but there have been exceptions to this rule.
One school states that the forbidden use is restricted to grape wine in another alcohol use is permitted so long as one does not become drunk, another Muslim school of jurisprudence includes any amount of substance that someone can become drunk.The Islamic law may be open to interpretation not only in terms of alcohol use but also in regards to the use of hashish and the use of qat which is a stimulant shrub popular in Yemen and Somalia the psychoactive effects of qat were not regarded as similar to alcohol. Muslims have also forbidden the use of tobacco not because of its addictive qualities but because of the negative health effects.Both Mormons and Muslims have forbidden the use of mind altering substances for different religious reasons regardless of how readily available the substances are, however both have exceptions to their
rules.
The chapter chemical reactions relates to topics discussed in the class lectures because there are restrictions in regards to the use of some substances and other substances are widely accepted for consumption that may cause negative health side effects or death. For example, the use of caffeine, it is the most used substance in the world and has been proven to be addictive and those who use it have also shown withdrawal symptoms when ceasing use, nonetheless it is still widely accepted in many cultures and countries. Marijuana has been restricted for use by the federal laws however marijuana recently has been legalized for use within many states. Marijuana has been categorized as a schedule one drug which forbids federally funded research to better understand the benefits already associated with its use as well as, restricting a medical doctor from prescribing its use for medical treatment when it has been proven to have medical benefits under the right conditions. Marijuana has not been the cause of it any recorded deaths. Another substance that is widely used and accepted by society for regular use and consumption is alcohol. Although it has been restricted for consumption to those who are 21 and over. Alcohol has been proven as the cause of health problems and death for those who use it and of innocent people. Alcohol is the most dangerous substance to withdraw and detox from and should be done under medical supervision.
The third and final substance relating to the chapter and the class lectures is tobacco. It is highly addictive and has the highest mortality rate of its users.