Drugs

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  • Created by: alexda
  • Created on: 04-05-14 14:29
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  • Drugs
    • A drugs is a chemical substance that affects the Central Nervous System by causing changes in psychological behavior and lead to possible addiction.
    • Drugs are used for two purposes: medicinal and recreational purposes.
    • Tolerance develops with some drugs which means the body gets used to having it so you need a higher dose to give the same effect.
    • Some people can get addicted to drugs which means that they have a physical need for the drug.
    • 1. Stimulants e.g. nicotine and caffeine
      • Stimulants increase the activity in the brain and the speed of reactions (decreased reaction time) by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters at synapses in the brain.
      • Stimulants cause: increased alertness, improved memory or endurance, reduced appetite.
      • Disadvantages: addiction, feeling down and tired when use withdrawn, decreased inhibition, raised hear rate blood pressure.
    • 2. Depressants e.g. alcohol and barbiturates
      • Depressants slow down the activity of the brain and the speed of reactions (increased reaction time) by reducing the amount of neurotransmitters at synapses in the brain.
      • Uses: reduces stress, helps sleep, barbiturates helps to treat epilepsy.
      • Disadvantages: addiction, users can become tolerant so higher doses needed, poor judgement
    • 3. Painkillers e.g. Morphine, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen
      • Painkillers block or slow down the impulses in part of the brain dealing with the pain. Aspirin blocks impulses at the site of the pain.
      • Disadvantages: addiction, tolerance, high doses can damage vital organs.
      • Uses: pain relief, give user a high
    • 4. Hallucinogens e.g. LSD, Magic mushrooms
      • Hallucinogens distort sense and disrupt normal brain function by altering pathway nerve impulses normally travel along.
      • Disadvnatges: depression, injury of death by misadventure, permanently altered mental state

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