B1 - Drugs: Use and Harm

Drugs - substances that alter the way the body works.

Prescription - where your doctor decides if you should have a drug or not.

Addiction - a physical need for a drug that, if not supplied, will result in withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms - symptoms caused by suddenly stopping taking a drug you are addicted to; these include shaky hands, nausea, and headaches.

Tolerance - where the body gets used to having a drug, and so needs a higher dose to give the same effect.

Rehabilitation - help and support to overcome an addiction to drugs.

Examples of depressants;

• alcohol
• solvents
• temazepam

Effect of depressants;

• decrease brain activity
• slows down responses
• poor judgement of speed and distance

Examples of stimulants;

• nicotine
• ecstasy
• caffeine

Effects of stimulants;

• increase brain activity
• makes you feel more alert
• makes you feel more awake
• often used to treat depression

Examples of painkillers;

• aspirin
• paracetamol

Effect of painkillers;

• reduce amount of painful stimuli at nerve endings
• this reduces overall pain

Examples of performance enhancers;

• anabolic steroids
• testosterone

Effects of performance enhancers;

• helps build muscle
• allows you to train harder
• used by athletes

Examples of hallucinogens;

• LSD

Effects of hallucinogens;

• distort what is seen and heard
• alter the pathways that the brain sends messages along