GCSE Biology - drug revision.

Stimulants

A stimulant is a drug that increases the activity of the nervous system. It can raise the alertness, emotions or mood.

Caffeine is a mild stimulant found in tea and coffee. It is pretty harmless and most peoples' lives are not affected by it. Prolonged overuse may lead to problems with the heart, stomach and pancreas.

Amphetamine and methedrine are stronger stimulants. They induce a feeling of boundless energy but there is a deep depression after their use.

People think that they are performing better than they actually are.

The person rapidly becomes dependent and needs the drugs to maintain the highs. Continued usage can lead to personality changes and serious depression.

Depressants

Depressants reduce the activity of the nervous system. They slow down your responses and make you sleepy.

Alcohol and barbiturates can cause slowed reaction times and poor judgement of speed and distance. They can lead to increased risk of accidents.

Barbiturates are used as tranquillisers. Overdosing can stop you breathing. Not a good idea.

Hallucinogens

A hallucination is a weird interpretation of the world around you. LSD and Ecstasy can cause these, usually only with higher doses of Ecstasy.

At lower doses Ecstasy gives a feeling of boundless energy and universal love, but this mood - changing effect can lead to a growing dependence.

The feeling of energy leads to a danger of overheating, dehydration and collapse.

Solvents

These include a variety of chemicals found in everyday things like paint, glue and gas canisters. They affect your nervous system and heart.

Solvents can cause hallucinations and can have very serious effects on body and personality. They cause damage to the kidneys, lungs, brain and liver.

There is also a high risk of sudden death.

Pain killers

These are useful medical drugs used by doctors…