1.6

Question 1

what are narcotics?

Answer 1

drugs derived from opium that are capable of relieving pain
desired effects; euphoria, anxiety reduction, relaxation, pain relief.

Question 2

what are psychoactive drugs and what are some examples of them?

Answer 2

chemical substances that modify mental, emotional and behavioural functioning.
- narcotics (opiates)
- sedatives
- stimulants
- hallucinogens
- cannabis
- alcohol

Question 3

what are stimulants?

Answer 3

drugs that tend to increase central nervous system activation and behavioural activity
desired effects; elation, increased alertness, increased energy, excitement, reduced fatigue.

Question 4

what are sedatives?

Answer 4

sleep-inducing drugs that tend to decrease the central nervous system activation and behavioural activity.
desired effects; euphoria, relaxation, reduced inhibitions, anxiety reduction.

Question 5

what are hallucinogens?

Answer 5

a diverse group of drugs that have powerful effects on mental and emotional functioning, marked most notably by distortions in sensory and perceptual experiences.
desired effects; increased sensory awareness, euphoria, altered perceptions, hallucinations and insightful experiences

Question 6

what is cannabis?

Answer 6

hemp plant from which marijuana, THC and hashish are derived
desired effects; relaxation, mild euphoria, altered perception and enhanced awareness.

Question 7

what is alcohol?

Answer 7

variety of beverages containing ethyl alcohol
desired effects; mild euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction and reduced inhibitions.

Question 8

what are the factors influencing drug effects?

Answer 8

1. user’s age, mood, personality, motivation, personal experience with the drug and physiology.
2. the dose and potency of the drug, setting at which the drug is taken, method of intake
3. user’s expectations
   tolerance is the progressive decrease in an individual’s responsiveness to a drug as a result of continued use.

Question 9

what is physical dependence?

Answer 9

a condition that exists when a person must continue to take a drug to avoid withdrawal illness

Question 10

what is an overdose?

Answer 10

drugs that are CNS depressants carry the greatest risk of overdose
- narcotics
- sedatives
- alcohol
overdosing grinds the respiratory system to a halt producing a coma, brain damage or even death within a brief period.

Question 10

what is psychological dependence?

Answer 10

a condition that exists when a person must continue to take a drug to satisfy intense emotional and mental cravings.

Question 11

what are the direct effects of these chemicals?

Answer 11

drugs can cause tissue damage directly.
- chronic snorting of cocaine can damage nasal membranes
- crack smoking is associated with several respiratory problems
- long-term, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with elevated risk of liver damage, ulcers, hypertension, strokes, heart diseases, neurological disorders and some types of cancer
- chronic marijuana increases the risk of pulmonary and respiratory diseases.

Question 12

what are the indirect effects of these chemicals?

Answer 12

• people using stimulants often do not eat or sleep properly
• sedatives increase the risk of accidental injuries as they severely impair motor coordination
• people who abuse downers often trip down stairs, fall off stools and suffer other mishaps.
• many drugs impair driving ability, increasing the risk of automobile accidents
• intravenous drug users risk contracting infectious diseases that can be spread by unsterilised needles.