B1.3 The Use and Abuse of Drugs Flashcards
What is a drug?
A drug is a substance that alters the way in which your body works.
What must new drugs be?
Effective, Safe, Stable, Excrete
New drugs must be ‘Effective’, explain …
Must prevent/cure the disease it is aimed at.
New drugs must be ‘Safe’, explain …
Must not be toxic, must be no unacceptable side effects.
New drugs must be ‘Stable’, explain …
Able to use under normal conditions and store for some time.
New drugs must ‘Excrete’, explain …
Has to reach target and be able for the body to remove it.
What is a ‘double-blind trial’?
When neither the patient nor the GP knows which ‘drug’ is being given. This is to avoid bias and placebo.
What is a ‘withdrawal symptom’?
Effect from not taking a substance when you are addicted to it, e.g. fever, vomiting, aches etc.
What does a stimulant do?
Speeds up nervous impulses
What does a depressant do?
Slows down nervous impulses
What is an ‘addiction’?
Becoming dependent on a drug. You cannot manage properly without it.
Name two harmful, addictive, LEGAL drugs
Alcohol and Tobacco
What are very addictive drugs?
Hard drugs such as cocaine and heroine are VERY addictive and can seriously damage your health. Cannabis can cause psychological problems.
What is addictive about smoking?
Nicotine is the addictive drug in cigarettes (tobacco smoke).
What damage can smoking cause?
> Damages cilia that moves mucus away from your lungs
>Substances in tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer, heart and blood vessel diseases
