B1.3 - The Use And Abuse Of Drugs Flashcards
What are the stages in testing medicinal drugs? (3)
- The drugs are tested on human cells and tissues in a lab.
- The drugs are tested on live animals.
- The drugs are tested on healthy human volunteers in a clinical trial.
What is a placebo?
A substance that looks like the one that is being tested, but does not contain the actual drug.
What is a double-blind trial?
A trial in which the patients nor the doctors know which patients have the placebo drug.
Why are very low doses of a drug given when it is tested initially?
In case it gives side effects.
What do statins do? (2)
- Lower blood cholesterol.
2. Lower the risk of heart/circulatory diseases.
What is thalidomide used for nowadays?
To treat leprosy.
What was thalidomide developed as in the 1969s?
A sleeping pill.
What side-effect did thalidomide cause in pregnant women in the 1960s?
Limb abnormalities in their babies.
What negative health effect is linked with cannabis?
Mental health problems.
What negative health effects are linked with ecstasy and heroin?
Affects on the heart and circulatory system.
What are the links between cannabis and hard drugs? (3)
- Cannabis is a stepping stone.
- Cannabis is a gateway drug.
- Genetics.
Why do people take drugs? (3)
- Health problems.
- Personal issues.
- To relax.
Why are the negative effects caused by legal drugs much greater than those of illegal drugs?
More people use them as they are more widely available.
What is a drug?
A substance that alters the chemical reactions in the body.
What are the main disadvantages of smoking? (3)
- It causes diseases in the heart, blood vessels and lungs.
- Tobacco smoke causes cancer.
- Nicotine is very addictive.
What are the main disadvantages of alcohol? (4)
- Alcohol affects the nervous system.
- Too much alcohol impairs your judgement, worsens your coordination and can make you unconscious.
- Drinking can cause liver disease and brain damage.
- Alcohol is addictive.
What types of drugs are there? (3)
- Medicinal.
- Recreational.
- Performance-enhancing.
What do anabolic steroids do?
Increase muscle size.
What do stimulants do?
Increase your heart rate.
What negative health effect is caused by steroids?
High blood pressure.
What are the arguments against performance-enhancing drugs? (2)
- Athletes can have an unfair advantage.
2. Athletes may not be informed of the serious health risks.
What are the arguments in favour of performance-enhancing drugs? (2)
- Athletes have the rights to make their own decisions.
2. Sport is unfair anyway; people have access to different qualities of facilities and coaches.
What are medicinal drugs tested for? (3)
- Dosage.
- Toxicity.
- Efficiency.
