B2: Drugs Flashcards
What is the definition of a drug?
A chemical that affects the normal chemical reactions in the body or the nervous system.
The two categories of drug are…
- Medicinal drugs (medicines)
2. Recreational drugs
What are antibiotics taken for?
To treat bacterial infections.
What is a prescribed drug?
A drug that is given with permission by a doctor.
Name 3 illegal recreational drugs.
Heroin
Cannabis
Cocaine
Name 2 common legal recreational drugs
Alcohol
Nicotine (cigarettes)
What do we mean by addiction?
When a person becomes dependent on a drug
If an addict stops taking a drug they may suffer unpleasant symptoms called…
withdrawal symptoms
Why are some recreational drugs illegal?
They can be harmful to health.
They are not prescribed by a doctor.
What is the drug in alcoholic drinks?
Ethanol
What do we call a drug that slows down the nervous system?
A depressant
Which contains more alcohol? Spirits such as vodka or Beer?
Spirits
What impact does alcohol have on health?
Stomach ulcersHeart diseaseBrain damageLiver damage (cirrhosis)
Why does drinking alcohol lead to liver damage?
The liver removes alcohol form the body.The more it breaks down the more damaged it becomes.
Why should pregnant women not drink alcohol?
Drinking alcohol increases risk of:- low birth weight- miscarriage- stillbirth- Fetal alcohol syndrome
Which health problems are associated with smoking?
- Cancer- Breathing problems- Heart attacks- Strokes- Bronchitis (chest infections)- Emphysema (lung damage)
Passive smoking (breathing in other peoples smoke) can increase the risk of…
- breathing problems.- blood circulation problems.
What can smoking when pregnant cause?
- Miscarriage- Low birth weight
What are the 3 main chemicals found in cigarette smoke?
- Tar- Nicotine- Carbon monoxide
What is the effect of nicotine on the body?
Speeds up the nervous system, increases heart rate and narrows blood vessels.
A drug that speeds up the nervous system is called a…
Stimulant
What is carbon monoxide?
- a toxic gas found in cigarette smoke.- stops red blood cells carrying as much oxygen as they should.
How does smoking cause heart disease?
- Causes arteries to become blocked.- This prevents blood flow - leading to heart attack or stroke.
How does smoking cause lung (respiratory) infections?
- Cilia are damaged/harmed/killed by tar.2. Dust/smoke particles/mucus build up in lungs.3. Bacteria can get into alveoli.4. They reproduce and infect the lung.
Explain how ciliated cells keep the lungs clear from dust and mucus.
- Ciliated cells have small hairs2. They waft mucus up the trachea.3. Dust gets caught in the mucus.4. The dust and mucus is transferred up and swallowed.
