Drugs Flashcards
what is a drug?
a drug is any chemical substance which when taken into the body, alters one or more physical or psychological function
what are psychoactive drugs?
drugs which interfere with the Nervous system, and cause changes in mental state and behaviour.
what are examples of psychoactive drugs?
- cannabis
- nicotine
- LSD
- Heroin
- Alcohol
- ecstacy
what is the misuse of drugs act 1971?
the possession and supply of certain drugs legal
What are the 3 classes of controlled drugs?
- CLASS A, B AND C
CLASS A drug examples
- Heroin
- magic mushrooms
- cocaine
- LSD
CLASS B drug examples
- Speed
- Ritalin
- Cannabis
CLASS C drug examples
- Valium
- Rohypinol
- Anabolics
- Steroids
why are drugs misused?
because of the euphoric effects
what is a designer drug?
A drug with the same properties and effects as known hallucinogen or narcotic but either an altered structure.
Therefore not subject to restrictions against illegal substances
what are the classifications of drugs by effects, and an example?
- Tranquilizers: Temazepam
- Stimulants: caffeine, nicotine
- Hallucinogen: LSD
- Depressants: Heroin, Alcohol
What do psychoactive drugs to?
act as, or interferes with neurotransmitters. E.G. ACh or Enkephaline
what is ACh?
neurotransmitter which nicotine binds to the ACh Receptors
what are Enkephalins?
inhibit the action of the neurones associated with pain, heroin binds to the encephalin receptors between sensory nerve and relay neurone
how does Enkephalin work?
pain receptors –> sensory nerve –> relay neurone –> brain
what does noradrenaline do?
Increases HR, arousal and wakefulness. Amphetamines act here
why are the causes of drug misuse?
- taken in hazardous circumstances
- likely to cause harm
what can drugs be used for?
- experimental (1st time use)
- recreational (controlled, can be regular, non-addictive)
- dependent (addictive)
what are the symptoms of physical dependence?
- drug is necessary for metabolism
- continued use necessary to prevent physical withdrawal symptoms
- the person must then continue to use the drug in order to feel normal
what are the symptoms/ reasons for psychological dependence?
- compulsion to use drug for euphoric or pain relieving effects
- used a social prop
- decreases stress
- no physical; effects of withdrawal
abstinence symptoms
collectively withdrawal symptoms
describe the effects of heroin on the nervous system?
- reduces pain acts as analgesic binds to receptors in synapses on post-synaptic membranes
- inhibits neurones responsible for pain
leading to loss of feeling - euphoria with use - more receptors made and so physical dependence
- secretion of digested juices reduced -leading to loss of appetite
- peristalsis reduced/ constipation
- stimulates reward/ pleasure pathways
- pathway associated with dopamine;
- loss of consciousness;
- Heroin is a depressant and an opiate
- Binds to enkephalin receptors
- Reduces activity of the NS
- Including respiratory and cardiac centres (can be fatal)
- Loss of consciousness
what is drug tolerance?
When a person’s reaction to a drug decreases and an increased dose is required to achieve the same effect.
Explain how drug tolerance to heroin may develop ?
- Increase in the number of enkephalin receptors
- Increased metabolism of the drug
- Inhibits production of natural enkephalins
- Therefore need to increase dose to achieve the same effect.
