Drugs Flashcards
Give examples of stimulants
What do they do
What are their negatives
Eg. Caffine, nicotine, ecstasy ☕️
Increases transmitter substance released at synapses
Increases nervous activity in brain leading to energy and alertness
Increased alertness and perception,combats depression
Can be addictive
Give examples of depressants or sedatives
What do they do
What are their negatives
Eg alcohol,solvents 🍺
Decreases brain activity and slows down reactions
Bind with receptor molecules in membrane of next neurone,blocking transmission of impulses
Reduces brain activity slowing reactions leading to drowsiness
Lethargy and forgetfulness
Give examples of painkillers or anaesthetics
What do they do
What are their negatives
Eg. Aspirin, paracetamol, heroin 💊
Reduces pain by blocking nerve impulses
Can be very addictive
Give examples of performance-enhancing drugs
What do they do
What are their negatives
Eg anabolic steroids
Increased muscle development
Can be abused by sportspeople
Give examples of hallucinogens
What do they do
Eg. Cannabis, LSD
Distorted perceptions, sensations and emotion
What are class A drugs
Examples
Most dangerous with heavy prison sentences and fines
Heroin,cocaine, ecstasy and LSD
What are examples of class B drugs
Eg amphetamines, speed, cannabis
What are examples of class C drugs
Eg tranquilisers, anabolic steroids
Less dangerous with lower penalties
What are the short-term effects of alcohol
Contains ethanol, a depressant leading to lack of balance and muscle control, blurred vision,slurred speech
Vasodilation, increasing blood flow and heat loss
Excess can lead to unconsciousness, coma or death
What are the long-term effects of alcohol
Liver damage or brain damage (dehydration)
Cirrhosis may occur, liver has to work hard to remove toxic alcohol from body. Liver gets damaged with build up of toxic products when enzymes break down alcohol
How is smokers cough caused
Chemicals in cigarettes damage cilia in airways so they cannot remove mucus, tar and dirt from the lungs. Cilia can be burnt off and won’t flow properly
Excess coughing damages alveoli and cause emphysema
How does tar in cigarettes effect the body
Chemicals irritate and accumulate in tissue, can cause cancer especially lung cancer 🚬
What can the carbon monoxide in cigarettes cause
Carbon monoxide encourages fat deposits that leads to arteriosclerosis
Arteries around the heart become blocked, which can lead to heart disease and heart attacks
What is common of babies born to mother’s who smoke
Often have lower birth weights
What is the depressant in alcohol
Ethanol
