Drugs Flashcards
Legal drugs that help the body fight injury, illness, or disease
Medicines
A medicine sold legally in pharmacies and other stores without a doctors prescription
Over-the-counter
A drug that can be obtained only with a written order from a doctor and can be purchased only at a pharmacy
Prescription
A chemical substance that people of any age may not lawfully manufacturer, possess, buy, or sell
Illegal
Using per label to threat an injury, illness, or disease
Proper use
Mistakenly taking more than is recommended to treat an injury, illness, or disease
Misuse
Deliberately taking more than is recommended or taking for purposes other than treating an injury, illness, or disease
Abuse
An unwanted physical or mental effect caused by the drug
Side effects
When drug is used repeatedly, the body develops tolerance to it, to where the user needs more for the original effect
Tolerance and dependence
If user becomes dependent and stops taking the drug, they will experience negative side effects
Withdrawal
A neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers
Dopamine
Chemical dopamine travels between brain cells, producing pleasure sensations
Under normal conditions
Cells release extra dopamine, causing a stronger signal
On drugs
Brain cells lose receptors for dopamine, becoming less able to process the chemical. The pleasure signals weaken.
After repeated drug use
Chemical that affects brain activity
Psychoactive drug (mood-altering drug)