Health Flashcards
What is a drug?
Any substances naturally or synthetic or illegal, that alters function or feelings
This includes both legal and illegal substances.
Define addiction.
A continued involvement with a substance or an activity despite negative consequences
Addiction can apply to both drugs and activities.
What is chemotaxis?
The process when a particular tax attaches to specific receptors
Chemotaxis is crucial in biological responses.
How do most drugs originate?
Most if not all drugs come from plants
This includes both traditional herbal remedies and modern pharmaceuticals.
What is the fastest way to get drugs into your body?
Through your rectum
This method is often used for rapid absorption.
What is the most widely used legal drug?
Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, and many soft drinks.
What are amphetamines?
A substance drug that causes changes in brain chemistry and alters consciousness, perception, mood, and thought
The nonsynthetic form was called ma huang.
What were amphetamines originally used for?
To drive sleepiness away, suppress appetite, lose weight, and cure depression
Nowadays, they are primarily used to help those with ADHD.
List some concerns associated with amphetamines.
- Effects on the heart
- Effects on lungs
- Impaired decision-making
- Death from heart failure
These concerns arise particularly at higher dosage levels.
What is ‘meth mouth’?
A term for severe dental problems in those involved with amphetamines
Symptoms include rotten teeth, gum disease, and bad breath.
How is meth related to amphetamines?
Meth is a more dangerous version of amphetamines
Methamphetamine has more severe effects and risks.
What is a hallucinogen?
A drug that alters perception and sense of reality
Hallucinogens were historically used in hospitals for therapeutic purposes.
What is LSD?
Lysergic acid diethylamide, a synthetic hallucinogen that alters perceptual processes
LSD produces visual distortions and fantastic imagery.
Where can LSD be found?
In mushrooms and it grows on cow poop, specifically the argent fungus
This highlights its natural origins despite being synthesized.
What is the most widely used legal drug in the xanthine family?
Caffeine
Xanthines include caffeine and theobromine.
