Recreational Drugs Flashcards
What 2 main classes are drugs often divided into?
- Hard
- Soft
Define ‘hard’ drugs
They are usually thought of as being seriously addictive and generally more harmful (than ‘soft’ drugs)
What are the drawbacks of describing drugs as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’?
- Terms are vague
- Not scientific descriptions
- You can have problems with soft drug use
Name 3 drugs that can cause heart and circulatory problems, and if they are ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ drugs
- Heroin (hard)
- Ecstasy (hard)
- Cannabis (soft)
Name 5 reasons people say they like to take recreational drugs?
- Enjoyment
- Relaxation
- Stress relief
- To get stoned
- For inspiration
What 2 other things could influence people in choosing to take drugs?
- Bckground
- Personal life
Choosing to take drugs is a ____ thing, and often very ____
Choosing to take drugs is a personal thing, and often very complicated
Almost all ____ ____ users have tried ____ first
(though ____ cannabis users do ____ go on to use hard drugs).
Almost all hard drug users have tried cannabis first
(though most cannabis users do not go on to use hard drugs).
What are the 3 common opinions linking cannabis and hard drug use?
- Cannabis is a ‘stepping stone’
- Cannabis is a ‘gateway drug’
- It’s all down to genetics
Expand on the belief that cannabis is a ‘stepping stone’
The effects of cannabis create a desire to try harder drugs
Expand on the belief that cannabis is a ‘gateway drug’
Cannabis use brings people into contact with drug dealers
Expand on the belief that hard drug use is all down to genetics
Certain people are more likely to take drugs generally, so cannabis users will also try other drugs
Some legal drugs have ____ of an ____ than ____ ____ .
Some legal drugs have more of an impact than illegal drugs.
Name 3 negative impacts that tobacco has
- Causes disease of heart, blood vessels, and lungs
- Causes cancer
- Niccotine in cigarettes is addictive and makes it difficult to give up smoking
Name 4 negative impacts of alcohol
- Affects the nervous system and slows down the body’s reactions
- Too much leads to impaired judgment, poor coordination, and unconciousness
- Excessive drinking can damage liver and brain
- Addictive and difficult to stop drinking
Why do tobacco and alcohol have a bigger impact than illegal drugs in the UK?
Because so many people take them
How does tobacco and acohol use in the UK cause a negative economic impact?
- NHS has to treat people with lung diseases caused by smoking
- Cost to businesses of people missing days from work for treatment
- NHS treats people with health problems related to drinking alcohol
- Crime
Besides financial costs, what other negative impacts does using drugs and alcohol have?
Causes sorrow and anguish for people affected directly or indirectly by them
