Substance abuse Flashcards
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance Abuse is using a substance in the wrong way for the effect it has on the body. Substance Abuse can lead to lifelong scars (Both physical and mental).
Why do people turn to Substance Abuse?
People turn to Substance Abuse of a low self-esteem, peer pressure or to deal with problems that they do not know how to fix.
What forms do drugs come in?
- Injections
- Capsules
- Herbal
- Powder
- Pills
What are the three categories recreational drugs are classified as?
- Opiates
- Depressants
- Stimulants
What are opiates? Give an example.
Opiates are drugs that copy the brains feel-good hormones (endorphins) and make a person feel relaxed and at ease. These drugs bring about a state of Euphoria.
E.g. heroin, morphine, opium
What are depressants? Give an example.
These drugs slow down the messages in the brain and along the nerves. -reduce emotions, help people feel relaxed and forget their problems.
E.g. alcohol, dagga, solvents
What are stimulants? Give an example.
These drugs speed up the messages in the brain and along the nerves. These drugs make people experience things in a more intense manner.
E.g. caffeine, nicotine, tik
What ways can substances be taken?
S- swallowing: (Pill/Liquid)
S- smoking: (drug is smoked and absorbed through bloodstream)
S- snorting: (Snorted/sniffed up nostrils)
I- injections: (drug injected in liquid form into the bloodstream)
What does ‘recreational’ mean?
Something that is done for pleasure and relaxation.
What does ‘Addictive’ mean?
A substance that causes a person to become reliant on it. Addiction occurs when people can no longer control their need to escape from their problems and feel they can’t cope without the substance.
What does ‘Euphoria’ mean?
Euphoria is a false feeling of extreme happiness.
What are ‘Solvents ?
Liquid substances normally sniffed to cause a ‘high’.
Besides the fact that substances can contain addictive ingredients, why else would people end up abusing drugs?
- Because of the feeling it gives them
- pleasure and relaxation
- help deal with problems
- addictive personalities (can be inherited)
- binging
Why is alcohol known as the gateway drug?
Alcohol is known as the gateway drug as it lowers one’s guard and makes one more vulnerable to try other substances such as recreational drugs.
How can substance abuse affect a person?
Substance abuse can affect someone’s behaviour and physical appearance.