task 1- 2024 Flashcards
How do drugs affect the brain?
- Drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters.
- Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure
- This allows the drugs to attach onto and activate the neuron.
definition of a Depressant drug
They slow down your reaction to things ( e.g. Alcohol, Carnbis )
definition of a Stimulant drug
They make you more alert and keep you awake ( e.g.caffeine, nicotine )
definition of a Hallucinogens drug
They change people’s perception of reality ( e.g. mescaline )
Why do young people use and/or abuse drugs?
Young people/teenagers use drugs because they have a poor self-image, low religiosity, poor school performance, parental rejection, family dysfunction, abuse, under- or over-controlling by parents, and divorce.
examples of legal drugs
- Alcohol.
- Cannabis (Marijuana/Pot/Weed)
- Central Nervous System Depressants
(Benzos)
examples of illligal drugs
- Cocaine & Crack
- Date Rape Drugs
- Ecstasy
- Illicit Fentanyl
- Heroin
Define the term illicit drug
Illicit drugs are illegal to have or consume
Drug Laws in Australia
- Some drugs are legal - like alcohol,
caffeine, nicotine and prescribed
and over-the-counter medications. - Other drugs are illegal, such as
cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy,
cocaine and heroin. - Federal and state laws have
penalties for possessing, using,
producing, selling, or driving under
the influence of illegal drugs.
E-cigarettes
- E-cigarettes are battery operated
devices that heat a liquid to produce
an aerosol that users inhale (often
called vaping). - The impacts that E-cigarettes cause
is dangerous for the human body. - There have been some rumours
that e-cigarettes are healthier than
normal cigarettes, however, when
someone uses an e-cigarette, the
substance they inhale can contain
over 200 chemicals. - The look and design of the vape is
made to target and attract young
people - Children can easily activate e-
cigarettes, particularly if they have
watched a family member use them.
What is alcohol?
A depressant liquid that contains ethanol which has many negative effects on the human body
List 3 common examples of Alcohol.
- Beer
- Wine
- Vodka
What is the legal drinking age in Australia?
18
what is the classification of alcahol?
- Alcohol is a depressant, which
means it slows the function of the
central nervous system. - Alcohol blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain.
- Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways
- Alcohol makes it harder for the
brain areas controlling balance,
memory, speech, and judgement to
do their jobs which can cause
negative outcomes.
Short Term Effects of alcahol
- Slurring of speech
- Sudden mood swings
- Hangover
- Vomiting
- Feeling tired
Long Term Effects of alcahol
- Mental illnesses
- Death
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Alcohol and young people
- In Australia, alcohol is the most
used drug and contributes to all the
leading causes of death for young
people. - Young people are at greater risk of
alcohol-related harm than adults. As
the brain keeps developing into the
mid-twenties, drinking alcohol as a
teenager can increase the risk of
damage to the developing brain.
Discuss the effects of underage drinking on the developing brain
The earlier people start drinking alcohol, the more likely they are to experience a measurable impact on cognitive functions, memory, and school performance over time. This can affect the adulthood of that child.
The liquids used in vapes:
- Contain a range of toxic chemicals
including those that add flavour - Sometimes contain nicotine even if
labelled as ‘nicotine free’.
Short Term effects of vaping
- Respiratory irritation
- Nicotine addiction
- Increased heart rate and blood
pressure - Dry mouth and throat
- Nausea/vomiting
Long term effects of vaping
- Chronic respiratory problems
- Cardiovascular disease
- Lung disease
- Nicotine dependence
- Adverse effects on brain
development in adolescents
What are some ingredients contained in vapes?
- Nicotine
- Propylene glycol (PG)
- Vegetable glycerin (VG)
- Flavourings.
What are the current statistics on Vaping use for Adolescents (Aged 12-17 Years)?
14.5%
What is Smoking and Tobacco?
Tobacco is a drug, usually breathed in as smoke from cigarettes. Nicotine, the main chemical in tobacco, is highly addictive. Smoking causes preventable illnesses and death.
Tobacco is made from the leaves of tobacco plants. It contains nicotine, which is an addictive drug. When you smoke tobacco in cigarettes, cigars or pipes, you absorb toxic and cancer-causing chemicals that affect your health.
Identify the short term effects of smoking
- Nicotine dependence
- Elevated heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Constricted blood vessels lead to
dizziness - coughing
Identify the long term effects of smoking
- Chronic respiratory conditions
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Increased cancer risks.
- Weakened lungs
- Fertility issues
What are the different ways people could be involved in gambling?
- Casino
- Sports Betting
- Lottery tickets
- Scratchies
- In game gambling
Why do people engage in gambling?
- Try to win money
- Addiction
- Getting out of a financial situation
- Peer pressure
- Hobbie/fun
A list of what they consider to be myths or misconceptions about gambling.
- People can win easy money
- The odds are in their favour
- The more they play, the more
chances they have to win.
Short term consequences of gambling
- Absenteeism
- Tension
- Arguments over money -
- Disappointment
- Strain on relationships
Long term consequences of gambling
- Bankruptcy Job loss
- Career stagnation
- Breakdown of family trust
- Financial instability Loss of
friendships - Strained partnerships
