Drugs

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Slide 1

Drugs

Intermediate 1 Biology

Unit 1 – Health and Technology

Slide 2

Introduction

Humans have used drugs of one sort or another for thousands of years

-wine was used at least from the time of the early Egyptians

-narcotics from 4000 BC

-medicinal use of marijuana has been dated to 2737BC in China

Slide 3

Types of Drugs-Stimulants

Drugs that act on the central nervous

system and increase brain activity.

Some give feelings of alertness, greater

energy and confidence.

They may also reduce appetite

Slide 4

Examples of Stimulants

Cocaine

Crack

Ecstasy

Alkyl Nitrites e.g. poppers

Amphetamines

Nicotine

Slide 5

Types of Drugs-Depressants

Drugs that act on the central nervous system and slow down brain activity.

Impaired co-ordination, balance and judgement are common.

Higher doses can lead progressively to drowsiness, vomiting, coma and even death.

Slide 6

Examples of Depressants

Volatile substances or sniffable substances (eg glues, gases, aerosols)

Alcohol

Tranquillisers

GHB (Gamma hydroxy-butyrate)

Slide 7

Types of Drugs-Hallucinogens

Drugs that act to change the way users experience the world through the five senses.

Sometimes this involves seeing, and hearing things which aren't there.

Slide 8

Examples of Hallucinogens

Cannabis

LSD

Magic mushrooms

Ketamine

Slide 9

Types of Drugs - Analgesics

Drugs that have a painkilling effect.

e.g. -heroin

-opium

-morphine

Slide 10

Types of Drugs – Anabolic Steroids

Drugs that promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass.

These drugs mostly have legitimate medical uses

They are often misused by those wishing to enhance their athletic performance or strength.

Slide 11

Statistics

The following statistics are from the results of a major national survey of secondary schoolchildren aged 11-15 published by the Department of Health (DH) in 2002.