Drugs

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GCSE Biology (B1.3 Drugs) Flashcards on Drugs, created by Mel Hughes on 18/03/2016.
Mel Hughes
Flashcards by Mel Hughes , updated more than 1 year ago
Mel Hughes
Created by Mel Hughes over 8 years ago
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Question Answer
Drug abuse - Drugs can be beneficial to the body but may harm the body - Some people use drugs recreationally - Some of these recreational drugs are more harmful than others - Some of these drugs are legal, some illegal - Heroin and cocaine are very addictive
What do abused drugs do? -They change the chemical processes in peoples bodies -Drugs work by affecting synapses - Some drugs make them work faster (e.g. caffeine) - Some drugs make them work slower (e.g. Cannabis
Addiction and withdrawal - People become dependant on drugs - Can suffer withdrawal symptoms without them - Overall impact of legal drugs on health is much greater than the impact of illegal drugs, because far more people use them
Alcohol - Affects the nervous system by slowing down reactions - Helps people relax - Too much can lead to self-control, unconsciousness or even a coma Long term abuse eventually damages the liver and brain
Stimulants Speed up activity of the brain E.g. Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine
Depressants Sloe down the responses of the brain E.g. Alcohol, cannabis
Hallucinogens Work on the brain to affect the senses E.g. LSD, magic mushrooms, cannabis
Performance enhancers Drugs used in sport to enhance performance
What will performance enhancers do? Build muscle mass Make the body produce more blood (improve stamina) Increase alertness and speed up reactions Reduce tremors Reduce pain during training
Give 3 reasons why athletes may take drugs 1) As medication for disease 2) Illegal recreational 3) As performance enhancers
What's a placebo? -Also known as a 'dummy drug' -Used in double blind drug trials - Has to look and be injected the same way as a real drug -Shows which person has had the drug and who hasn't - Doesn't affect your health
Thalidomide -Developed as a sleeping pill -Useful for easing morning sickness in pregnant women - Caused birth defects with limb abnormalities and fatal deaths
Statins Used to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced in the body (LDLs). This reduces the risk of heart disease.
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