Drug UnitIntro to Terms

Psychoactive drugAny substance capable of altering one’s feelings, perceptions or moods.

Medicine

Any drug used to cure, prevent or treat illness or discomfort.

Do… Pay attention to warning labels

Ask MD/Pharmacy before combining drugs

Call MD if you have signs of allergic reaction

Complete whole Rx

Don’t… Hide info from MD

Mix medicines

Share medicine

Take more than prescribed

Using someone else’s prescription

Reading Labels

Reading Labels

Side effect An unintended and sometimes harmful reaction to a drug.

Drug interactions Synergistic – drugs combined

produces an exaggerated or heightened effect of both drugs. 1+1 = 4

Additive – there is no combined effect. Drugs work separately in the body. 1+1 = 2

Antagonistic – drugs cancel each other out within the body. 1+1 = 0

Anaphylaxis

Methods of Consumption

Inhale - The drug enters the bloodstream via the lungs.

Inject - Direct stream to the blood vessels through syringe.

Ingest - Metabolized through the gastrointestinal system.

Absorb - Soaked up through the skin (snorted)

Steps to AddictionAbuse

ToleranceDependence

Addiction

Abuse/Use Any use of a drug that is detrimental to one’s health.

ex. Misuse – inappropriate use of a legal drug intended as medication.

Tolerance An acquired reaction to a drug; continued intake of same dose has diminished results.

Dependence A term that reflects the need to keep consuming a drug for psychological and/or physical reasons.

Types of Dependence

Physical - Body relies on drug in order to function normally

Psychological –

Emotional & Mental need of a drug in order to function normally

Addiction Having a dependence coupled with a change in behavior. Unable to function normally because of use.

Drug CategoriesStimulant – speeds up CNS function

Depressant - slows up CNS function

Narcotic – blocks pain receptors in brain

Hallucinogen – “mixes” receptors in

brain