Drugs - Health/IGCSE Biology
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HCA 4th Year Health and Adolescence Exam.
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What is the effect of depressants on the brain?
They slow down brain activity.
What is the effect of stimulants on the brain?
They speed up brain activity.
Give two examples of depressants.
Alcohol, tranquilizers.
Give two examples of stimulants.
Caffeine, cocaine.
What is the impact of depressants on the body?
Calmness, drowsiness, reduced heart rate.
What is the impact of stimulants on the body?
Alertness, increased energy and heart rate.
What are depressants used for in medicine?
To treat anxiety, insomnia, or relax muscles.
What are stimulants used for in medicine?
To treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
What is the overdose risk with depressants?
Respiratory failure.
What is the overdose risk with stimulants?
Heart attack or seizures.
What does "licit" mean?
Legal to use, sometimes with restrictions.
What does "illicit" mean?
Illegal to use, possess, or sell.
Give an example of a licit drug.
Paracetamol or alcohol (in adults).
Give an example of an illicit drug.
Cocaine or heroin.
Where are licit drugs usually found?
Pharmacies or stores.
Where are illicit drugs usually found?
Black markets or illegal sellers.
How is licit drug use seen socially?
Often accepted if used responsibly.
How is illicit drug use seen socially?
Often punished and stigmatized.
Where do natural drugs come from?
Plants, animals, or natural sources.
Where do synthetic drugs come from?
Made by humans in labs using chemicals.
Give an example of a natural drug.
Morphine or cannabis.
Give an example of a synthetic drug.
LSD or ecstasy (MDMA).
How strong are natural drugs?
Often milder but still powerful.
How strong are synthetic drugs?
Can be highly potent and unpredictable.
What’s a risk with natural drugs?
They can vary in strength and purity.
What’s a risk with synthetic drugs?
Side effects, addiction, or overdose.
What is the purpose of medicinal drugs?
To treat or prevent illness.
What is the purpose of recreational drugs?
To enjoy effects like mood change.
How are medicinal drugs usually taken?
With prescription and supervision.
How are recreational drugs usually taken?
Self-administered, often unsupervised.
Give an example of a medicinal drug.
Insulin or antibiotics.
Give an example of a recreational drug.
Alcohol or cannabis.
Are medicinal drugs legal?
Yes, when prescribed and used properly.
Are recreational drugs legal?
Depends: some (like alcohol) are legal; others (like LSD) are not.
What is the risk with medicinal drugs?
Low if used correctly.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a condition where a person becomes physically and/or psychologically dependent on a substance, characterized by a compulsive drug-seeking behavior and use, even when it leads to harmful health consequences included but not limited to death.
What are withdrawal symptoms?
Unpleasant psychological and physical effects experienced when drug use is stopped or reduced.
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms (Psych. With. Symp.)
Mental, psychological symptoms once drug use is reduced or halted. Include: Anxiety, depression, irritability, and cravings.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms (Physical With. Symp).
Physical symptoms related to the body once drug use is reduced or halted. Include: sweating, shaking, nausea, headaches, and muscle pain.
What is drug tolerance?
The body's response to a drug after repeated use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. The body becomes less responsive to the drug over time.
Example of Drug Tolerance
Someone is prescribed painkillers (like morphine) after surgery. At first, a small dose works well to relieve the pain. But after a few weeks, the same dose no longer helps — they need a higher dose to get the same relief.
Why is drug tolerance dangerous?
Drug tolerance can lead to dangerous situations such as needing higher doses for the same effect, which increases the risk of overdose, serious side effects, and addiction, while potentially damaging organs (such as the liver and/or brain)
How are addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms connected?
Addiction causes tolerance to develop; stopping the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms.