Year 9 Drugs Revision Notes

Year 9 Drugs Revision Notes

Assessment Details

  • One-period test.

  • Short answer questions.

  • Total marks: 40.

  • Timing: Week 9-10 of Term 2.d

Revision Topics

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Categories of Drugs

  • Depressants: Slow down the brain and Central Nervous System (CNS).

    • Examples: Alcohol, cannabis, tranquillisers, methadone, codeine, morphine, heroin.

  • Stimulants: Speed up the brain and CNS.

    • Examples: Caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, ecstasy, amphetamines.

  • Hallucinogens: Alter the brain and CNS.

    • Examples: LSD, magic mushrooms, mescaline, high doses of cannabis and ecstasy.

Legal vs. Illicit

  • Consider which drugs within each category are legal and which are illicit.

Legal and Illegal Drugs

  • Legal:

    • Caffeine

    • Codeine

    • Prescription cough medicines

    • Valium

    • Morphine

    • Alcohol (over 18 years old)

    • Tobacco (over 18 years old)

  • Illegal:

    • Marijuana

    • Methamphetamines

    • Opioids

    • Heroin

Trends in Graphs

  • Identify trends in data presented in graphs.

  • A trend outlines a change in data.

  • Describe how the data changes from one point to another.

Reasons Why Young People Take Drugs

  • Curiosity

  • Peer pressure

  • To fit in

  • To try something new

  • Lack of awareness of the risks

  • Consider other reasons.

Refusal Skills

  • Make a joke.

  • Give reasons why using drugs is a bad idea.

  • Make an excuse for why you can't use drugs.

  • Just say no, plainly and firmly.

  • Suggest an alternative substance-free activity.

  • Ignore the suggestion.

  • Repeat yourself if necessary.

  • Leave the situation.

  • Shrug it off and say 'no thanks, I’m good'.

  • Use the power of numbers (strength in a group).

Drugs and Their Effects on the Body

Example: Alcohol

  1. Alcohol is processed by the liver; excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt liver function, leading to high rates of liver disease.

  2. Excessive alcohol use impairs balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes, impacting various parts of the body and brain.

  3. Excessive alcohol use can cause significant memory loss and, in severe cases, can lead to a coma and death from overdose.

Costs of Drug Use

Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing (PEMSS)

  • PEMSS: Physical, Mental, Social, Emotional, Spiritual

Common Impacts of Drug Use on the Five Dimensions of Health (PEMSS)

  • Physical: Deterioration of physical health, increased risk of diseases, and reduced energy levels.

  • Mental: Impaired cognitive function, increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

  • Social: Strained relationships with family and friends, social isolation.

  • Emotional: Difficulty managing emotions, increased mood swings, and heightened emotional reactivity.

  • Spiritual: Loss of purpose and meaning in life, disconnection from personal values and beliefs.

Categories of Drugs

  • Depressants: Slow down the brain and Central Nervous System (CNS). Example: Alcohol.

  • Stimulants: Speed up the brain and CNS. Example: Caffeine.

  • Hallucinogens: Alter the brain and CNS. Example: LSD.

How the Media Influences Teenagers

The media can significantly influence teenagers' attitudes and behaviors toward drugs and alcohol through:

  • Glamorization: Movies and TV shows often depict drug use as glamorous or cool.

  • Normalization: Repeated exposure normalizes drug use, making it seem common and acceptable.

  • Advertising: Alcohol advertising can target young people, associating drinking with fun and social success.

  • Social Media: Influencers and peers sharing content related to drug use can create pressure to conform.

Celebrity Influence on Social Media

A celebrity's behaviour on social media can:

  • Normalise Drug Use: When celebrities openly discuss or display drug use, it can desensitise teenagers to the risks.

  • Create Aspirations: If celebrities portray drug use as part of a desirable lifestyle, teenagers may aspire to emulate them.

  • Influence Opinions: Positive or negative comments from celebrities can sway teenagers' opinions about drugs.

Differences Between Legal and Illegal Drugs

  • Legal Drugs:

    • Regulated and controlled by the government.

    • Available for consumption under specific conditions (e.g., age restrictions).

    • Examples: Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, prescription medications.

  • Illegal Drugs:

    • Prohibited by law.

    • Possession, use, or distribution can result in legal penalties.

    • Examples: Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines.

Effects of a Specific Drug on the Body: Alcohol

Effects of a Specific Drug on the Body: Alcohol

  • Liver:

    • Short Term: Liver inflammation and impaired function.

    • Long Term: Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver failure.

  • Cardiovascular System:

    • Short Term: Increased heart rate and blood pressure.

    • Long Term: Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

  • Digestive System:

    • Short Term: Irritation of the stomach lining.

    • Long Term: Chronic inflammation, increased risk of ulcers, and digestive disorders.

Effects of a Specific Drug on the Brain: Alcohol

  • Cognitive Function

    • Short Term: Impairs memory, judgment, and decision-making abilities.

    • Long Term: Can result in lasting cognitive deficits and decline.

  • Coordination

    • Short Term: Affects motor skills and coordination, leading to increased risk of accidents.

    • Long Term: Can lead to chronic motor skill impairments.

  • Mental Health

    • Short Term: Contributes to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

    • Long Term: Can exacerbate mental health conditions, potentially leading to chronic disorders.

Vaping and Refusal Strategies

  • What is Vaping: The act of inhaling vapour produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device, often containing nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals.

  • Refusal Strategies:

    • Just say no, plainly and firmly.

    • Make an excuse for why you can't use drugs.

    • Suggest an alternative substance-free activity.

Examples of Financial and Non-Financial Costs of Drug Use

  • Community Costs:

    • Financial: Increased healthcare costs, law enforcement expenses, and loss of productivity.

    • Non-Financial: Increased crime rates, strain on social services, and reduced community safety.

  • Individual Costs:

    • Financial: Expenses on drugs, legal fees, and loss of income due to job loss.

    • Non-Financial: Health problems, relationship issues, and reduced quality of life.