Year 9 PDHPE - Term 1 Flashcards

Classification of Drugs

• Drugs are substances that can alter the body and mind's function.

• Categorized into medical, legal (social), and illegal drugs.

Medical Drugs

• Available over the counter or via prescription for curing or controlling diseases (e.g. cold and flu tablets).

• Can become illegal when used for non-medical purposes or obtained illegally.

Legal or Social Drugs

• Commonly used in social settings to enhance enjoyment (e.g., alcohol, coffee, tobacco).

• Usage can be illegal depending on the setting (e.g., smoking in pubs) or age restrictions (e.g., drinking under 18).

Illegal Drugs

• Prohibited by law due to potential harm to the user or society.

Classifications of Drugs Based on CNS Effects

• Drugs affect the central nervous system (CNS) and can be classified by their primary effects:

  • Stimulants: Increase alertness and energy by speeding up bodily functions.

  • Depressants: Slow down brain activity and produce a calming effect.

  • Hallucinogens: Distort perception and reality.

  • Multi-action drugs: Combine characteristics of multiple categories.

Examples of Drug Classifications

• Stimulants:

  • Nicotine

  • Caffeine

  • Amphetamines

  • Cocaine

• Depressants:

  • Alcohol

• Hallucinogens:

  • Magic Mushrooms

  • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)

• Multi-Action:

  • Ecstasy

  • Cannabis

The Drug Triangle

• Illustrates how the effects and harms of drug use depend on the combination of three factors: the person, the drug, and the environment.

Factors

• The Person: Individual characteristics (age, gender, physical/mental health, mood, experience with drugs).

• The Drug: Type, strength, dose, method of use, and whether it is mixed with other substances.

• The Environment: Setting, social influences, peer pressure, availability, and legal/cultural norms.

Scenario Example

• Example: Emma, 16, at a party, feeling stressed, offered a strong mixed drink in a crowded, unsupervised environment.

  • The Person: Young, inexperienced, stressed.

  • The Drug: High-proof liquor, unknown quantity.

  • The Environment: Loud, crowded, unsupervised, peer pressure.

Environmental influence

• Environmental factors like social settings and peer pressure strongly influence drug use.

• Example: Peer pressure at a party can normalize drug use.

Impact of Drug Use on Individuals

Drug Use and Mental Health

• The relationship between mental illness and substance use is complex.

• Mental illness may lead individuals to use drugs as a form of self-medication, while substance use can contribute to or worsen mental health symptoms, including substance-induced psychosis.

• This psychosis can sometimes develop into long-term psychotic illnesses.

Categorising Risk Factors

Factors to Categorise:

• Trauma or adverse childhood experiences

• Peer pressure

• Family history of mental illness or substance use

• Stress from school or work

• Access to drugs or alcohol

• Poor coping mechanisms