Empowered Choices Study Notes

Empowered Choices Year 9 Health

Unit Overview

  • Classification of Drugs: Understanding the various categories of drugs and their impacts.

  • Effects on Decision Making: How drugs influence cognitive processes and choices.

  • Effects on the Body: Understanding physiological responses to different drugs.

  • Assessment: Criteria for evaluating understanding and knowledge of drug classifications and effects.

Performance Descriptors

Above Level

  • Explains an example of a drug from each classification.

  • Describes each classification of drugs.

  • Differentiates between over-the-counter, prescription, and illicit drugs.

At Level

  • Outlines what a drug is.

  • Describes the difference between illicit and non-illicit drugs.

  • Identifies the classifications of drugs.

  • Differentiates between short and long-term effects of each drug classification on the body.

  • Explains the physiological effects of a chosen drug from each classification on the body.

  • Identifies the physiological effects of some drug classifications on the body.

Approaching Level

  • Describes the possible short-term effects on decision making from using and misusing drugs.

  • Differentiates between appropriate use and misuse of stimulants, hallucinogens, and depressants.

  • Identifies what is meant by short-term and long-term drug use.

Insufficient Evidence

  • Minimal engagement or understanding demonstrated.

Classification of Drugs

Stimulants

  • Definition: Drugs that speed up the function of the central nervous system.

  • Effects on the Body:

    • Increased agitation.

    • Increased heart rate.

    • Difficulty sleeping.

  • Examples: Amphetamines, Ice, Caffeine, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Nicotine.

Depressants

  • Definition: Drugs that slow down the function of the central nervous system.

  • Effects on the Body:

    • Inhibited coordination.

    • Inhibited concentration.

    • Lower ability to respond to stimuli.

  • Examples: Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, GHB, Ketamine, Heroin.

Hallucinogens

  • Definition: Drugs that alter various cognitive processes in the brain.

  • Effects on the Body:

    • Altered sense of reality.

    • Hallucinations.

    • Paranoia and confusion.

  • Examples: Cannabis, Ketamine, LSD, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms).

Illicit vs Non-Illicit Drugs

  • Illicit Drugs:

    • Definition: Substances that are prohibited by law for use, possession, sale, or distribution.

    • Reasons for Restriction: Significant health risks, high potential for abuse, lack of accepted medical use.

  • Non-Illicit Drugs:

    • Definition: Substances that are regulated by law and permitted for use under specific conditions.

    • Availability: By prescription, controlled by age restrictions, freely available without restriction.

Drug Usage Categories

Over-the-Counter Drugs

  • Available without a prescription; safe when used as directed.

  • Examples: Panadol, cold and flu tablets.

Prescription Drugs

  • Require a doctor's prescription; regulated due to potential risks if misused.

  • Examples: Antibiotics, insulin, strong painkillers.

Dual Classification Example (Illicit/Prescription)

  • Morphine: Prescribed for severe pain, but becomes illicit if misused.

Legal Framework Regarding Drugs

  • Illicit drugs in Victoria (e.g., cannabis, heroin, ecstasy):

    • Possession of small amounts may receive a warning.

    • Selling, trafficking can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.

  • Driving under the influence:

    • Illegal, can lead to license suspension, heavy fines, or imprisonment.

Effects on Decision Making

  • Understanding the step-by-step decision-making process and how drugs impact it:

    1. Identify the decision: Define the problem or choice to be made.

    2. Gather Information: Collect relevant facts and data.

    3. List Options: Identify possible alternatives.

    4. Weigh Options: Compare pros and cons of each.

    5. Choose: Select the best outcome.

    6. Act: Implement the decision.

    7. Review: Evaluate results and learn from them.

Drug Influence on Decision Making

  • Drugs can alter how the brain processes information, leading to:

    • Positive effects (increased confidence, relaxation).

    • Possible risks (impaired judgment, poor decision-making).

Short-Term Effects on Decision Making

  • Stimulants: Can enhance focus but lead to overconfidence and impulsive decisions.

  • Depressants: Can provide ease but may cause poor judgment and slower reaction times.

  • Hallucinogens: Can lead to altered perceptions that impair the ability to judge danger.

Long-Term Effects on Decision Making

  • Safe controlled drug use may support decision making, while misuse can lead to:

    • Impaired judgment and decision-making.

    • Dependence on drugs can result in a focus on drug use over important life choices.

Additional Topics

Reason for Drug Use

  • People use drugs for varied motivations, including:

    • Seeking pleasure, relaxation, coping with stress, experimentation, enhancing social experiences, and treating medical conditions.

Conclusion and Practical Use of Drugs

  • Drugs must be used properly to ensure therapeutic benefits outweigh risks.

  • Proper education about drug use is essential for promoting safe practices in society and among students.