Health Science - Drugs

Drugs

Definition of Drugs

• A drug is a chemical that alters the way the mind or body works.

• It can also be a substance used to treat infection.

Types of Drugs

• Social drugs

• Medicines

• Illegal drugs

Social Drugs

• Definition: These are drugs considered socially acceptable by a large part of society.

• Purpose: They may be taken for pleasure or as part of a ritual.

• Examples: Caffeine, Nicotine, Alcohol.

Caffeine

• Source: Occurs naturally in tea and coffee.

• Effect: It has a stimulating effect, making a person feel more awake.

Nicotine

• Source: It is the main drug found in tobacco.

• Methods of Consumption: Obtained through smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or inhaling snuff.

• Medical Use: Nicotine is also used on occasions in medicine.

• Important Distinction: Many of the harmful effects associated with smoking originate from other chemicals present in tobacco smoke, not solely from nicotine itself.

Alcohol

• Classification: Alcohol is a sedative.

• Mechanism as a Sedative: It slows down the activity of the brain.

• Specific Effects:

  • Pain Reduction: It numbs the pain centers of the brain, leading to a reduction in feelings of discomfort for the drinker.

  • Motor Impairment: It reduces muscle coordination, resulting in clumsiness and staggering.

  • Speech Impairment: It causes slurred speech.

  • Impaired Judgment: It adversely affects judgment, making it difficult to accurately perceive distances or see straight.