Chapter 11 Guide Medicines and Drugs

Lesson 1: Using Medicines Wisely Drugs- are chemicals or substances that change the function or structure of the body or mind. Medicines- are drugs used to treat an illness or medical condition. Prescription medicines- are medicines that can only be prescribed by a doctor. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines- are medicines that can typically be bought at a store without a prescription. Vaccine- a preparation of dead or weakened germs that cause the immune system to produce antibodies. In turn, antibodies fight off bad germs.

Continuation: Antibiotics- medicines that reduce or kill harmful bacteria in the body. Chief effect- the desired outcome of taking a drug or medicine, such as taking a medicine for a headache and the headache is reduced. Side effect- the undesired effect after taking a medicine, such as a cancer medication causing nausea or vomiting. Tolerance- the body becoming used to a drug and therefore needing more of that drug to feel the same effect.

How medicines and chemicals enter the body: Ingestion- drugs or chemicals enter after swallowing or drinking. The medicine moves through the digestive system and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Injection- injected into the bloodstream or through veins or muscles. Inhalation- breathing the chemical into the body. It goes into the lungs and is transferred throughout the bloodstream as well. Absorption- certain chemicals are applied to the skin and eventually get absorbed through the skin (creams, gels, patches)

Lesson 2: Narcotics, Stimulants, Depressants Drug Misuse and Abuse- using drugs for other reasons than intended, or using illegal drugs. There are serious consequences to your health or legal trouble. Narcotics- drugs intended to relieve pain. They are highly addictive and have a depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Oxy, Vicodin, and heroin, are examples. Stimulant- drugs that speed up the CNS. They are also highly addictive. Amphetamines, crystal, speed, cocaine, crack, caffeine, and ephedrine are examples. Depressants- drugs that slow the CNS. They are also highly addictive. Some examples are valium, tranquilizers, barbiturates, and downers.

Lesson 3: Marijuana and Other “Street Drugs” Street Drug- implies that the drug is sold on the street and the content, purity, safety, risks, are unknown to the user. Marijuana- plant based drug with the chemical THC. Marijuana is addictive and is considered the most commonly used street drug. Effects: reduces memory, slows reaction, poor coordination, increase in heart rate and appetite, damage to heart and lungs, THC creates feeling high or “euphoria”, alters hormone levels especially in teenagers.

Continued: Hallucinogens- are drugs that distort thoughts, moods, or feelings. Just as its name implies, they cause hallucinations, or feelings and ideas that aren’t real. Phencyclidine (PCP) “angel dust”, Lysergig acid (LSD) “acid”, are both examples. Also Ketamine “special K” is a common hallucinogen street drug. Inhalants- chemicals that are inhaled or “huffed.” Many of these are household products such as paint and other sprays. Club drugs- also called rave or designer drugs. Many of these are man made or synthetic drugs, and their full content is unknown to the user. Examples are Ecstasy “X”, GHB, Rohypnol “roofies,” also Ketamine.

Continued: Psychological dependence- the mind telling the body it needs a drug in order to feel normal. Physical dependence- when the body tells the user to keep using a drug in order to feel normal. Tolerance- when the body builds a resistance to a drug and it needs more of that drug to feel the same effect.

Continued: Anabolic Steroids- most commonly a form of the male hormone testosterone. Used to increase or enhance sports performance, build muscle, strength, and reduce the recovery time for athletes. Available in pill, creams, or injection form. Side effects are severe acne on face and body, sexual reproduction organ harm, psychological disturbances, liver damage, cancers, stunted growth in height for younger users.

Lesson 4: Staying Drug Free Avoiding drugs- avoid situations where drugs are used or present. There are many reasons to avoid using drugs. See figure 11.7 on page 286. Withdrawal- the undesired physical and psychological feelings that occur when trying to stop using a drug. Detoxification- aka “detox” is the physical process of ridding the body of an addictive drug. Alternatives are avoiding negative peer pressure, pick up a positive interest or hobby, volunteer work, exercise, use refusal skills!!