What Is a Drug
What is a drug?
A drug may be defined as any substance other than food that by its chemical nature affects the structure and function of the living organism.
Why do people use drugs?
It has been shown that there are two main reasons why people use drugs.
1. Using drugs because it feels good and/or their friends are doing it
2. Using drugs because they are suffering from emotional or physical abuse, or because they suffer from mental disorders.
When is it considered abuse?
Medical and governmental authorities have defined abuse as the non-medical use of a substance. According to American Psychiatric Association 2000, abuse of a drug is referred to as a maladaptive pattern of repeated use that brings on significant adverse consequences, including the failure to fulfill obligations, repeated use in physically hazardous situations, as well as recurrent social, interpersonal, and legal problems.
• There is a difference between abuse and dependence. When someone abuses a drug, that means they are using it without medical or legal consent. Dependence involves compulsive use. When someone is dependent on a drug, that means they actually crave the drug or that they literally need it.
Types of drugs 11 types:
• alcohol • amphetamines • caffeine • cannabis • cocaine • hallucinogens • inhalant • nicotine • opiates • phencyclidine (PCP) • sedatives • hypnotics
• anxiolytics (anti-anxiety effect)
12 if you include steroids:
• testosterone • other muscle enhancing substances
Alcohol
• Alcohol is a psychoactive substance, meaning it is a depressant to the central nervous system.
• Lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment, and it is highly addictive.
• It can damage every organ in the body, especially the liver, and it can also increase the risk of developing cancer.
Amphetamines
• Include drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (opposite of alcohol)
• Gives people a sense of confidence and enhancing self-esteem.
• It can increase
A drug may be defined as any substance other than food that by its chemical nature affects the structure and function of the living organism.
Why do people use drugs?
It has been shown that there are two main reasons why people use drugs.
1. Using drugs because it feels good and/or their friends are doing it
2. Using drugs because they are suffering from emotional or physical abuse, or because they suffer from mental disorders.
When is it considered abuse?
Medical and governmental authorities have defined abuse as the non-medical use of a substance. According to American Psychiatric Association 2000, abuse of a drug is referred to as a maladaptive pattern of repeated use that brings on significant adverse consequences, including the failure to fulfill obligations, repeated use in physically hazardous situations, as well as recurrent social, interpersonal, and legal problems.
• There is a difference between abuse and dependence. When someone abuses a drug, that means they are using it without medical or legal consent. Dependence involves compulsive use. When someone is dependent on a drug, that means they actually crave the drug or that they literally need it.
Types of drugs 11 types:
• alcohol • amphetamines • caffeine • cannabis • cocaine • hallucinogens • inhalant • nicotine • opiates • phencyclidine (PCP) • sedatives • hypnotics
• anxiolytics (anti-anxiety effect)
12 if you include steroids:
• testosterone • other muscle enhancing substances
Alcohol
• Alcohol is a psychoactive substance, meaning it is a depressant to the central nervous system.
• Lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment, and it is highly addictive.
• It can damage every organ in the body, especially the liver, and it can also increase the risk of developing cancer.
Amphetamines
• Include drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (opposite of alcohol)
• Gives people a sense of confidence and enhancing self-esteem.
• It can increase