Intro to Drugs

Health ScienceMr. Sheldon

Health Journal

What does it mean to “abuse”drugs?

Write at least 6 sentences.

Today’s Objectives:1.Understand how drugs are taken into the body.2.Analyze the effects of Drug Abuse

Definitions

• Drug• a chemical substance

that affects the processes of the mind or body.

• Psychoactive Substance• A drug that changes

how one thinks or feels• “Gets you high”

Drugs begin to affect someone when…

Blood Brain

Fastest to slowest

1. Inhalation (Lungs)

2. Injection

3. Wet Skin (Mucus Membrane)

4. Ingestion (eating or Drinking)

5. Dry Skin

Drug Terms

• Dose – How much of a drug is taken• Frequency – How often a drug is taken/used• Duration – How long a person has used the

drug.

Higher Dose + Higher Frequency + Longer Duration

= HIGHER RISK FOR ADDICTION

Classifications

1. Stimulants – Speed up the brain and body

2. Depressants – Slow down the brain and body

3. Hallucinogens – Brain cannot identify reality

Signs of Addiction

• Tolerance – needing more of a drug (larger dose or increased frequencey) to feel the same effect.

• Withdrawal – uncomfortable physical or mental feelings when use stops (headache, tiredness, anger, depression, etc.)