Medicine and Illegal Drugs Unit Chapter 16

Medicines and Illegal drugs Drug- any chemical substance that causes a change in a person’s physical or psychological state Medicine- any drug that is used to cure, prevent, or treat illness or discomfort. *unlike food, drugs do not give your body nourishment

5 Ways that drugs enter the body 1. Ointments or liquids applied directly to an area -antibiotic ointment

2. Transdermal- patches that allow drugs to be absorbed through the skin. - nicotine patch

3. Smoked or inhaled- absorbed into the blood vessels in the lungs nasal sprays, inhaler, cocaine THC, nicotine

4. Injected- enter directly into blood stream through hypodermic needle, usually have stronger affect - antibiotics, heroine

5. Orally- swallowed and absorbed through the stomach or intestines - aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, amphetamines

Medicines Prescription- medicine that can be bought only with a written order from a doctor

2. OTC (over the counter)- any medicine that can be bought without a prescription ** Know how to read the label for OTC drugs

Dosage- the amount of the drug needed or recommended to have the intended effect for the patient. Drug Interaction- the effect of a drug can be different from expected if the drug is taken at the same time as another drug

Side Effect- is any effect that is caused by a drug and that is different from the drug’s intended effect Tolerance- the ability of your body to resist the effects of a drug

drug than a persons body can safely process *Overdose- taking a larger amount of a drug than a persons body can safely process

Drug abuse and addiction 1. Use- to use a drug for its intended purpose 2. Misuse- to use a drug for a purpose other than it is intended 3. Abuse- to take more than the recommended amount or the use of any illegal drug

4. Drug Addiction- the uncontrollable use of a drug, a person becomes physically and mentally dependent on the drug Withdrawal- The process that occurs when an addicted person stops taking the drug. May have severe symptoms or death.

A. Physical Dependence- the body’s chemical need for a drug - heroine, alcohol, tobacco, amphetamines - withdrawal- anxiety, fever, cramps nausea, seizures

B. Psychological Dependence- emotional or mental need for a drug - marijuana, LSD, ecstasy -withdrawal- depression, nervousness, irritability