Drugs Intermediate 1 Biology Unit 1 – Health and Technology

Introduction Humans have used drugs of one sort or another for thousands of years -wine was used at least from the time of the early Egyptians -narcotics from 4000 BC -medicinal use of marijuana has been dated to 2737BC in China

Types of Drugs-Stimulants Drugs that act on the central nervous system and increase brain activity. Some give feelings of alertness, greater energy and confidence. They may also reduce appetite

Examples of Stimulants Cocaine Crack Ecstasy Alkyl Nitrites e.g. poppersAlkyl Nitrites Amphetamines Nicotine

Types of Drugs-Depressants Drugs that act on the central nervous system and slow down brain activity. Impaired co-ordination, balance and judgement are common. Higher doses can lead progressively to drowsiness, vomiting, coma and even death.

Examples of Depressants Volatile substances or sniffable substances (eg glues, gases, aerosols)Volatile substances or sniffable substances (eg glues, gases, aerosols) Alcohol Tranquillisers GHB (Gamma hydroxy-butyrate)

Types of Drugs-Hallucinogens Drugs that act to change the way users experience the world through the five senses. Sometimes this involves seeing, and hearing things which aren't there.

Examples of Hallucinogens Cannabis LSD Magic mushrooms Ketamine

Types of Drugs - Analgesics Drugs that have a painkilling effect. e.g.-heroin -opium -morphine

Types of Drugs – Anabolic Steroids Drugs that promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass. These drugs mostly have legitimate medical uses They are often misused by those wishing to enhance their athletic performance or strength.

Statistics The following statistics are from the results of a major national survey of secondary schoolchildren aged published by the Department of Health (DH) in 2002.

12% of pupils had used illegal drugs in the last month and 20% had used illegal drugs in the last year 13% of boys reported taking drugs in the last month compared to 11% of girls Use increased with age. Six percent of 11-year-olds had used drugs in the last year compared to 39% of 15-year-olds

 Cannabis is the most likely drug to have been used, with 13% of pupils reporting use in the last year.  Cannabis use also increases sharply with age with 1% of 11-year-olds having used the drug in past year compared with 31% of 15-year- olds  Class A drugs had been used by 4% of year olds. One percent say they used heroin or cocaine

Risks of Using Drugs Risks vary according to: -circumstances of the use -the motivation and knowledge level of the user -their mood and expectation at the time of use -the manner of use -size of dose -purity of the sample

Risks Factors Involved in Drug Taking Users can never be sure of exactly what they are taking Not knowing the strength of what has been bought could lead to an accidental overdose (which may be life-threatening) Users can't be precisely sure of the effect the drug will have, even if they have taken it before.

Sharing dirty needles or syringes carries a risk of serious infections Mixing drugs, or drugs with alcohol Getting a criminal record. Effects on relationships, financial pressures, reducing judgement or performance etc.

Class A Drugs Amphetamines (speed) - if prepared for injection Cocaine and crack Ecstasy Heroin LSD (acid) Magic mushrooms - if prepared for use.

Possession of Class A Drugs Possession: -seven years prison and/or a fine Possession with intent to supply -life imprisonment and/or a fine

Class B Drugs Amphetamines (speed) Possession -five years prison and/or a fine Possession with intent to supply -14 years prison and/or a fine

Class C Drugs Anabolic steroids Cannabis Mild amphetamines GBH Tranquillisers DF 118 (painkillers)

Possession of Class C Drugs Possession -two years prison and/or a fine Possession with intent to supply -14 years prison and/or a fine

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