Medicines and Drugs Health 2013 Mr. Vecchio

Medicines Used to treat/prevent a disease Prevent Disease Fight Pathogens Relieve Pain Maintain Health Tolerance -bodies ability to adapt to a drug Withdrawal -effects the body feels after stopping usage of a drug

Drugs Substances that alter the structure/function of the body All medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicines Drug Use - Any recreational or medical use Drug Abuse - recreational or misuse of a drug

Narcotics Powerful painkillers that depress and slow down the CNS Pain relief PE : pain relief, drowsy ME : decreased alertness SE : nausea, vomiting, coma Drugs: Opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, Vicodin

Stimulants Speed up the CNS PE : Alertness, wakefulness ME : enhanced concentration, elevated mood SE : rapid speech, blurred vision, irregular heart beat, sleeping disorders Drugs: caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, Ephedra

Depressants Slow down the CNS, physically addictive, induce sleep PE : poor coordination, slow reactions, slower pulse ME : decreased alertness, lower inhibitions SE : headache, irritability Drugs: alcohol, tranquilizers (Valium)

Hallucinogens Distort sensory information sent to the brain PE : poor coordination, increased aggression ME : distorted perceptions, anxiety SE : panic, flashbacks, violence Drugs: LDS, PCP, ecstasy, mushrooms, peyote

Marijuana THC active ingredient (tetrahydroncannibinol) Medicinally for some cancer, glaucoma Addictive potential as THC increases THC binds to fatty tissue PE : greater appetite, red eyes, dry mouth ME : sense of time, mood changes SE : panic, anxiety, coughing

Inhalants Commercially available products that produce fumes Reduce ability of blood to carry oxygen PE : dizzy, headaches ME : “rush” SE : damage to liver, kidneys Drugs: solvents, gasoline, paint, glue, rubber cement

Steroids Synthetic drugs that stimulate testosterone PE : increase muscle mass, puffy face, water retain ME : aggressive behavior, “roid” rage SE : acne, yellow eyes, bad breath Drugs: -ol suffix