drugs Flashcards
what are drugs
Any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body.
how do antibiotics work
Antibiotics work by stopping a metabolic practice performed by the bacteria you are trying to get rid of, but not performed by human cells.
drawbacks of antibiotics
Some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics which reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics
Antibiotics don’t work on viruses because they are not really living and they make the host cell perform the tasks for them.
how can development of resistant bacteria be minimised
Development of resistant bacteria such as MRSA can be minimised by limiting use of antibiotics only when essential and ensuring treatment is completed
effects of abuse of heroin
Effects of the abuse of heroin: a powerful depressant
Problems of addiction
Severe withdrawal symptoms (vomiting, restlessness)
Malnourishment as drug depresses appetite
Financial problems – stealing, loss of job
Infection from sharing needles e.g. HIV/AIDS
Heroin affects the nervous system by its effect on the function of synapses
effects of excessive consumption of alcohol
Effects of excessive consumption of alcohol –a depressant:
Causes coronary heart diseases
Reduced self-control
Depression
Effect on reaction times
Damage to liver – cirrhosis
effects of tobacco smoke
Drying effect and heat irritate lungs – destroys cilia
Nicotine is addictive, it is also a stimulant, it increases pulse rate and narrows blood vessels which can cause damage
Tobacco smoking can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and coronary heart disease
Tar causes cancer, and is an irritant so causes coughing.
There are other irritants in tobacco smoke including: smoke particles, ammonia, and sulphur dioxide
Emphysema: walls between alveoli break making large sacs, reducing surface area massively and making you breathless after a couple of steps
Loss of limbs due to poor circulation, CHD and lower sperm-count
Carbon monoxide irreversibly bonds with haemoglobin which can lead to oxygen starvation
Cancer of the stomach, pancreas and bladder etc.
Liver is the site of breakdown of alcohol and other toxins
how do testosterone hormones improve sporting performance
Improved hand-eye coordination
Improved body-fat composition
Increased muscle mass
effects of anabolic androgenic steroids
Affects limbic system
Mood swings
Impaired judgement
High blood pressure
Kidney failure
Increased risks of prostate cancer (male)
Inconsistencies of menstrual cycle (female)
Changes in blood cholesterol
