p.e - drug education Flashcards
(18 cards)
what are drugs
A chemical substance that can alter the biological functioning and structure of a living organism. Drugs can either be synthetic (man-made) or naturally occurring
what are examples of legal drugs
over-the-counter or prescription medication, caffeine, tobacco and
alcohol
what are examples of illegal drugs
cannabis, ecstasy, and cocaine
what types of drugs are there
Depressants, Stimulants and Hallucinogens
what is a depressant
a drug that affects the body’s central nervous system by slowing down the messages sent between the brain and the body.
what is a stimulant
a drug that speeds up brain activity. Stimulants can make you feel more alert and awake by increasing your heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure
what is a hallucinogen
a drug that causes areas of the brain (which would not normally interact) to communicate, altering your perception of reality.
depressant examples
Alcohol
Cannabis
Opiates and opioids (heroin, morphine, codeine)
Barbiturates (usually medication for anxiety and stress)
Benzodiazepines (used for anxiety and insomnia)
stimulant examples
Caffeine
Nicotine (vapes and cigarettes)
Cocaine
Amphetamines (ice, methamphetamine, speed)
Ecstasy
Ephedrine (found in some medications)
hallucinogen examples
Magic mushrooms’
LSD
Cannabis
Ecstasy
Ketamine
what is a polydrug
Polydrug use is when more than one drug is used at the same time or during the same occasion. A polydrug user may mix legal with illegal drugs, or two or more illegal drugs.
what is alchohol
Alcohol is a popular recreational drug. Pure alcohol is so strong that its concentration in most alcoholic drinks is relatively low.
what are the types of alchohol
wine, beer, spirits and liqueurs
why do people drink alchohol
Celebrations
Social interactions
To relax
To cope with life events
Bored
To experiment with friends
Peer pressure
For religious/cultural purposes
Mental health issues
what is the standard amount in aus
In Australia, a standard drink contains approximately 10 grams of alcohol.
blood alcohol concentration
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream.
A BAC of 0.05 means the person has 0.05 grams of alcohol in every 100 mL of their blood.
In Australia Learner & Probationary drivers must have a BAC level of 0.00, a fully licensed driver must have a BAC level under 0.05.
effects of alchohol
Heightened emotional responses
Diminished decision-making skills
Lack of concentration
Damage to reputation and embarrassment
Getting into trouble with parents/police
Getting into fights
Unplanned sexual experiences
Risk-taking behaviours
what is a vape
Vaping is the inhaling of vapor created by a vape or e-cigarette
A vape uses a pre-charged battery (often single use and non-disposable) to heat up liquid into an aerosol that can be inhaled.
Contains water, propylene glycol, flavourings and other chemicals.
Contains nicotine (extracted from tobacco), a highly addictive stimulant substance that releases dopamine (the reward hormone).
Nicotine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and increases adrenaline.
