Drug Terminology
Define Homeostasis
The process by which the body maintains a state of balance and stability in response to internal and external changes.
Drugs that increase brain activity and are used to enhance alertness, attention, motivation, mood, and physical performance. Makes a person feel more awake, alert, confident or energetic
Stimulants (also known as “uppers”)
List the four stages a drug goes through in the body
1) Absorption
2) Distribution
3) Metabolism
4) Excretion
Define Blood-Brain Barrier and how it works
A network of tightly woven capillaries that prevents many foreign substances from reaching the brain.
What classification is Caffeine in?
Stimulants
A chronic brain disease. It causes a person to take drugs repeatedly, despite the harm they cause.
Drug Addiction
Drugs that slow down brain activity, which causes the muscles to relax and calms and soothes a person
Depressants
Define Absorption
Absorption refers to the movement of a drug from its site of administration to the bloodstream.
The site where two neurons connect and communicate with each other, allowing signals to pass between them
Synapses
What classification is Marijuana in?
Mainly Depressants
Define Drug Misuse
The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts.
Define Hallucinogens
Drugs that alter the senses distorting a person’s perception of reality.
During this phase, proteins called enzymes break down the drug molecules, which creates metabolites.
Metabolism
A type of cell that receives and sends messages from the body to the brain and back to the body (Includes a nucleus, dendrites, and an axon)
Neurons
What Classification is Psilocybin in?
Hallucinogens
A state in which an individual uses a drug so frequently and consistently that it would be difficult for the person to get along without using the drug
Drug Dependence
Identify 4 Motives for Drug Use
1) Peer pressure
2) Rebellious behavior
3) Desire to experience an altered state
4) Self-medicate
List the primary ways (2) drugs leave the body
1) Urine
2) Feces
Chemical messengers that transmit messages across a synapse
Neurotransmitters
Explain 1 Societal Issue From Drug Addiction
1) Emotional burden
2) Economic burden
3) Relationship distress or dissatisfaction
4) Family instability
An adverse effect of a drug. Drugs cause an opposite reaction than what the person was expecting and therefore, you feel double as worse than before taking the drug. Example: Marijuana is sometimes used to calm anxiety but it could cause more anxiety after taking it.
Paradoxical Reaction
Where does someone go for help when struggling with drug use (list all 3)
1) A trusted adult (Teacher, Parent, Guardian)
2) Church Community / Programs at School
3) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; Narcotics Anonymous; American Addiction Centers
What is 1 problem with repeated use of drugs that are able to cross the Blood-Brain Barrier?
1) Making it hard to feel pleasure from natural rewards
2) Causing problems with executive functioning (planning, making decisions, and solving problems)
3) Changing the BBB’s function over time
Define both Agonists Antagonist
Agonists: chemicals that mimic a neurotransmitter at the receptor site
Antagonist: blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor.
Name 1 Risk Factor and 1 Protective Factor
Risk: Drug experimentation / Early use
Protective: Positive relationships