Drug Basics
What is drug abuse?
The misuse or excessive use of drugs in a way that harms health or interferes with daily life.
What are legal drugs?
Legal drugs are substances that can be used or sold legally, sometimes with restrictions.
What organ system does alcohol mainly affect?
The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
What is psychological dependence?
Psychological dependence is when person feels a strong mental or emotional need to use a drug.
What is blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?
Blood alcohol concentration is the percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream.
What are illegal drugs?
Illegal drugs are substances that are against the law to produce, sell, or use.
Give two examples of legal drugs.
Examples include alcohol, tobacco, and some prescription medicines.
What are some short-term effects of alcohol consumption on the central nervous system?
Short-term effects include slowed reaction time, poor coordination, slurred speech, impaired judgement, and drowsiness.
What is physical dependence?
Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to a drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms without it.
How does alcohol affect behaviour and decision-making?
Alcohol reduces self-control and impairs judgement, leading to risky decisions.
Why can drug abuse be harmful to the body?
Drug abuse can damage organs, affect the brain, cause addiction, and lead to serious health problems.
Give two examples of illegal drugs.
Examples include cocaine, heroin, and marijuana (where illegal).
What are some long-term effects of alcohol consumption on the central nervous system?
Long-term effects include brain damage, memory loss, addiction, liver disease, and nerve damage.
What are the primary signs that indicate a person has developed psychological dependence on a substance?
Signs include cravings, anxiety without the substance, obsessive thoughts about using it, and difficulty controlling use.
Why does alcohol increase accident risk?
Alcohol slows reaction time and coordination, increasing the chance of accidents.
What is drug tolerance?
Drug tolerance occurs when the body becomes used to a drug and larger doses are needed to produce the same effect.
What is the difference between legal and illegal drugs?
Legal drugs are allowed by law while illegal drugs are prohibited by law.
Why does alcohol slow reaction time and coordination?
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and interferes with nerve signals in the brain.
How does physical dependence influence the development of tolerance?
Physical dependence causes the body to adapt to the drug, leading to tolerance where higher doses are required for the same effect.
Why can alcohol contribute to aggressive behaviour and family conflict?
Alcohol lowers inhibitions and affects emotional control, which can lead to aggression and conflict.
Why do some people become addicted to drugs?
People may become addicted because drugs affect the brain’s reward system, causing dependence and cravings.
Why are some drugs controlled by law?
Some drugs are controlled because they can cause addiction, harm health, and create social problems.
How does increasing blood alcohol concentration affect the brain and nervous system?
As blood alcohol concentration rises, brain function becomes more impaired, affecting judgement, coordination, memory, and consciousness
How can psychological and physical dependence interact to increase relapse risk?
Psychological cravings and physical withdrawal together make it difficult to stay drug-free, increasing se risk.
How do legal blood alcohol limits and Daily Alcohol Limits help reduce social problems caused by alcohol?
These limits help regulate alcohol intake and reduce drunk driving, health risks, and social harm.