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Edited Drugs

The document discusses different types of drugs including medicinal and non-medicinal drugs. It describes drug tolerance, dependence and abuse as well as the social and health implications of long term alcohol use. It also covers allergic reactions to drugs.

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tnkele73
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19 views3 pages

Edited Drugs

The document discusses different types of drugs including medicinal and non-medicinal drugs. It describes drug tolerance, dependence and abuse as well as the social and health implications of long term alcohol use. It also covers allergic reactions to drugs.

Uploaded by

tnkele73
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DRUGS
Any substance taken in from an external source to affect and modify chemical reactions in the body.

Why Use Drugs?

Relief pain
Give excessive energy to performancers in singing, sports and acting.
To get pleasure
To cure diseases

The use of drugs can be categorized into two

1.Non –medicinal drugs


2. Medicinal drugs

Non – Medicinal Drugs


Examples: Tobacco,EPO,Nicotine,Cocaine,Mandrax,Heroine,Marijuana, alcohol

Medicinal Drugs
-Antibiotics – drugs that cure bacterial diseases. e.g. penicillin
-Anti-acids – these are drugs taken to neutralize excess stomach acid.
-Painkillers – these are drugs taken to alleviate pain by suppressing the parts of the brain that sense pain; e.g. aspirin, morphine and
paracetamol
Sedatives – these are drugs used to calm down a person and suppress their emotions (tranquilizers)

Drug Tolerance
A tendency of the body to develop resistance to the effect of the drug because of its frequent use. It happens when the body no longer
responds to a drug the same way it did at first. This leads to an increased dosages of the drug to get the same effect & eventually
culminate in drug dependence. Drug tolerance builds up to drug dependence.

Drug Dependence
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This refers to inability of the body systems to function normally without the drug.

-Emotional Dependence
The user is emotionally attached to the drug & develops a craving for the drug whenever it is not taken. Withdrawal symptoms
includes: loss of temper, being violent
Drugs that cause emotional dependence include nicotine

-Physical Dependence
The user develops physical withdrawal symptoms when the drug is withdrawn. The withdrawal symptoms include shaking,
hallucinations, nightmares, nausea, anxiety, headaches, body aches, sweating, vomiting
Drugs that leads to this condition include; cocaine, heroine , marijuana

Drug Abuse
The use of a drug for a different purpose other than its intended use. Mostly this is done with drugs that affect the nervous system,
mainly the brain.

Examples of drugs commonly abuse includes the following:


(a) Stimulants
These are drugs that speed up the activity of the nervous system & make the user more alert and energetic. e.g. nicotine, caffeine,
cocaine, amphetamines.

(b) Depressants / Sedatives


They slow down the activity of the nervous system and cause one to become calm and sleepy. They suppress the brain & cause relief
from emotional tension & anxiety e.g. alcohol, valium, etc.

(c ) Hallucinogens
These are drugs that make one to hear, feel or see things that do not really exist e.g. cannabis (marijuana), LSD, inhalants like glue.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is one of the most abused drugs. It a depressant. It slows down brain activity & lowers blood pressure. It slows down brain
activity. It also slows down transmission of nerve impulses thereby;
Increasing reaction time.
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Affects coordination of all senses e.g. sight (double vision),


It also causes false sensation of warmth due to dilation of arteries below skin.
Inability to perform activities requiring skill, e.g. writing

Long term use of alcohol may destroy the liver cells and result in a disease called Liver Cirrhosis. Then the liver will no longer
detoxify, deaminate & balance blood glucose.

Social Implications
Impoverish families because a lot of money is used to buy alcohol.
Loss of social dignity

Allergic Reactions
Some drugs can cause allergic reactions. This is an unusual reaction to any substance. A substance that causes an allergic reaction is
called an allergen. Example allergens are drugs, food, dust particles, pollen grains.

Symptoms of Allergic Reactions


Running nose
Breathing difficulties
Rash
Oedema -unexplained swellings

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