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DRUGS
Health Grade 8 Week 4
WHAT ARE DRUGS?
In
today’s world, you hear a lot
about drugs. You hear about all kinds
of drugs from drugs that are used to
treat diseases and save lives to illegal
drugs that can cause many
problems. But what is a drug?
WHAT ARE DRUGS?
Many different substances are
considered drugs. But what is it about
these substances that makes them
drugs? A drug is any chemical
substance that causes a change in a
person’s physical or physiological
state. You should only take drugs to
treat an illness or a disorder.
HOW DRUGS ENTER THE BODY
Some
drugs,
such as drops or
ointments, are
applied directly
to a certain area.
These drugs do
not enter the
bloodstream.
HOW DRUGS ENTER THE BODY
Drugs
that are
smoked or
inhaled are
absorbed into
the bloodstream
through vessels
in the lungs.
HOW DRUGS ENTER THE BODY
Some
drugs are
injected through a
needle. Drugs enter
the bloodstream
more quickly than
any other way and
usually have a
stronger effect than
other drugs.
HOW DRUGS ENTER THE BODY
Drugs
that are
swallowed travel
through the
stomach and
intestines. From
here, they are
absorbed into
the bloodstream.
USING DRUGS AS MEDICINE
Medicine
is any drug that is used to cure,
prevent, or treat illness or discomfort.
Following instructions when taking
medicine is very important.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
A prescription is a written order from
a doctor for a certain medicine.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINE
An over-the-counter medicine can
be bought without a prescription.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Sometimes,
the effect of a drug can
be different from expected if the drug
is taken at the same time as another
drug.
SIDE EFFECTS
A
side effect is
any effect that
is caused by a
drug that is
different from
the drug’s
intended effect.
DRUG ABUSE & ADDICTION
Drug
abuse is the misuse of a drug on
purpose or the use of any illegal drug.
 http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/the-truth-about-drugs.html
Drug
addiction is the uncontrollable use
of a drug.
Dependence on a drug means needing
the drug in order to function properly.
There are two types…