Advanced Math & Science Academy HEALTH CURRICULUM Topic #13.   Drugs

DO NOW:  
Write down the names of five drugs and tell if each is harmful or beneficial.

WHAT IS A DRUG?

A drug is any chemical substance, other than food, that has a physiological effect on a living organism.

TYPES OF DRUGS:

• Medicines (taken to treat or cure an illness):
  • Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications
  • Prescription medicines
  • Precautions for all medicines:
    • Follow directions, esp. dosage directions
    • They can be dangerous if abused
    • They can even be fatal
    • Watch out for side effects
    • Watch out for interactions
• Recreational drugs
  • Caffeine
  • Ethyl alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Street drugs
• Toxins (poisons); toxic side effects

ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION:

• Oral (pills, tablets, capsules, liquids)
• Intravenous (IV) injection
• Inhalation
• Transdermally
• Suppositories
• Topical versus systemic effects

Some particular types of drugs:

• Stimulants:   caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines
• Depressants:   ethyl alcohol, barbiturates
• Marijuana
• Hallucinogens (LSD, ecstasy, etc.)
• Inhalants

DRUG ABUSE:

• Defined as intentional use that causes harm.
• Addiction
• Withdrawal
• Physical dependence
• Psychological dependence
• Consequences:
  • Failure in school
  • Losing friends
  • Money all used up
  • Law-breaking to keep up habit
  • Damage to your body

STAY DRUG FREE!
Only take medicines when you need them.
Stay away from people who abuse drugs!

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT / DISCUSS WITH YOUR PARENTS Do we always keep medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of small children?
Are we always careful to read and follow directions carefully?
Do we know anyone who abuses drugs?

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

• Massachusetts Comprehensive Curriculum Framework: Health Education.
• List of health-related web sites.

LIST OF HEALTH TOPICS

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