The use and abuse of drugs

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The use and abuse of drugs
The use and abuse of drugs
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Overview
A drug is a substance that alters the way the
body works. Drugs can be split into three main
categories

• medicinal drugs used to prevent or fight
  diseases and other health problems
• recreational drugs used for pleasure
• performance-enhancing drugs used to improve
  strength, speed etc.

How many drugs in each of the categories above do
you know?
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Medicinal drugs
Drugs have been used for thousands of years to
cure ailments. All drugs have some potential side
effects that can affect people (as in the case of
thalidomide) and so have to be thoroughly tested
through clinical trials.
What are the ethical issues involved in testing
new drugs on animals? What are the ethical issues
involved in testing new drugs on people?
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Thalidomide
Thalidomide was developed for sleeping problems
but it was found to relieve morning sickness in
pregnant women. However it also caused their
children to have deformed limbs. It was banned,
but it is now used for treating leprosy.
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Performance-enhancing drugs
Whenever there have been competitions, there have
been people prepared to cheat. Drugs have been
used to improve

• strength steroids build muscle
• size HGH (human growth hormone) increases
  height
• stamina EPO is used in endurance sports such as
  cycling
• precision beta-blockers can improve ability in
  sports such as snooker

These drugs all have known side effects.
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Recreational drugs
Drugs are taken by some people for pleasure
despite their proven harmful side effects.
Examples are

• alcohol causes liver and brain damage
• tobacco lung cancer and emphysema
• marijuana mental problems
• solvents brain damage

People who use illegal hard drugs such as heroin
and cocaine use, or have used, recreational drugs.
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Alcohol
Classification Effects on the body
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy alcoholic drinks. It is illegal for someone over 18 to supply alcoholic drinks to someone under 18. Feel relaxed Lose inhibitions Can become loud and sometimes aggressive Unconsciousness Increased blood pressure Possible liver and brain damage
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Solvents
Glue, lighter fluid, paint thinners, correcting
fluid
Classification Effects on the body
It is illegal for a retailer to sell a solvent to anyone under the age of 18 if they believe it will be used for inhaling to cause intoxication. Brief feeling of euphoria Lose inhibitions Blurred vision Dizziness Blackouts Possible lung, liver and brain damage
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Cocaine
Classification Effects on the body
Class A or hard drug. Illegal to possess or sell. Feeling of well-being and confidence Increased heart rate and blood pressure Highly addictive Depression Mental health problems
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Heroin
Classification Effects on the body
Class A or hard drug. Illegal to possess or sell. Feeling of well-being Drowsiness Blurred vision Vomiting Highly addictive Can cause a coma or death when taken in large amounts
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Recreational drugs what do you think?

• Do you think drugs like cannabis should be
  legalised?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• What would happen if all drugs were made legal?
• What are your views on this?

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