Drugs

Drug

A natural or synthetic substance or chemical that affects the central nervous system

Addictive

Your body is physically dependent on it

Reaction time

The time it takes you to respond to a stimulus

Liver cirrhosis

Over-consumption of alcohol causes the death of liver cells, forming scar tissue that blocks blood flow. This leads to toxic substances building up in the body.

Jaundice

Yellowing of eyes and skin

Painkillers

Decrease the feeling of pain, work by blocking nerve impulses in the brain

Depressants

Decrease brain activity. Cause depressed heart rate and respiration, slowed reflexes, nausea and vomiting, suppression of pain, slow & slurred speech

Stimulants

Increase brain activity by increasing the amount of neurotransmitter released into neurone synapses. Cause increased heart rate and breathing rate, speed up reflexes, make you feel alert

Hallucinogens

Distort what you see and hear by altering the pathways nerve impulses usually travel along.

Short-term effects of alcohol

Slower reflexes, blurred vision, lower inhibitions

Long-term effects of alcohol

Liver cirrhosis, reduced fertility, brain damage

Examples of painkillers

Morphine, paracetomol, aspirin

Examples of stimulants

Cocaine, caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, speed

Examples of depressants

Heroin and alcohol

Examples of hallucinogens

LSD, magic mushrooms

Nicotine

An addictive chemical that raise the heart beat, narrows arteries and so causes high blood pressure, leading to heart disease

Tar

Coats the lining of the lungs making them less able to take in oxygen, and also contains carcinogens

Carbon monoxide

A poisonous gas which reduces the capacity for red blood cells to carry oxygen by attaching to haemoglobin