Drugs

• Drugs: Any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body.
• Heroin is a powerful depressant
• Effects of the abuse of heroin:

  • Problems of addiction
  • Severe withdrawal symptoms (vomiting, restlessness)
  • Malnourishment as drug depresses appetite
  • Financial problems – stealing, loss of job
  • Infection from sharing needles e.g. HIV/AIDS
  • Heroin affects the nervous system by its effect on the function of synapses
• Alcohol is a depressant
• Effects of excessive consumption of alcohol:

  • Causes coronary heart disease
  • Reduced self-control
  • Depression
  • Effect on reaction times
  • Damage to liver – cirrhosis