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Unit 4: Terminology of drug action - Coggle Diagram
Unit 4: Terminology of drug action
Drug use
consists in using any substance for its intended purpose
drugs can cover
legal drugs: alcohol, tobacco
illegal drugs: amphetamines, cannabis
medicinal drugs: insulin, paracetamol
Drug misuse
examples:
taking drug in very large quantities that are dangerous to health
taking drug at more frequent intervals than prescribed
examples of drugs that are commonly miused
alcohol
tobacco
painkillers
slepping tablets
cold remedies
is when people take medicines in a way not recommended by doctor/manfacture
Tolerance
occurs when a subject's reaction to a pyschoactive drug decreases so larger doses are required to achieve the same effect
can involve both psychological drug tolerance and physiological factors
developing tolerance depends on
individual's genetics
dose of the drug
size of the person
frequency of drug administration
Addiction
occurs with depressant drugs (alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers, opiates)
if the person ceases the activity or abstains from the substance, withdrawal symptoms usually occur.
a chronic pathological condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and abuse
Withdrawal symptons
is when one has become physically dependent on a drug, suddenly stops taking the substance, a psychological and/or physiological reaction occurs
psychological withdrawal symptoms include
depression
irritability
restlessness
sleep disturbance
inability to sleep
Stimulants
(uppers)
are used to increase, maintain alertness, to counter fatigue
habituation to these drugs can occur
caffeine, nicotine are some of the world's most commonly used stimulants
other well known stimulants: ephedrine, amphetamines, cocaine
Depressants
(downer)
chemical agent that diminishes the function/activity of a specific part of the body
produce slowed brain function, drowsy feeling
are prescribed to relieve anxiety, insomnia
the most common are divided into two classes: barbituarates and benzodiazepines