The Use and Abuse of Drugs - B1

The Use and Abuse of Drugs - B1

1. A drug = *A substance that alters the way the body works

2. Drugs can be split into 3 categories:

   • medicinal drugs
     • used to prevent or fight diseases and other health problems
     • used for thousands of years to cure ailments
     • all drugs have potential side affects
       • have to be thoroughly tested through clinical trials
         • Thalidomide
           • developed for sleeping problems
             • found to relieve morning sickness in pregnant women
               • but, caused their children to have deformed limbs
                 • banned, but used to treat leprosy
   • recreational drugs
     • used for pleasure
     • examples:
       • ALCOHOL - causes liver and brain damage
       • TOBACCO - lung cancer and emphysema
       • MARIJUANA - mental problems
       • SOLVENTS - brain damage
   • performance-enhancing drugs
     • used to improve strength, speed etc.
     • people use these in competitions 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

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