Drugs

A drug is any substance that changes how the body functions normally. Some drugs are beneficial as they help the body to recover when we are sick while others are harmful to the body.

Can you tell which of the following drugs are beneficial and which are harmful?

cocaine marijuana tylenol heroine nyquil advil

Legal vs Illegal Drugs

Legal drugs are permitted by law. This means that one cannot be arrested for buying or selling legal drugs. When most legal drugs are taken properly (not abused), they should have a positive effect on the body and should not harm it. Most legal drugs are medicines.

Anyone who buys or sells illegal drugs can be arrested because persons aren't permitted by law to possess illegal drugs. This is because illegal drugs are dangerous and very harmful to the body. Overuse and overdose of these drugs can easily lead to death.

heroine

marijuana

cocaine

Task 1: In your own words, explain the difference between legal and illegal drugs.

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Types of Illegal Drugs

Depressants, also called downers, are drugs that slow down the central nervous system and the messages that go between the brain and the body. These drugs decrease people’s concentration and slow down their ability to respond. People who take depressants are less alert. Some examples of depressants include: alcohol, fantasy (GHB), cannabis (marijuana) and heroine.

Stimulants, also called uppers, are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and speed up the messages going between the brain and the body. These drugs typically increase energy, heart rate and appetite. Some examples include: methamphetamine (speed, ice, base), cocaine, caffeine, ecstasy and nicotine.

Hallucinogens are drugs which typically alter how a person perceives the world. These drugs can change the way a person sees, hears, tastes, smells or feels different things, including experiencing things that aren't there at all. Some examples of hallucinogens include: ecstasy ketamine, magic mushrooms, LSD.

Task 2:

1. What is the major difference between depressants and stimulants?

2. Why is marijuana regarded as a depressant?

3. After crashing a car, the police determined that the driver was intoxicated (drunk). Explain why alcohol caused him to crash.

4. Whenever Mr. John takes drugs, he hears the voice of a witch telling him to do evil things. Give an example of the drug Mr. John might be taking. Explain why this drug affects his body in this way.

Lesson 2

Over the Counter Drug Vs. Prescription Drug

A medicine (drug) is a substance used specifically for the treatment or prevention of diseases. The main objective of using medicines is for it to have a positive effect on the body thus making the patient healthier. There are two types of medicines, Over the Counter (OTC) and Prescription.

A prescription, often abbreviated ℞ or Rx, is an instruction written by a doctor or other medical practitioner that allows a patient to be provided a medicine or treatment. Persons go to the doctor first for the doctor to prescribe the correct dosage of the medication based on the patients age, sex, weight, height, stage of illness and other characteristics. An incorrect dosage can lead to death.

Over the Counter Drugs

Anyone can buy Over the Counter medications. They are sold directly to the public without any need for a prescription. These medications can be sold by a pharmacy, grocery store, supermarket or shop. Individuals won't be imprisoned for selling them. Also, OTC drugs can be shared among different persons.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are sold only to persons who have a prescription. Such individuals would have gone to a doctor or other medical practitioner to be diagnosed and prescribed the medication. These drugs can only be sold by a pharmacist in a pharmacy. Prescription drugs should never be shared with other individuals. Anyone other than a pharmacist who sells these drugs can be imprisoned.

Task: Read each scenario then answer the question(s) that follow.

1. Mr. Simmons went to I.G.A Supermarket with his prescription to get his medication.

(a) Is the drug on his prescription an over the counter drug?

(b) What do you think will happen when he presents his prescription at the supermarket?

2. Mr. Ewing saw Miss Deans taking some prescription drugs and asked her for some. She gave some of her pills to him. Explain why both Mr. Ewing and Miss Deans are wrong in their action.

3. A little boy went to Mr. Swaby's store to buy Aleve. Mr. Swaby told him that he can't sell him the Aleve without a prescription.

(a) Is Mr. Swaby right?

(b) Give a reason for your answer.

Homework

Your teacher selected you to talk about prescription and over the counter drugs. Write at least 1 paragraph explaining the difference between these 2 types of drugs.

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