Drugs and the Nervous System Flashcards

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is a drug?

A drug is a substance that changes the way your body or mind works when you take it.

What is the difference between medicinal and recreational drugs?

Medicinal drugs are used to treat disease or relieve symptoms. Recreational drugs are taken for pleasure, not for health.

How can drugs affect the nervous system at synapses?

They can change how neurotransmitters are released or received at synapses. This can speed up, slow down, or stop nerve impulses.

What is a stimulant drug and how does it affect the nervous system?

A stimulant is a drug that makes nerve impulses travel faster. It speeds up brain activity and makes you feel more alert.

Give one example of a stimulant drug and its effect on the body.

Caffeine is a stimulant. It speeds up heart rate and makes you feel more awake.

What is a depressant drug and how does it affect the nervous system?

A depressant is a drug that makes nerve impulses travel more slowly. It slows brain activity and reactions.

How does alcohol act as a depressant on the nervous system?

Alcohol slows nerve impulses in the brain. This makes reactions slower and control of movements poorer.

How do strong painkillers, such as morphine, reduce pain?

They block nerve impulses or stop them being felt in the brain. This reduces the feeling of pain.

What does it mean if a drug is addictive?

An addictive drug makes your body or mind depend on it. You feel a strong need to keep taking it.

What is drug tolerance?

Tolerance is when your body gets used to a drug. You then need higher doses to get the same effect.

What are withdrawal symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant physical or mental effects. They happen when an addicted person stops taking a drug.

Give two possible long-term effects of misusing recreational drugs on the nervous system.

Long-term misuse can damage the brain. It can also cause lasting changes in mood or behaviour.