Drug Effects and Addiction

This page delves deeper into addiction mechanisms and specific drug effects on the body.

Definition: Addiction occurs when the body becomes dependent on a drug's effects, requiring continued use to feel normal.

The page explains various drug effects:

• Cannabis and alcohol act as depressants, slowing electrical signals
• Cocaine and ecstasy function as stimulants, accelerating brain messages
• Hallucinogens like magic mushrooms alter reality perception

Highlight: Long-term drug use can lead to:

• Physical and psychological dependency
• Severe health complications
• Persistent bodily damage

Quote: "If your body gets used to the changes caused by a drug, it may become dependent on the drug."

Understanding Drug Types and Effects

This page introduces fundamental concepts about drugs and their classifications. The content explores various drug categories and their effects on the human body.

Definition: A drug is a legal or illegal chemical substance that alters how the body and mind function.

Vocabulary: Recreational drugs - substances taken for pleasure rather than medical purposes.

The page outlines three main drug classifications:

• Medicinal drugs (for health benefits)
• Recreational drugs (for pleasure)
• Illegal drugs (dangerous substances)

Example: Common drugs include caffeine, paracetamol, ecstasy, ethanol, cocaine, cannabis, nicotine, and heroin.

Highlight: Drug categories are further classified into:

• Depressants (slow down body signals)
• Stimulants (speed up brain messages)
• Hallucinogens (alter perception of reality)