Dangers of Alcohol and Introduction to Smoking

This page continues the discussion on alcohol, focusing on its long-term health effects, and introduces the topic of smoking and its harmful components. It provides crucial information about the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol on various body systems.

The text outlines the dangers of prolonged alcohol consumption, including:

Highlight: Long-term alcohol use can cause stomach ulcers, heart disease, and brain and liver damage.

The page explains how the liver processes alcohol and the potential for liver damage (cirrhosis) in heavy drinkers. It also discusses the risks of drinking during pregnancy, including potential harm to the developing fetus.

Example: Drinking while pregnant can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and babies with low birth weight or developmental issues.

The second half of the page introduces the harmful components of cigarette smoke:

Vocabulary:

• Nicotine: An addictive stimulant in tobacco
• Tar: A carcinogenic, sticky substance in smoke
• Carbon monoxide: A toxic gas that interferes with oxygen transport in the blood
• Particulates: Dust particles in tobacco smoke that damage lung cells

This information provides a foundation for understanding how drugs affect the brain and body, particularly focusing on the effects of drug abuse on the human nervous system.

Understanding Drugs and Their Effects on the Body

This page introduces the concept of drugs and their impact on the human body, particularly focusing on the central nervous system. It provides a foundation for understanding the difference between medicinal and recreational drug use, as well as the concepts of addiction and tolerance.

Definition: A drug is any chemical substance that affects the central nervous system.

The page distinguishes between medicinal drugs, which are prescribed by doctors for health benefits, and recreational drugs, which are taken for enjoyment or relaxation but often lack health benefits and can be harmful.

Highlight: Recreational drugs can lead to addiction and dependency, causing withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to stop using them.

The text explains the process of tolerance, where the body becomes accustomed to the changes caused by a drug, leading to dependency. This can result in addiction, making it difficult for a person to stop using the drug without experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Example: Withdrawal symptoms may include headaches, anxiety, and sweating, making it challenging for individuals to quit using drugs.