DRUGS AND MEDICINE STUDY SHEET
Objectives:
· Be able to compare the terms drug and medicine
· Describe how drugs affect people
· Be able to tell how reactions to drugs can vary
· Explain the difference between a prescription drug and an over the counter drug
· Name three ways you can use medicines safely
Terms to Know:
· Drugs
· Medicine
· Over the counter medicine
· Prescription medicine
A substance that can change how the body or mind works is called a drug. Drugs can affect your body in healthy ways and in unhealthy ways. Drugs, unlike food and water, have no nutrients. Drugs can be unpredictable and can affect people differently. They can also affect the same person differently at different times. Here is a list of factors that help us understand the affect a person can have while using a drug:
1. Weight, a lighter person needs less of a drug for the same effect as a heavier person.
2. Mood, drugs can intensify your mood.
3. Food, taking a drug on a full stomach as compared with an empty stomach affects the strength of the drug.
4. Mixing, mixing different drugs can change how they work and effect the body
5. Amount, Taking more of a drug causes a stronger reaction
6. Allergies, some people have allergies to certain drugs that can cause unexpected reactions
There are rules in the use of drugs because they can be dangerous. Some are legal for everyone. Some drugs are only for adults. Some drugs must have a doctor’s permission. Here are some example of the above.
1. Drugs for everyone = coffee, tea, soda, chocolate.
2. Drugs for adults only = tobacco and alcohol.
3. Doctor’s permission drugs = prescription medicines and over the counter medicines.
4. Illegal Drugs = marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates.
A medicine is a drug that is used to cure, treat, or prevent pain, disease, and illness. Even though they can be good, if used improperly, they can cause sickness or death. Over the counter medicines are medicines that can be bought without a doctor’s written order. Usually these drugs are used for minor problems like headaches. They can have side affects and be dangerous if used incorrectly. That is why it is important to read their label, and follow the directions. Prescription medicines are medicines that only a doctor can give orders for. These medicines can have strong side affects. They are used to treat and cure illnesses. They can be deadly if taken wrong. It is important to read their labels and take them just as the doctor says. It is also important never to mix drugs. Let your doctor know if you are taking a drug. Always ask an adult before taking any medicine.