PDHPE Revision

Stimulants are substances that increase the activity of the central nervous
system. Those stimulants
that are legal include nicotine (found in tobacco products) and caffeine. Illegal
stimulants include
methamphetamine, cocaine and crack.
Depressants are substances that slow the activity of the central nervous system.
Legal depressants
include alcohol and sleeping pills. Illegal depressants include heroin and morphine.
Hallucinogens are substances that alter a persons' state of mind and mood.
Examples include Acid and
LSD.
Effects
Cannabis
The immediate effects of low doses may include:
• Loss of concentration
• Slower reflexes
Higher doses:
• Confusion and anxiety
• Detachment from reality
Some of the long-term health effects for frequent and heavy cannabis
users can include:
• respiratory conditions
• motivational changes
• psychological effects
Alcohol
Alcohol at low doses relaxes the user and makes them more talkative and
animated. Higher doses lead to slurred speech, loss of co-ordination,
unsteadiness when standing or walking, impaired attention and judgement
and sleepiness. Higher doses still lead to alcohol poisoning which can cause
brain damage and death.
Long-term effects of heavy alcohol use include loss of appetite, vitamin
deficiencies, stomach ailments, sexual impotence, central nervous system
damage, and memory loss.
Ecstasy
Immediate effects
• increased heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure;
• increased confidence;
In greater quantities
• convulsions (fits);
• vomiting;
Long term effects
o Brain damage: Scientists have conducted research, which
demonstrated that ecstasy damages nerve cells within the brains of
rats and monkeys. * Psychosis: In Europe there have been reports of
ecstasy use triggering psychosis.
• Emotional Problems: People who use ecstasy in large amounts,
frequently, or inject this drug report that they experience emotional
problems such as panic attacks, paranoia, depression and deep
anxiety.
• Tolerance: Research suggests some users quickly build up a tolerance
to ecstasy.
Speed
Immediate effects:
o Feel good and confident, heart beats faster
o Excited or agitated, breathe faster
Short term effects:
o Get headaches
o Feel dizzy, irregular heartbeat
Long Term effects
o Become dependant
o Upset or depressed
o Psychosis
Definitions
Binge Drinking: Drinking to intoxication. Drinking five or more drinks at a
time is considered
binge drinking.
Drink Spiking: Drink spiking is when alcohol or another drug is added to
your drink without
you
knowing.
Influencing factors: factors that come into play when you are influenced
to act upon an
action.
Strategies: A set of actions to be taken to finish an objective.
Euphoria: feeling of well being.
Affluent: well of financially, rich
Prevalence: the measure of the proportion of the population affected with
the specific case.
Mortality: annual number of deaths
Morbidity: The incidence of the disease in the population
Epidemic: A widespread disease or outbreak where many people are
affected at the same
time
Social Activities: activity considered appropriate on social occasions
Prediction: a insight into the future/guessing the outcome of something
Justification: a reason, fact, circumstance, or explanation that justifies or
defends
Promote: To encourage