Term
The use and abuse of drugs - Drugs
Developing Drugs |
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Definition
The drugs are tested using computer models and human cells
Drugs that pass the first stage are tested on animals. In the UK, new medicines have to undergo these tests
Drugs that have passed animal tests are used in clinical trials.
To ensure the test is fair placebos are used; neither the patient or doctor knows until after the trail |
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Term
The use and abuse of drugs - Drugs
Thalidomide |
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Definition
Developed as a sleeping pill, but also thought to ease morning sickness.
Led to the arms or legs of the babies being very short or incompletely formed.
Elicited more rigorous testing of drugs.
Now used as a treatment for leprosy and bone cancer. |
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Term
The use and abuse of drugs - Drugs
Legal recreational drugs |
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Definition
Ethanol, found in alcoholic drinks, is a depressant: slows down signals in the nerves and brain.
Short term effects include feeling of relaxation, then too much mean risk of unconscious or even coma. Long term affects brain and liver.
Nicotine in tobacco reaches brain in 20 seconds and creates dependency. Increases risk of
Heart disease and strokes
Miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight
Lung cancer, mouth cancer and throat cancer. |
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Term
The use and abuse of drugs - Drugs
Illegal recreational drugs |
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Definition
Heroin and cocaine are addictive and can damage heart and circulatory system. Cannabis can cause mental illness in some people.
May also damage our health indirectly eg, less money, turning to crime, sharing needles or affecting other people negatively |
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Term
The use and abuse of drugs - Drugs
Performance enhancing |
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Definition
Stimulants boost heart rate and other body functions
Anabolic steroids stimulate the growth of muscles.
Some are illegal, some prescription and some over the counter, but all are banned in most sporting events |
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