Chapter 11

Medicine/Alcohol/Drugs/Nervous System

Do Now

• Do you read the label on an over-the-counter medicine before you take it? Why or why not?

Drug

A substance other than food that changes the structure or

function of the body or mind.

Medicine

A drug that prevents or cures illness or eases it’s symptoms.

1. Prescription medicine – medicine that can be used safely only with a doctor’s written permission

2. Over-the-Counter – medicines that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription.

• Side effect – reactions to medicines other than the ones intended

Guidelines for Using Medicine Safely

1. Read the label (taken with food, empty stomach, expiration date)

2. Take safety precautions (medicines prescribed for you, out of reach of children.

Do Now

• What effects do you think using alcohol has on a person’s body? Make a list of these effects.

Alcohol

Drug created by a chemical reaction in some foods,

especially fruits and grains.

Effects on the BodyBRAIN

Short-term• Impaired

judgment• Slowed reaction

time

Long-term• Brain cell destruction

Effects on the BodyHEART

Short-term• Increased heart

rate

Long-term• Irregular heartbeat

• Heart muscle damage

Effects on the BodyLIVER

Short-term• Liver filter

process unbalanced

Long-term• Cirrhosis• Cancer• Death

Effects on the BodyKIDNEYS

Short-term• Dehydration

• Headache• Dizziness

Long-term• Kidney failure

Effects on the BodyBLOOD VESSELS

Short-term• Fake sense of

warmth

Long-term• High blood

pressure• Stroke

Effects on the BodySTOMACH

Short-term• Vomiting

Long-term• Ulcers• Cancer

These are ALL EQUAL

Beer 12 oz

Wine4 oz

Mixed Drink1.5oz

Alcoholism

An illness characterized by a

physical and psychological need

for alcohol

Signs of Alcoholism• Drunk often• Drinks alone

• Stops participating in activities so they can drink• Acts like a different

person• Makes excuses for

drinking• Promises to quit but

doesn’t• Refuses to admit how

much they drink• Experiences blackouts

Do Now

• Make a list of illegal drugs that you have heard about. Jot down what you have heard about them.

Important Definitions

• Drug abuse – use of a drug for non-medical purposes

• Stimulants – speed up the body’s functions (increased heart rate, breathing)

• Amphetamines – strong stimulants that speed up the nervous system (heart attack, brain seizures, death, irregular heartbeat)

Marijuana

Short-term• Loss of memory

• Inability to speak clearly

• Increased heartrate

Long-term• Body

development problems

• Damage to lung tissue

• Inability to have children

Important Definitions

• Cocaine and Crack (concentrated) – stimulant (increased heart rate, lung problems

• Depressants – slow down the body’s functions and reactions (decreased heart rate, depressed breathing, causes sleepiness)

Do Now

• Make a list of healthful habits you can develop to take care of your nervous system.

Parts of the Nervous System

Central Nervous System

• Brain command center

• Spinal cord relays messages

Peripheral Nervous System

• Connects to the CNS

Ways to Keep the NS Healthy

1. Protect yourself from disease (vaccines)

2. Wear a helmet3. Play it safe (do NOT dive in a

shallow pool)4. Lift properly5. Observe safety rules (seat belt)6. Avoid alcohol/drugs

Do Now

• Jot down one physical, mental/emotional, and social risk of using alcohol or other drugs.

Reasons to Avoid Substance Abuse

• Don’t show respect for yourself• Future means to much to me• Want to be in control• Alcohol/drugs can harm me• Using alcohol/drugs means

breaking the law• True friends = don’t convince =

use drugs• Alcohol/drugs take energy away

Refusal Skills

• Say NO in a firm voice• Tell why not

• Offer another idea• Promptly leave

Alternatives

• Join school activity• Volunteer

• Learn to do something new