Luci Artigas, Yael Ramirez, Erick Nuñez,

Ana P. Soltero, Brenda Santos

Definition of “drug”• a substance that it is used to prevent diseases

or as a medication.

• a chemical substance that affects the central nervous system.

• Chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies work.

Helpful or HarmfulThe effects of drugs can Vary depending upon

• the kind of drug taken

• How much is taken

• How often it is used

• How quickly it gets to the brain

• What other drugs, food, or substances are

taken at the same time.

• Effects can also vary based on the differences

in body size, shape, and chemistry

HOW DO DRUGS WORK?

• Drugs are essentially poisons. The amount taken determines the effect.

• A small amount acts as a stimulant (speeds you up). A greater amount acts as a sedative (slows you down). An even larger amount poisons and can kill.

• When you put them into your body by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting them, drugs find their way into your bloodstream and are transported to parts of your body, such as your brain.

In our brain…• The Reticular Activating System: Drugs like barbiturates

produce sedation and make you lose consciousness. With amphetamines, caffeine and other stimulants = feel alert,

awake and of a good mood. LSD and Cannabis affect this area by changing the sensory

feeling.

• The Cerebellum : depressant drugs attack the cells and cause in coordination in the body movement & balance.

• The Medulla Oblongata: if overdose of depressants = cease the function may die of suffocation and heart stoppage.

In our brain…• In the cerebral cortex: affect in your ability of

perception and sensation.Decreases the alertness and concentration. drugs that increase the cellular activity can cause

hallucinations and awareness of the surrounding. • Hypothalamus : many make us to feel satiety,

pleasure and do not feel hungry. • Limbic System: when consumed and the person

like it, this emotional content of the experience is saved here will make you repeat this

Medical effects

• There are thousands drugs that help people.Antibiotics and vaccines have revolutionized the treatment of infections.

• Lower blood pressure,

• Treat diabetes,

• Reduce the body's rejection of new organs.

• Medicines can cure, slow, or prevent disease.

• But there are also…

lots of illegal, harmful drugs that people take to help them feel good or have a good time.

How do drugs get you high?

• The brain constantly produces chemicals (neurotransmitters) to keep you in a normally happy state of mind.

• These chemicals are kept in balance by receptor cells that absorb any excess.

• Street drugs block this reuptake process so that the brain becomes saturated with "happy" chemicals, causing you to act in unnatural or silly ways.

How do drugs get you high?

Drugs have molecular structures so similar to

the brain’s natural

neurotransmitters that

they mimic the

neurotransmitters

themselves, dock

directly with receptor

on neurons and

overstimulate them.

Cites

• http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/know_about_drugs.html#