Topic Six (1.6): Drugs

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

describe the difference between recreational and medicinal drugs;
describe the effects of drugs on health and behaviour.

Introduction

Drugs are chemicals that affect the way your body or mind works. They can be medicinal, recreational, legal or illegal. In this topic, you will learn about the different types of drugs and their effects on the body.

Working through your coursebook

This topic is covered in Biology chapter 1 of Activate 2, pages 14–21.

VIEW - Resource 2: The Use and Abuse of Drugs PowerPoint (slides 1-6) Download VIEW - Resource 2: The Use and Abuse of Drugs PowerPoint (slides 1-6)

Read pages 14–15.
Medicinal drugs are used in medicines, such as paracetamol and antibiotics. They are beneficial but can have side effects and can also sometimes be harmful. Recreational drugs are taken for pleasure, such as alcohol, which is legal, and cocaine, which is illegal.

COMPLETE - Drugs Worksheet Download COMPLETE - Drugs Worksheet

Have a look in you medicine cabinet and see if you can work out their uses. Make sure you have an adult with you when handling any drugs from the medicine cabinet:

COMPLETE - Medicinal Drugs Worksheet Download COMPLETE - Medicinal Drugs Worksheet