![]() ![]() The various ways drugs can be administered are: Oral Ingestion How quickly and powerfully the effects are felt will depend on the route of administration (YSAS, 2001). Metabolism (as the drug exerts its effect).Distribution (around the body and to the brain).Adsorption (will depend on the route of administration).Once a drug has been administered, the human body uses the following mechanisms to deal wth it. Cannabis and ecstasy can also have hallucinogenic qualities. Hallucinogenic drugs include datura, ketamine, LSD, magic mushrooms, mescaline and PCP. The effects of hallucinogens vary greatly. Or what they see may be distorted in some way. People who take them may see or hear things that aren’t really there. Hallucinogens distort a person’s perception of reality. Stimulant drugs include caffeine, nicotine, methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. The effects can also be from using strong stimulants for a long period of time. Large quantities can “over-stimulate” a person, causing anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. They can make a person feel more awake, alert, confident or energetic. Stimulant Drugs speed up the messages going between the brain and body. Depressant Drugs include alcohol, cannabis, heroin, benzodiazepines, GHB, opioids and inhalants. In larger amounts they may cause things like drowsiness, vomiting, unconsciousness and death. In small quantities they can cause a person to feel more relaxed and less inhibited. They affect someone’s concentration and coordination and slow down a person’s ability to respond to unexpected situations. Rather, they slow down (depress) the activity of the CNS and the messages going between the brain and the body. Depressantsĭepressant Drugs don’t usually make a person feel depressed. Watch the video for a good overview of this. ![]() We classify drugs according to their physiological effects and the effects they have on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Some, like alcohol, can have a sedating effect on the brain function but this might be experienced in mood and behaviour as stimulating or disinhibiting. Some drugs have several types of effects while others are unique in their properties. The effects of the drug are thus not just the intrinsic property of the drug itself. Our experience of a drug is influenced not only by the physiological effect of the drug on our body (usually the brain), but also by our expectations of the drug and the situation we use it in. When used, they alter a person’s mood, perception or brain function. When we talk about drugs, we are referring to ‘psychoactive’ drugs which is ‘a chemical entity used non-medically, self-administered for its psychoactive effect’ (WHO). Introduction So what do drugs do, how do they work…. ![]()
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