Recreational drug use: depressants
You can explain the effects of alcohol on the body in both the short and long term.
Recreational drug use: depressants
You can explain the effects of alcohol on the body in both the short and long term.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Medicines are drugs that people take when they are ill.
- People consume other drugs for recreation, including caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
- Recreational drugs can be classified as depressants or stimulants.
- Depressants slow down thinking and reaction times.
- Alcohol is a legal depressant, but long-term alcohol use can damage the brain and liver.
Common misconception
Because alcohol is legal it isn't as harmful as other drugs.
Alcohol is related to many lifestyle diseases. The WHO estimated 5 % of all deaths are related to alcohol.
Keywords
Drug - A drug is a medicine or other substances that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body.
Recreation - Something that is done for fun is recreational.
Legal - If something is legal it is allowed by the law.
Illegal - If something is illegal it is not allowed by the law.
Depressant - A depressant slows down the messages sent from the brain to the nerves.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
something that increases the chance of something harmful happening
non-infectious disease; can be a greater risk with lifestyle choice
disease caused by a pathogen that can be passed from person to person
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a drug used to treat a disease
a drug used for enjoyment
