The Effects of Recreational Drug Use
Science: KS3, topic 1.6.41
The Effects of Recreational Drug Use
Recreational drugs are drugs that are taken illegally or legally. They are not taken for medical reasons.
Recreational drugs
- People take recreational drugs because they enjoy the effects that drugs have on the body.
- Recreational drugs can be both illegal and legal.
- Recreational drugs can be very addictive.
Depressants
- Some recreational drugs are classified as depressants.
- Depressants affect the central nervous system.
- Depressants can slur speech and limit concentration.
- Depressants are sometimes called downers.
- Depressants slow down brain activity and can be used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- Examples of depressants include:
- Alcohol (a legal drug)
- Heroin (an illegal drug)
Stimulants
- Some recreational drugs are classified as stimulants.
- Stimulants are the opposite of depressants.
- Stimulants speed up messages to the brain and central nervous system.
- Stimulants can make a person feel more confident and more awake.
- Examples of stimulants include:
- Caffeine and nicotine (legal drugs)
- Amphetamines and cocaine (illegal drugs)
Test yourself on The Effects of Recreational Drug Use
What type of drugs speed up messages to the brain and central nervous system?
Select the true statement in each pair
Alcohol is a legal drug and heroin is an illegal drug. Both are classed as depressants. What does this suggest about whether a drug is addictive?