BUS 17 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Ataxia, Harm Avoidance, Naloxone
Document Summary
What is a drug? (classes of drugs, why do we use drugs?) Definition: a drug is a substance that comes from outside of the body (injection, oral,) that can cross the blood-brain barrier and has a similar effect to neurotransmitters. Four main classes of drugs that are taken for pleasure: opioids opium, heroin, methadone, buprenorphine, codeine. Opium contains the opiates codeine & morphine -> from these we can make synthetic drugs such as heroin, methadone and buprenorphine. They target the endorphin receptors in the brain => feeling good. Used as painkillers for people after surgery or to enable peaceful deaths for people with terminal illnesses. Because they weaken psychological pain as well -> attractive for people who suffered from a psychological trauma. Main harms: nausea, vomiting, chronic constipation and risk of death due to an overdose: stimulants ( uppers ) cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, caffeine, steroids, khat, mephedrone, tobacco.
