Drug Terminology

Drug/Substance• Any substance, when introduced into

the body, that changes the way the mind or body works.

Pharmacology

The study

of drugs.

Over the Counter Drugs

• A drug that can be purchased at a store or pharmacy without a prescription.

Prescription Drug

• A drug that can only be purchased with a written order from a doctor.

Unrecognized Drugs

• Drugs that society doesn’t view as drugs such as caffeine and nicotine.

They are socially acceptable.

Oral Medication• A drug that is taken by mouth.

Inhalation• The process of introducing a drug into

the body by breathing it in and absorbing it into the lungs.

Injection

• A method of putting a fluid into the body using a syringe.

Absorption

• A route by which substances can enter the body through the skin.

Stimulant

• A drug that increases (speeds up) functions of some body systems.

Depressant

• A drug that decreases (slows down) functions of some body systems.

Neurons• Specialized nerve cells.

Neurotransmitters• Chemicals that relay messages from

one neuron to another.

Potency• The strength of a drug.

Tolerance• When reaction to a drug decreases so a

larger dose is needed to get the desired effect.

Drug/Substance Abuse

• Using illegal drugs and/or using drugs for a non-therapeutic or non-medical

effect.

Physical Dependence (Addiction)

• A state resulting from chronic use of a drug where withdrawal symptoms

occur when the person stops using the drug.

Psychological Dependence (Addiction)

• A psychological obsession or compulsion with a drug. A mental addiction, non-use does not

result in withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Symptoms that occur when a person discontinues the use of a drug they are

physically addicted to.

Side Effects• Effects that occur as a result of using a

drug that are not part of the treatment.

Hallucination• When a person sees, hears, or feels

things that are not actually there.

Aspiration

• The act of breathing, especially in.

Anesthetic• Drugs used to relieve pain by causing a

lack of feeling.

General Anesthetic• Drugs used to put a patient into a state

similar to a deep sleep. Causes unconsciousness during surgery.

Local Anesthetic• Drugs used to reduce pain or feeling in

a specific part of the body.

Blood Alcohol Content

• The amount of alcohol (ethanol) in a person’s blood.

The End!• When following instructions and using

OTC and prescription medications correctly, these drugs can be very

effective and helpful. It is the abuse of these drugs that make them “bad”.

• The use of illegal drugs is not only against the law, it can be extremely

dangerous and can have severe consequences for the user, their

families, friends and strangers they come in contact with.