Unit 5: Drugs: Uses and Misuses

Unit 5: Drugs: Uses and Misuses

This unit explains the different drug classifications, how drugs affect the body, the consequences of drug use, and tolerance and addiction.

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

Unit Focus

• how drugs affect the body and the brain
• how drugs of abuse create an addiction in users
• health risks of drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and using other drugs
• drug abuse and misuse
• withdrawal symptoms as a user attempts to quit drugs
• dangers of passive smoke
• what to do if you have a drug problem