What are drugs and alcohol?

 

1.

Drugs are substances that can change or affect how the body or brain functions.

They can enter the body in different ways, including:

• Swallowing tablets, liquids or other substances.

• Inhaling or breathing in substances.

• Injecting substances.

• Absorbing substances through the skin or other routes.

Drugs can be used for different purposes, including medical treatment, recreation, religious or spiritual practices, and other purposes.

Alcohol is also a drug.

Alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, which is a psychoactive substance. Ethanol is classified as a central nervous system depressant.

This means it slows down activity in the brain and nervous system. It can affect:

• Mood and emotions.

• Behaviour and decision-making.

• Coordination and balance.

• Speech and reactions.

• Memory and concentration.

• Breathing and other bodily functions, particularly at high levels.

2. Different types of drugs

It is important to understand that not all drugs are used in the same way.

Category	Purpose or example
Prescription medicines	Prescribed by an authorised healthcare professional to treat or manage health conditions.
Over-the-counter medicines	Available without a prescription, when used according to their instructions.
Recreational drugs	Used for their effects rather than primarily for medical treatment.
Alcohol	A legal recreational substance for adults in many countries, but still a drug.
Illegal drugs	Substances whose possession, supply or use is prohibited or restricted under particular laws.

Some substances can fall into different categories depending on their use and legal status.

For example, a medicine can be beneficial when appropriately prescribed and used, but harmful if misused.

3. Important distinction: Medicines are drugs too

This is particularly important for disability and mental health awareness.

Some people take medication to help manage:

• Epilepsy.

• Depression and anxiety.

• ADHD.

• Physical health conditions.

• Pain.

• Sleep difficulties.

Medication can help people manage conditions and improve their quality of life.

However, medicines can also have side effects, interactions and risks if they are taken incorrectly.

There can be risks from taking too much, too little, taking medication at the wrong time or not taking it at all.

Some people may need reminders, accessible instructions or assistance with medication routines.

This is why medication awareness should be approached without judgement.

4. A point about alcohol

Alcohol affects people differently.

Its effects can depend on:

• How much someone drinks.

• How quickly they drink.

• Their body and general health.

• Whether they have eaten.

• Other medicines or substances they take.

• Their tolerance and individual circumstances.

Alcohol can affect judgement even when someone does not appear obviously intoxicated.

It is also important to distinguish between alcohol use, harmful drinking and alcohol dependence. They are not all interchangeable terms.

5. Disability and mental health awareness

I would include this important message in your book:

Never assume that someone who takes medication is misusing drugs. Equally, never assume that someone who uses alcohol or other substances has no other health or personal difficulties.

People's circumstances are individual.

Some may use substances for recreational reasons, some may develop problems with their use, and others may be taking prescribed medication appropriately.

Understanding the circumstances is more helpful than judging the person.

6. Suggested wording for your textbook

I would use this as your main introductory paragraph:

What Are Drugs and Alcohol?

Drugs are substances that can change or affect how the body and brain function. They can enter the body in different ways, including swallowing, inhaling, injecting or absorption through the skin.

Drugs have different purposes. They can be used for medical treatment, recreation, religious or spiritual practices and other reasons.

Alcohol is also a drug. Alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, a psychoactive substance that acts as a central nervous system depressant. This means it slows down activity in the brain and nervous system.

Alcohol can affect a person's mood, behaviour, judgement, coordination, memory and physical reactions.

It is important to understand that medicines are drugs too. Some are prescribed or purchased to help treat, prevent or manage health conditions.

However, drugs and alcohol can also carry risks, depending on the substance, amount used, circumstances and individual health.

Awareness should come before judgement. People should be treated with dignity and respect, whether they take prescribed medication, drink alcohol or experience difficulties with substance use.

One important point for your book: I would keep medication awareness and substance misuse awareness connected, but give them separate sections. This helps readers understand that taking prescribed medication appropriately is not the same as recreational drug use or substance misuse.