Lesson 1 of 4
What is a drug?
Goal: Define a drug and tell medicines from recreational drugs.
A drug is a substance that changes the way the body or the mind works.
MedicinesDrugs that are used to help the body. They treat an illness or ease its symptoms.
Recreational drugsDrugs that people take for the effect, not for a medical reason.
- Medicines are tested, then labelled. Paracetamol eases pain. Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria.
- Some recreational drugs are legal. Caffeine is in coffee, tea and cola. Alcohol and nicotine are legal for adults.
- Others are illegal in the UK, such as cannabis and cocaine.
- Any drug can do harm. Even a medicine is harmful if it is taken in the wrong way, so always follow the label.
Your turn
Check yourself
Knowledge organiser
This lesson on one page. Tap it to make it bigger.
Key words in this lesson
Drug A substance that changes the way the body or mind works
Medicine A drug that treats an illness or eases its symptoms
Recreational drug A drug taken for its effect, not for a medical reason
Antibiotic A medicine that treats infections caused by bacteria
Caffeine A stimulant found in coffee, tea and cola
Alcohol A depressant found in drinks such as beer and wine
Nicotine The addictive drug in tobacco smoke