So what can go wrong?
Sadly, an increasing number of people, especially young adults, use medicines, drugs and other preparations for different purposes. This has led to drug abuse which is a growing problem in our society. Even in sport some men and women are taking drugs to improve their performance. Many sports authorities now have to carry out routine tests on blood and urine samples of sports people to make sure that they are not taking unnecessary drugs.
The medicines in Table 2 are sometimes available on prescription from doctors but only for sound medical reasons. It is illegal to obtain them without prescription. Taking products like these regularly without a doctor's guidance and in large quantities can cause addiction and may even lead to early death. Chapters 4 and 5 give more information about the problems of drug abuse.
Why do people take drugs?
Most of us have taken medicines at some time, either prescribed by a doctor or bought from the chemist. But why do people take drugs when there is no clear medical reason for doing so, in other words, when they do not seem ill?
Why do people take drugs without any medical reason?
Is drug abuse dangerous?
Why do sports authorities carry out blood and urine tests?
Relief
from worry or depression Rebellion Curiosity Fear
of missing out/ losing face Boredom
and frustration Attention
seeking Pleasure Search
for self-knowledge 
Ex. 7. Read and translate
Your Medicine Cabinet Needs an Annual Checkup, Too
What kind of medicines and other health products should you keep on hand to treat minor ailments or injuries? More importantly, where’s the best place in the house to keep them? Here’s what doctors, nurses and pharmacists at FDA recommend:
Must-Have’s for Home Medical Care
|
Closet Medicine Cabinet ·Analgesic (relieves pain) ·Adhesive bandages ·Antibiotic ointment (reduces risk of infection) · Adhesive tape ·Antacid (relieves upset stomach) ·Gauze pads ·Antihistamine (relieves allergy symptoms) ·Tweezers ·Syrup of ipecac (induces vomiting) ·Thermometer ·Fever reducer (adult and child) ·Calibrated measuring spoon ·Hydrocortisone (relieves itching and inflammation) ·Alcohol wipes ·Antiseptic (helps stop infection) ·Disinfectant |
Contrary to age-old tradition, a bathroom medicine cabinet is not a good place to keep OTC (over-the-counter or nonprescription) or prescription medications. Showers and baths create heat and humidity that can cause some drugs to deteriorate rapidly. A cool, dark and dry place such as the top of a linen closet, preferably in a locked container and out of a child’s reach, is best for storing medicines.
·Clean out your bathroom medicine cabinet and the area where you store medicines at least once a year.
·Discard outdated products, damaged containers, and old supplies.
·Restock supplies that are low or missing.
·Keep all items in their original containers so that no one takes the wrong one.
Talking these measures can’t prevent illness or accidents, but they can help you be prepared to treat such minor emergencies promptly and effectively.
Задания:
1.Расскажите о местах хранения лекарств дома.
2.Расскажите о лекарствах, которые хранятся в домашних аптечках.
3.Расскажите о лекарствах в вашей домашней аптечке.
Ex.8. Read and translate the text and tell about the rules of precaution before using the drug.