Fast Facts
Is it legal to take someone else’s prescription medication?
No. Prescription medication is only legal for the person for whom it is prescribed. It is also illegal to sell your own or someone else’s prescription medication.
What are some signs of an overdose?
Vomiting, blacking out, passing out, cold/clammy skin, slurring, lack of muscle coordination
Name some reasons why some teens use substances and some reasons why some don’t
Stress, experimenting, curious, peer pressure, for fun… Heard some side effects and risks
Name ways to stay safer if drinking.
Know your tolerance, drink water, eat first, always watch your drink, have a buddy, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones, have a safe way home or safe place to stay, etc.
How can smoking marijuana affect your lungs?
Smoking can damage the lungs. Smoking marijuana can put carcinogenic tar and other toxins into your lungs. This increases the risk of bronchitis, chronic inflammation (chronic coughing or wheezing) and lung cancer.1 To cut down on tar someone could use a water pipe or a vaporizer instead of a joint or dry pipe. They could also opt to eat it which would completely cut out the tar.
What are some things that will affect how many drinks it takes a person to get drunk?
Amount of sleep, whether you have eaten, tolerance, atmosphere, body weight, and gender
What are three signs of someone’s substance use becoming a problem?
- Trying to quit but can’t, conflicts in relationships (friends, family, partner, etc), it’s affecting their commitments (school, work, sports etc), it’s affecting finances (stealing, selling, dealing, exploitation)
Which is the least harmful (safest) way of taking a substance; eating, smoking, or injecting?
Eating, because it takes longer for the body to absorb it and it can also be puked or pumped out if necessary.
What does alcohol do to your body temperature?
It lowers it. When alcohol reaches your bloodstream, it causes your small blood vessels to expand. This increases the flow of blood in your body. Although you may feel warm, your body temperature actually drops. This is why it is not a good idea to drink alcohol to “warm up” when you are exposed to cold air or water. It slows down the heart rate and dilates blood vessels, which can make you feel warmer but increases risk of hypothermia.
How could taking someone else’s prescription medication be harmful?
Taking someone else’s prescription medication can be harmful because it can have a very different effect on the person for whom it wasn’t prescribed. Some medication can be dangerous at higher doses which someone may not be aware of. Certain prescription medication can be harmful if mixed with alcohol or other medication. Also, someone may have a dangerous allergy to something in the medication.
What two substances account for the majority of deaths in the western world?
Alcohol and tobacco.
What is the best way to stay sober for life?
Never try any substances.