Myth Busters
True or false: All drugs affect the body in exactly the same way.
False
What organ is primarily responsible for controlling thinking, memory, and decision-making and can be affected by drugs?
The Brain
A friend encourages you to join a sports team instead of experimenting with drugs. Red flag or green flag?
Green Flag
Your friend offers you a substance, but you do not want it. What is one way to say no?
Say, “No thanks, I'm not interested.”
You are offered drugs after school. What is the safest response?
Refuse the offer clearly and move away from the situation.
True or false: A person can become addicted to certain drugs even if they only intended to try them once.
True
Why can taking a medicine prescribed for someone else be dangerous?
The medicine may be unsuitable for that person, cause harmful interactions, or lead to dangerous side effects.
Someone says you must keep your drug use a secret from every trusted adult. Red flag or green flag?
Red Flag
Your friends tease you for refusing drugs. What should you do?
Stand firm, walk away if necessary, and seek supportive friends or trusted adults.
You feel stressed about exams and are tempted to use substances to cope. Name one healthier alternative.
Exercise, talk to a trusted person, take a break, or practice relaxation techniques.
True or false: Prescription medicines are always safe, no matter how they are used.
False
Name two ways substance misuse can affect a student's performance at school.
Poor concentration, missed classes, lower grades, and increased absences.
A friend respects your decision when you refuse a substance. Red flag or green flag?
Green Flag
Someone tells you that trying a drug will make you more popular. How can you respond?
Explain that being popular is not worth risking your health and safety.
You discover that a friend has been experimenting with drugs. How can you support them without encouraging the behavior?
Listen without judgment and encourage your friend to speak with a trusted adult or counselor.
True or false: A person who looks healthy cannot have a problem with drug use.
False
Why can taking drugs without knowing what they contain lead to serious health risks?
Different substances can interact unpredictably and cause poisoning or other serious health problems.
A classmate claims that using drugs is the only way to cope with stress. Red flag or green flag?
Red Flag
You are at a party where people are using unknown substances, and you feel uncomfortable. What are two safe choices you can make?
Leave with a trusted person and contact a trusted adult.
You see a social media influencer claiming that a drug is harmless and everyone should try it. What should you do before believing the claim?
Check reliable health sources and consult a qualified health professional instead of relying on an influencer's claims.
True or false: Having supportive friends and family can help reduce the risk of substance misuse.
True
A student becomes confused and very difficult to wake after taking an unknown substance. What should you do immediately?
Call emergency services immediately, stay with the person, and follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions. Do not leave them alone.
Someone notices a friend struggling with substance use and helps them contact a trusted adult or counselor. Red flag or green flag?
Green Flag
Your closest friend pressures you to use drugs and threatens to end the friendship if you refuse. How can you protect your well-being while handling the situation?
Set clear boundaries, seek help from a trusted adult, and remember that a real friend should respect your decision.
At a gathering, someone becomes unresponsive after taking an unknown substance. What steps should you take to get them help?
Call emergency services immediately, stay with the person, and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Do not give them food or drink or try to make them vomit.