Substance Use
Name 3 reasons why teens use alcohol or drugs.
Experimentation, curiosity, availability, boredom, to fit in, to look cool, peer pressure, to relieve stress, to escape, social media
Name two signs of alcohol poisoning
- Vomiting
- Lack of consciousness
- Irregular/slow breathing
- Pale/bluish skin
- Low body temperature
- Confusion
What is the last part of the brain to develop?
Frontal lobe
What is the addictive chemical in vape products and the chemical component of marijuana that makes you feel high?
Nicotine and THC *bonus points if you can name what THC stands for*
What is an opioid?
An opioid is a classification of drug. They are used to alleviate pain.
Name one risk factor that increases your risk for addiction.
- Family history/genes
- Mental health concerns
- Early age drug use
- Social/environmental factors
Why is alcohol a depressant?
*What does it do to your body?*
It slows down your body's functions:
- Thinking
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Coordination
Name 1 thing that the frontal lobe is responsible for.
Decision making, planning, problem solving, judgement, impulse control, motivation, learning, reward, attention
How are vape products targeted toward kids? Give one way.
They advertise on social media, celebrities endorse the products, flavorings, easy to hide devices
What is one example of an opioid drug?
Fentanyl, heroin, perscription drugs used to treat pain (Vicodin, oxycodone/oxycontin, Percocet, codeine), morphine
How do alcohol and drugs permanently affect the brain? Give one way.
They change the way your brain develops.
It affects:
- Memory
- Decision-making
- Thinking and reasoning
- Ability to learn
What are brain cells also known as?
What are the side effects of marijuana? (one short term, one long term)
Short term: Paranoia, panic attacks, time distortion, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure)
Long term: Lower IQ, reduced dopamine production, chronic depression/anxiety, inattention, impaired learning, psychosis
Why shouldn't you drive while taking opioids? Give one reason.
Many opioids can cause drowsiness, tiredness, impaired motor skills/judgment/reaction times
Define tolerance.
Needing more of the drug to feel the same effect.
What are long-term effects of drinking alcohol? Give one effect.
- Dependency
- Mental health problems
- Memory and thinking impairments
- Liver and kidney disease
- Heart issues
What are the two processes called that occur as your brain fully develops? *hint* one starts with an M, the other starts with a P
Mylenation and pruning
What are long-term health effects of vaping? Give one effect.
*Effects include vaping just "flavorings" or "water vapor"*
- Breathing difficulties/Respiratory issues
- Thinking and memory problems
- Cancers
- Dependence
- Tooth Decay
Why do doctors limit the amount of opioids drugs they prescribe to patients?
Opioids can be very addicting and can lead to dependency very quickly if not taken appropropriately.
If you begin drinking/smoking at 15 vs. waiting until 21 you are __x more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
4x more likely
Define the zero tolerance law
If you are under the age of 21, any alcohol in your system will lead to a DUI.
This neurotransmitter helps people feel pleasure. It also is common for drugs that are abused to mimic it. What is the name of the neurotransmitter?
Why does it take longer to feel the effects from marijuana when taking an edible vs. vaping, and how can this be dangerous?
When you vape, the inhalation goes right into the bloodstream vs. when eating marijuana, it needs to be digested before entering the bloodstream. This can be dangerous because people don't feel the effects immediately when taking an edible, and can lead them to taking more than they should.
How can you misuse prescription drugs? Give one way.
- Taking more than prescribed
- Taking someone else's prescription/not prescribed to you
- Using it for reasons other than prescribed