Alcohol
Which is the least harmful (safest) way of taking a substance? [A] Eating [B] smoking [C] injecting?
[A] Eating, because it takes longer for the body to absorb it and it can also be puked or pumped out if necessary
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
Why do people feel depressed after using stimulants such as cocaine or crystal meth? [A] They are not taking enough of the drugs. [B] They release dopamine in the brain which makes a person feel good, and makes the body stop releasing it naturally. [C] They release epinephrine in the brain which makes the person feel good, and makes the body stop releasing it naturally.
Because these drugs (uppers or stimulants) give a big dose of the feel good chemical dopamine, and the body can stop producing it. After the drug is out of the system, it takes a while for the body to start making and releasing it again.
With crystal meth, the dopamine surge is so extreme that it causes the brain to make new receptors, which contributes to the depth of the crash.
What is one way you can practice harm reduction with injection drugs and needs? (Harm reduction is a way of preventing disease and promoting health that “meets people where they are” rather than making judgments about where they should be in terms of their personal health and lifestyle.)
Always use new needles, don’t share, don’t use the same spot on the body (rotate injection sites), start with smaller amounts, don’t mix an upper with a downer, use fresh bottled water, use diluted bleach as a last resort.
In NC, what is the legal amount of marijuana that a person without a prescription can have?
Zero. Possession of marijuana without a prescription is illegal in NC.
[A] Dehydration is not a risk. The risk DOES INCLUDE infection with Hep C or HIV. Drug works, like needles can carry and spread blood if they are being shared.
Ecstasy/molly is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception, and produces feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception.
Side effects: - Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, enlarged pupils, nausea, tightened muscles, sweating, chills, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and body temperature, dehydration, shaking, next-day sleepiness
What two substances account for the majority of deaths in the western world? [A] Alcohol and meth. [B] Heroin and crack. [C] Nicotine and weed. [D] Nicotine and alcohol.
D. Nicotine and alcohol.
FYI: people sometimes assume that illegal drugs are the most dangerous substances, yet because of their wide use and harmful effects, these two legal substances are obviously unsafe.
True or false: It is legal to take someone else’s prescription medication
False. 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.
Name 1 reason why some teens use substances and 1 reason why some don’t.
Why some teens do: Stress, experimenting, curious, peer pressure, for fun…
Why some teens don't: Heard some side effects and risks, pregnant, no access, other things they want to do, religion, etc
Bonus: WHY?
Marijuana reduces nausea, so people can drink more without getting sick, which can result in alcohol poisoning.
Which of the following does NOT reduce the harm of using illegal drugs? [A] Mix substances. [B] Start with a smaller dose. [C] Know your dealer. [D] Use the buddy system.