Alcohol & The Body
What system in the body does alcohol slow down the most?
The central nervous system.
What addictive chemical is found in both cigarettes and vapes?
Nicotine.
What part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and is still developing in teens?
The prefrontal cortex.
What is secondhand smoke?
Smoke from someone else’s cigarette that others breathe in.
What is one healthy alternative to using substances?
Exercise, music, hobbies, spending time with friends, etc.
Alcohol mainly damages which organ by causing scarring and long-term disease?
The liver.
What part of the lungs is damaged by tar from smoking?
The alveoli (air sacs).
What chemical messenger in the brain is heavily impacted by addictive substances?
Dopamine.
What is one short-term consequence of using alcohol or drugs at a young age?
Poor judgment, injury, trouble at school, slowed reaction time, etc.
What is a refusal skill you can use if someone offers you a substance?
Saying no, giving a reason, changing the subject, walking away, etc.
What is the term for drinking more alcohol than the liver can process?
Intoxication.
Why can vaping be dangerous even without tobacco smoke?
Vape aerosol contains chemicals like heavy metals, nicotine, and irritants that damage the lungs.
Why are teens more vulnerable to addiction than adults?
Their brains are still developing, especially the reward and impulse-control areas.
Why is mixing substances (like alcohol and medications) risky?
They can interact and cause dangerous effects like breathing problems or overdose.
Why is it important to know the facts about substances?
It helps you make safe, informed decisions.
What happens to reaction time after drinking alcohol?
Reaction time becomes slower, making accidents more likely.
What disease is strongly linked to long-term smoking that makes it hard to breathe?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What is one way alcohol affects the hippocampus (memory center)?
It can impair memory formation and make it harder to learn or remember things.
What is one long-term consequence of nicotine use in young people?
Addiction, reduced lung function, or poor brain development.
What is one trusted adult you can talk to if you feel pressured?
Parent, guardian, teacher, counselor, coach.
Name one long-term health condition linked to repeated heavy drinking.
Liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach problems, or certain cancers.
What serious condition can carbon monoxide from smoking cause by reducing the oxygen in the blood?
Heart strain, heart disease, or increased risk of heart attack.
How does nicotine change the brain over time?
It can rewire reward pathways, making it harder to feel normal without nicotine leading to addiction.
What is the term for the body needing more of a substance to get the same effect?
Tolerance.
What does it mean to make a “protective choice”?
A decision that keeps your body, brain, and relationships safe and healthy.