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 one way alcohol can effect your behavior and one way alcohol can effect your mood.
- Aggression/violence
- Coordination/balance
- Act impulsively
- Angry/sad/anxious
What are the components in marijuana?
THC and CBD
What is the addictive chemical in vape products?
Nicotine
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?
It slows down your body's functions:
- Thinking
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Coordination
What are the proven benefits of CBD?
There are no proven benefits.
How are vape products targeted toward kids?
They advertise on social media, celebrities endorse the products, flavorings, easy to hide devices
What is one example of an opioid drug?
Prescription drugs (used to treat pain), fentanyl, heroin
How do alcohol and drugs permanently affect the brain?
They change the way your brain develops.
It affects:
- Memory
- Decision-making
- Thinking and reasoning
- Ability to learn
What is binge drinking?
Drinking 5+ (men) or 4+ (women) drinks in two hours.
What are the side effects of marijuana use?
- Thinking and focus impairments
- Memory problems
- No motivation
- Perception changes
- Lower IQ
What is thirdhand smoke?
Smoke that lingers on furniture, clothing, surfaces, rugs
Why shouldn't you drive while taking opioids?
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?
- Dependency
- Mental health problems
- Memory and thinking impairments
- Liver and kidney disease
- Heart issues
Marijuana wax is up to 80% stronger than leaf marijuana. Explain why this is dangerous.
Since it's more concentrated, or stronger, there is an increased risk of experiencing a psychotic episode, hallucinations/paranoia, anxiety, mood swings, etc.
What are long-term health effects of vaping?
- Breathing difficulties
- Thinking and memory problems
- Cancers
- Dependence
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.
What is the Good Samaritan Law?
This law protects underage users from any legal consequences when calling 911 for help if someone is hurt or sick.
How do advertisements/the media contribute to positive messaging about alcohol use?
- Celebrities endorse products
- Song lyrics make it fun
- Look or sound fun/attractive
- Everyone drinks
- You don't fit in if you don't do it
What are the proven benefits of medical marijuana?
There are no proven benefits.
Why are flavorings in vapes not safe to inhale (even if they're safe to eat)?
*Don't just say "chemicals"*
It's safe to eat because our digestive systems break it down.
It's not safe to inhale because there are harmful chemicals that can cause damage to our lungs. Our lungs are unable to break these products down.
How can you misuse prescription drugs?
- Taking more than prescribed
- Taking someone else's prescription/not prescribed to you
- Using it for reasons other than prescribed