ALCOHOL
What percentage of high schoolers in the US are actually drinking?
According to the CDC about 33% of high schoolers said they consumed at least one alcoholic drink in the last 30 days. 18% reported binge drinking, and 8% said that they drove after drinking alcohol
What different types of drugs do you know about?
STIMULANTS: Cocaine, Amphetamines (example: Adderall), Methamphetamines ("Meth") - this classification of drugs can increase heart rate and anxiety, cause issues with sleep, and induce disorientation, psychosis, paranoia, and very impulsive behavior
DEPRESSANTS: Alcohol, Benzodiazepines ("Benzos," ex: Xanax, Klonopin), Inhalants (ex: glue, paint thinner), Fentanyl - this classification of drugs can cause poor motor skills, slurred speech, memory impairment, long term organ damage, blackouts & death in high doses
HALLUCINOGENS: THC (Marijuana - this is ALSO a depressant), LSD, Ketamine, Ecstasy (MDMA) - this classification of drugs can cause long term memory issues, impulsive and dangerous behavior, and psychosis or bad "trips"
OPIODS: Heroin, Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet - this classification of drugs is highly addictive and is very easy to overdose on
TRUE or FALSE: Addiction is a brain disease and substances impact people differently.
TRUE: Addiction is a chronic brain disease. Behavioral problems and impaired choices are a result of addiction, but someone does not CHOOSE to become addicted to a substance.
What is peer pressure to you? Do you or have you experienced it?
Let's discuss...
Do you feel pressured to drink from people or accounts you follow on social media?
Let's discuss...
TRUE or FALSE: Marijuana today has tripled in strength compared to marijuana from only a few years ago.
TRUE: THC is the main chemical in marijuana that causes a person to feel high. And THC levels in marijuana have been increasing. In the early 1990s, the average amount of THC in marijuana seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was less than 4 percent; in 2018, it averaged more than 15 percent. This rise in THC levels could increase the negative effects of using marijuana, especially for people who are using it for the first time—and for young people, because your brains are still developing.
What is stigma?
Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
The stigma of addiction stems from behavioral symptoms and aspects of substance use disorder. For example, symptoms of alcohol and other drug addiction, such as impaired judgment or erratic behavior, can result in negative consequences and these kinds of consequences can cause embarrassment or shame to those impacted. Unfortunately, Addiction stigma prevents too many people from getting the help they need.
What should you do if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or emergency after consuming drugs or alcohol?
Call 911! In PA we have a law called the "Good Samaritan Law," which states that minors that dial 911 in order to get help for someone facing an alcohol-related emergency are exempt from criminal charges, even if they have been consuming alcohol as well. This law only applies if the caller remains with the individual that needs attention.
TRUE or FALSE: Alcohol has no impact on the developing brain.
FALSE: Research indicates that the earlier a person starts drinking, the more likely that person will develop serious problems with alcohol or drug addiction later in life due to the impact on their developing brain. Drinking also impacts memory function in a developing brain.
Do you think prescription drugs can be abused?
Not all prescription drugs can be abused or are addictive. But SOME are - opioids like Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Percocet and depressants like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ambien all have addictive properties and are can be abused.
Does addiction or the use of substances change your brain?
YES! During adolescence, brains are still developing rapidly. When drugs enter the brain, especially a DEVELOPING brain, they interfere with its normal tasks and can eventually lead to changes in how well it works. Over time, drug use can lead to addiction.
Where can you go for help if you or someone you know needs it?
For resources outside of school, check out the "Drug and Alcohol Resources" tab on the Montour School District website.
What is binge drinking?
Binge drinking is a drinking pattern that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% or above. Binge drinking means consuming five or more drinks in about two hours. The dangers associated with binge drinking include increased risk of drunk driving, violent behavior, being a victim of sexual assault, transmitted diseases, and long-term alcohol addiction.
What is the name of the synthetic opioid that is sometimes secretly combined with other drugs that can be deadly?
FENTANYL: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
What do you think causes some people to start using drugs or alcohol?
There are lots of reasons, but if you or someone who know is struggling with something and has decided to turn to drugs or alcohol to help them "feel better," please know that there are better and healthier ways to deal with those big feelings and issues.
TRUE or FALSE: Everything on social media is a perfect reflection of real life.
FALSE: It's so important to remember that it can be very easy for a person to show only the parts of their life that they want you to see on social media.