Drugs
What is a drug?
a chemical substance that affects the way your body or mind works; can be legal or illegal
What is the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis that affects memory, attention, and reward pathways?
THC
Name one opioid mentioned in the documentary worksheet
morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone,
What is fentanly
a synthetic opioid used as a powerful painkiller
What are 4 different types of drug classifications
Depressants, Stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalents, narcotics, club drugs
What is the difference between drug abuse and drug misuse
Drug abuse: The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts.
Drug Misuse:The use of a substance in a manner or for a purpose that is not consistent with legal or medical guidelines
Name one brain region involved in memory and learning that THC can affect
The limbic system / hippocampus
What hormone is released when taking opiods?
Dopamine
Why is fentanyl more dangerous than many other opioids?
It is many times more potent than morphine/heroin, tiny amounts can cause overdose; it’s often mixed into other drugs without users’ knowledge
Which type of drug slows down the central nervous system?
Depressants
What are the three viewpoints on drugs?
Positive, Negative, and Neutral
Explain one way cannabis can specifically impair a teen’s school performance
Cannabis can impair memory and attention, causing a student to forget test answers or have difficulty concentrating, which harms academic performance
What are 3 barriers to getting treatment
waiting time, insurance, can't afford it, etc.
Name 2 long term effects of fentanyl
increased risk of addiction, lasting health complications, death, suppressed immune system
What category of drugs increases alertness, energy, and activity in the brain and spinal cord and what is a slang name for it?
Stimulants; Speed
What are 3 different ways to take drugs
Inhaled, patch, suppositories, injected, or oral/ingested
How can THC affect coordination and perception of time? Name the brain area involved.
The cerebellum; THC can impair coordination and balance and alter perception of time.
Name two treatment methods used for opioid addiction
opioid blocker, rehab, therapy
Name 2 short term effects from fentanyl
Confusion, headaches, drowsiness, rapid overdose
What are club drugs used for, and where are they most often used?
Club drugs are used to heighten sensory perceptions and reduce inhibitions; often used at bars, nightclubs, concerts, and parties.
List 4 effects that drugs can have depending on...
Type of Drug, Amount of drug used, Frequency of use, Drug Potency, Could be based on biological/psychological, Indigestion
Provide two reasons why teens may be more vulnerable to negative effects of cannabis compared to adults
Teen brains are still developing (brain regions involved in learning and decision-making are more vulnerable); THC alters dopamine/reward pathways increasing risk of addiction; effects on attention and memory more likely to disrupt developmental tasks.
Explain one reason why locking people up is an ineffective primary response to the opioid crisis.
Jailing addicts treats substance use as a criminal issue rather than a public-health condition; it doesn’t provide treatment for addiction, and can worsen outcomes
Explain how fentanyl’s potency relates to overdose risk and why that makes it a public-health concern.
Fentanyl’s high potency means the margin between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose is very small; this increases accidental overdoses, especially when fentanyl is added to other illicit drugs.
What are the three different ways you can inject a drug?
Intravenous (IV): Injected directly into a vein for near-immediate effects
Intramuscular (IM): injected into a muscle
Subcutaneous (Skin Popping): Injected under the skin