Brain Basics
Understanding Addiction
Prevention Strategies
Risks & consequences
Knowledge = Power!
100
What chemical in the brain is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward?
Dopamine
100
What does it mean when addiction is described as a "preventable disease"?
It means that through education and healthy choices (like delaying first use and reducing consistent use, having healthy coping strategies, asking for help when you need it, etc.), individuals can help themselves avoid developing an addiction.
100
Name one healthy activity that naturally increases dopamine levels.
Healthy amounts of exercise/healthy amounts of food/playing games/etc.
100
True or false? Alcohol, nicotine, and THC/cannabis/weed often make mental health conditions (like anxiety, paranoia, depression, insomnia, etc.) worse?
True
100
True or false? Teens are more likely to use alcohol, nicotine, & THC/Cannabis/Weed if their friends post about it online.
True
200
Which part of the brain is responsible for decision-making and impulse control?
Prefrontal cortex. A.K.A. "Wizard brain" and "Front brain"
200
How can substances hijack the brain's survival system?
They artificially stimulate dopamine release, making the brain prioritize substances over natural needs.
200
Why is it important to have strong social connections in prevention addiction?
Supportive relationships can provide emotional support and reduce the likelihood of substance misuse.
200
Name 2 health consequences of using e-cigarettes/"vapes" (which are true for nicotine and THC vapes)
Inflammation and irritation of the airways, destruction of the air sacs in the lungs, weaker immune response to infection, risk for blood clotting, stiff blood vessels in the heart.
200
Unlike other tobacco products, e-cigarettes are not covered by ______ warning requirements.
health
300
What is the term for the brain's system that prioritizes essential needs for survival?
Survival hierarchy
300
What is the significance of the age 21 in relation to addiction risk?
Waiting until 21 to try or use substances reduces the risk of addiction because the brain is more fully developed. That is why we have 21+ laws.
300
What role does education play in addiction prevention?
It increases awareness of risks and promotes informed decision-making.
300
Describe what "withdrawal" is?
Generally withdrawal feels like the opposite of the drug. For example, when withdrawing from a depressant like alcohol, you may feel restless and agitated, or have tremors. These symptoms vary between people, and between drugs.
300
Practicing _________ __________ is proven to help teens resist peer pressure and feel prepared in situations when drugs/alcohol are available to them.
Refusal strategies
400
How does the brain's reward system reinforce behaviors necessary for survival?
By releasing dopamine when engaging in beneficial activities.
400
What is the term for the brain's ability to change, adapt, and rewire overtime?
Neuroplasticity
400
Teens who try and continue using substances do so for various reasons. Name some reasons why they use (and some alternatives they have).
Curious, want to fit in, aren't worried about risks/consequences, feel bad about something in their life and look to the short term effects as a relief.
400
Why is developing a tolerance to substances concerning?
Repeated use desensitizes the brain/body system to require more of the substance to achieve the desired effect. It is concerning when people use more and more because drugs and alcohol have negative short and long term effects, and harm increases with more use.
400
What is the connection between advertising and teen drug/alcohol (and other substance) use?
Companies, corporations, lobbyists, and influencers are known to target youth in advertising for products that are harmful - especially to developing brains and bodies. Knowing this, you have more awareness to be skeptical about messages you're being sent.
500
Why are adolescents more susceptible to addiction?
Because their brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the effects of substances -- which produce false shocks of dopamine to the brain, making it think that substances are better and more important than things like food, water, and sleep.
500
How does repeated substance use affect the brain's reward system?
It can desensitize the system, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect. This is also known as developing a tolerance.
500
If you or anyone you know needs help because you feel like substance use is in control of you, rather than you being in control of it, what are 3 ways you can get help?
"MyLifeMyQuit." Ask a trusted adult for help. Drug & alcohol counseling. Look up online and in person support groups. Introduce healthy routines.
500
Using substances, especially at a young age, can lead to what 4 categories of harms?
500
Explain the connection between healthy coping skills and drug/alcohol prevention.
The goal in life isn't to feel good all the time. Life can be hard and you're strong enough and aware enough to use the tools and resources to support your resilience! Drugs and alcohol don't need to be your escape.