BEHAVIOUR
What is a drug?
A drug is any substance that affects the way you think, act, and/or feel.
What is the connection between mental health and substance abuse?
Mental illness can contribute to substance abuse or long-term drug use can lead to the development of mental illnesses. Some examples of mental illnesses connected with substance misuse include: depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Why do some people choose to use drugs when they know that these drugs are harmful?
People think that taking drugs will help them cope, feel cool, belong to a peer group, rebel, and satisfy their curiosity.
What are some ways that drugs and alcohol can increase risk of injury?
Increased injuries due to decreased coordination, impaired judgment and increased risk-taking, and impaired vision. Drugs and alcohol can increase injuries relating to railroads, pools, and falls. Impairment is also one of the main reasons for vehicle crashes.
What are stimulants?
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the functions of the central nervous system and make the user more aware of the environment. Some examples include Caffeine, nicotine, and methamphetamine.
Why is alcohol considered a drug?
Alcohol is a drug because it affects the mind and body and can be addictive.
You’re at Ranold’s house. He makes fun of you because you don’t want to drink beer with him. What do you do?
Say no. Leave. Give reasons (e.g. training for track and field).
What does having an addiction mean?
A person addicted to a substance feels that he/she cannot do without the substance.
Why do some teens choose not to do drugs?
They want to stay in control; parental influence; religious/cultural reasons; personal goals/ambitions (e.g. sports, good grades); self-confidence; concern for health; concern about legal consequences.
What are the side effects of stimulants?
Short term effects include: increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. They can decrease appetite and desire to sleep. Stimulants can also cause changes in behaviour, restlessness, and dizziness.
Does alcohol make a person feel more tired or more awake?
Alcohol is a depressant and slows down the mind and body so it makes a person feel more tired.
What will take away the effects of alcohol?
Only time will take away the effect of alcohol. Coffee and cold showers will not make you sober or shorten the time it takes to become sober.
Name two things that people should NOT do after drinking alcohol.
Drive a car, ride a bicycle, swim
What is peer pressure?
Feeling like you have to get along with your friends even though you feel uncertain about it.
What are depressants?
Depressants are drugs that slow down the functions of the central nervous system and make the user less aware of the environment. Some examples include alcohol, sleeping pills (sedative hypnotics), and pain killers (narcotic analgesics).
Why do the people in beer commercials look happy and successful?
Beer companies want TV viewers to associate beer with happiness, health, wealth, and popularity so you buy more of the product.
What happens to a person who drinks too much in a short period?
Drinking too much in a short time period is known as binge drinking. Vomiting, passing out, difficulty waking up, and slow, shallow breathing are all signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can result in coma or death.
Is cannabis, better known as marijuana a drug?
Yes, it contains a mind altering ingredient called THC.
Your favourite cousin says to you, “I had a few drinks but I can still drive you home.” What would you do?
Call home for a ride. Talk your cousin out of driving, etc.
What are the side effects of depressants?
Depressants have a relaxing effect and can slow brain function and physical function, such as breathing.
Can you tell from a person’s behaviour that she/he has been drinking alcohol?
No, not always. Some people may not seem to be affected by alcohol. However, it slows down the activity of the mind and body even though this may not be obvious to an observer.
What are the signs of alcohol poisoning?
Vomiting, passing out, difficulty waking up, and slow, shallow breathing are all signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can result in coma or death.
What are the common effects of cannabis on school work?
Cannabis affects memory, causes poor concentration and grades, and causes a lazy tired feeling resulting in more absenteeism.
What are the warning signs of substance abuse?
Changes in behaviour; gradual withdrawal from social circles; drop in grades; loss of interest in normal activities.
What are the effects of alcohol on the body?
Alcohol enters the blood stream and affects the brain function. It can also slow reaction time, increase risk taking, and cause blurred vision and slurred speech. Long term effects of alcohol include damage to organs such as the brain, liver, pancreas, and stomach, as well as increased risk of cancer.