Know your brain
What organ is especially affected by alcohol and other drugs?
The brain
Is alcohol a stimulant or depressant?
Depressant
What does the word “illegal” mean?
Against the law
What is one reason someone might choose to use drugs or alcohol?
Peer pressure, stress, curiosity, wanting to fit in
A friend offers you alcohol and says, “Everyone is doing it.” What is one good response?
“No thanks,” leave the situation, or stay with people who respect your choice.
True or False. The brain continues developing into a person's 20s.
True
Name one possible short-term effect of alcohol.
Slower reaction time, poor coordination, impaired judgment, or difficulty speaking.
Name one reason using an unknown substance can be especially dangerous.
You may not know what it contains, how strong it is, or how it will affect you.
What is the difference between physical dependence and addiction?
Physical dependence means the body has adapted to a substance; addiction involves compulsive use despite harmful consequences.
Your friend says, “Don't tell anyone, but I've been using drugs.” What should you do?
Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult and get help. Don't promise to keep a dangerous situation secret.
Name one way alcohol can affect judgment.
It can make it harder to think clearly, make safe decisions, or recognize danger.
Coffee can quickly make a drunk person sober.
False
True or False: Prescription drugs are always safe because a doctor prescribed them.
False. They can be dangerous if used incorrectly or by someone they weren't prescribed for.
How can alcohol affect a person's ability to make decisions?
It can impair judgment, reaction time, coordination, and decision-making.
Someone who has been drinking wants to drive you home. What should you do?
Don't get in the car. Find a sober driver, trusted adult, or another safe option.
Why might drugs affect teenagers differently than adults?
The teenage brain is still developing.
Why is drinking and driving dangerous?
Alcohol can impair reaction time, coordination, judgment, and decision-making.
What is one possible consequence of misusing drugs?
Addiction/substance use disorder, injury, overdose, health problems, school problems, or legal consequences.
Why can mixing two or more drugs or substances be especially dangerous?
The substances can cause unpredictable or more dangerous effects, including overdose.
A classmate says, “You have to try it or you're not cool.” What type of pressure is this?
Peer pressure.
What brain function helps you stop and think before making a risky decision?
Impulse control/self-control/executive functioning
Name two areas of life that alcohol misuse can negatively affect.
School, relationships, sports, work, health, finances, family, or legal situation.
What makes mixing substances especially risky?
Different substances can interact unpredictably and increase dangerous effects.
A friend tells you, “I only drink on weekends, so I can't become addicted.” Is this statement necessarily true? Explain why or why not.
No. Addiction depends on patterns of use and loss of control, not simply how often someone uses a substance.
You find out that a friend has started hanging out with people who regularly use drugs. Your friend tells you, “I can handle it, so don't worry about me.” What is the best response?
Show concern without judging them, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult, and let them know you're there to support them.