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
Give one healthy alternative to using drugs or alcohol to deal with stress.
Exercise, music, talking to someone, hobbies, relaxation, sleep.
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 one sign that a friend might need help?
Major changes in behavior, grades, relationships, mood, or activities.
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.
What does it mean to refuse something?
Say no or choose not to participate.
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.
Give one example of a confident way to say “no” to drugs or alcohol.
“No thanks, I don't use that.” / “I'm good.” / “That's not for me.”
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.
You feel pressured to use a substance at a party. Name three things you could do.
Say no, leave, contact a trusted adult, stay with a friend, call for a safe ride, or move to a safer location.
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.