Adolescent and the Brain
When is the brain fully developed?
The brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. Although the brain stops growing in size by early adolescence, the teen years are all about fine-tuning how the brain works
Name 3 reasons why someone would start using drugs and alcohol
Availability, curiosity, to act or feel different, peer pressure, to fit in, friends, media makes it look "cool and fun," relieve stress, self medicate, etc.
Which has more alcohol: one shot of liquor or 12 oz can of beer
They have the same amount of alcohol
True or False: Smoking marijuana is harmless
False. Marijuana (or “cannabis”) comes from the cannabis sativa/ indica plant and contains many different chemicals (400-500 chemicals, 33 of which are carcinogens), it's addictive, and can affect the way the brain grows and develops in an adolescent
How much nicotine is in one JUUL pod?
1 JUUL pod = a pack of 20 cigarettes
Name one trusted adult you can turn to for support
Ms. Feddeck, teachers, family, friends, guidance counselor, school psychologist, coaches, etc.
True or False: MOST teens use substances like alcohol and marijuana in the past month
False. Most teens do not drink regularly or have smoked marijuana in the past month. You you feel like that, think about who you are hanging out with
How much alcohol is in a 12 oz can of beer, a glass of wine, and a shot of liquor?
1.2 tablespoons of “pure” alcohol or ethanol
What is the difference between medicinal and recreational marijuana?
Medicinal- low THC levels, high CBD levels- sedate and ease pains but does not affect thinking, memory, coordination, and perception.
Recreational- high THC levels, low CBD levels- affects thinking, memory, coordination, and perception
True or False: If you vape a liquid with no nicotine, it can’t damage your lungs
False. Even if the liquid that is vaped contains no nicotine, other chemicals in the liquid including the chemicals that make up the flavorings can be toxic and even cancer causing. The chemicals from when the vape device is heated up is also bad for your health
True or False: Judgment improves with age because of life experiences
False. Judgment improves as the frontal area of the brain matures. Think of it as the boss of the brain - decision making, impulse control and planning
Why does alcohol affects the brain of a teenager and an adult in different ways
Because young people’s brains continue to develop into their 20s, alcohol can alter this development, potentially affecting both the brain’s structure and its function, meaning how well it processes information.
What is the Good Samaritan Law?
Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing
Once ingested marijuana (an edible), how long does it take for the body to absorb THC?
Depending on the person's metabolism they can feel the effects as little as 30 minutes or up to 2 hours
What is popcorn lungs?
An effect a person can have from vaping. Popcorn lung is an irreversible scarring and destruction of delicate lung tissues. It’s little holes in the lungs that can cause difficulty breathing and could possibly kill you.
Substances impacts the hippocampus which controls memory. How could this be an issue for a teen?
The teen could struggle to remember what they learned in school, plans, conversations, etc. It can permanently lower your IQ
True or False: A person would have to use a drug many times before becoming addicted
False. The amount of time it takes to get addicted varies. It depends on the person's genetic makeup & the drug involved. Some people seem to get addicted immediately, and for others addiction may occurs over time & depending on what drug
Who does the Good Samaritan Law protect?
The law protects everyone regardless of age who seeks medical help for themselves or someone else during an overdose, and the person who has overdose
How long does it take for marijuana effects to wear off?
Up to 24 hours. The feeling of being high may last only a few hours, but your ability to think clearly and perform complex tasks that rely on perception may be affected up to 24 hours after you’ve last smoked.
Name one ingredient found in vapes besides nicotine
antifreeze (propylene glycol), nail polish remover (acetone), paints, pesticides (ethylbenzene), embalming (formaldehyde), fireworks (rubidium), heavy metals- tin, lead, nickel, diacetyl, carcinogens
Substances can impact the cerebral cortex which controls emotions. How would this impact a teen?
The teen would struggle to control their emotions and become angry or sad unexpectedly. This could negatively impact friendships
Why is it important to delay using an substances before your brain fully develops
Because the brain is still growing and developing and it delays the chances of an adolescent forming a substance use disorder. Adolescents who begin using substances before 15 are almost twice as likely to have an addiction than adolescents who begin at 17, and almost four times more likely than those who begin at 20 or 21.
Name on effect alcohol has on the brain
It slows down your central nervous system and brain functions. Frontal lobe- lower inhibitions, relaxed, hard to make good decisions, control emotions and impulses. Hypothalamus- Kidneys do not absorb water. Cerebellum- coordination. Hippocampus- memory
Name one effect marijuana has on the brain
Overwhelms the endocannabinoid system. Affects motor coordination, slow reaction time, distortion of space, time, memory, unable to think logically and perform complex tasks, learning, problem solving, loss of motivation and drive, worsen mental health problems, affects reproductive system
Name one effect nicotine has on an adolescent
Harms brain- attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, worsen mental health symptoms (ex: depression and anxiety), may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs, lung damage (popcorn lungs), chronic bronchitis, sleeping problems, defective e-cigarette batteries (explosions)