Statistics
___% of adult Americans who met the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD) began using substances before the age of 18.
90%
The rational part of the human brain continues to develop until a person is what age?
25 Years-Prefrontal cortex that is in charge of decision making, reasoning, complex problem solving, etc.
True or False? People who start using substances at a younger ages are more likely to develop an SUD later in life.
True
Prescription drugs are safe to take because they are prescribed by a doctor, True or False?
False. Not always! Prescription drugs are safe for you to take if they were prescribed to you for a specific condition and you use them as directed. Taking prescription drugs just offered to you or ones you bought off social media or the internet can be deadly. At this time, drug sellers in N.H. are selling “fake” prescription pills that contain substances like Fentanyl.
True or False? Andrew often feels anxious and depressed. He states he frequently uses Cannabis to calm down and to forget his problems. Does Cannabis really have the power to create calm and resolve problems?
False. Adolescents who use substances to deal with mental health issues and other problems run the risk for SUDs. In addition, while under the influence, they are not likely to learn the skills that will ultimately help them cope and navigate life’s difficulties over the long term. Using substances is the quick fix that doesn’t last.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms include irritability, loss of appetite, sleep problems, and mood swings. Out of those who use Cannabis, what percentage of users are likely to develop an SUD?
Approximately 10%. The risk of developing a cannabis use disorder is greater in people who began using this substance during adolescence.
Substance use disorders occur in the brain. What is true about SUDs?
A. They are preventable
B. They are treatable
C. The people who develop SUDs are just not strong enough to prevent them
D. Both A and B
(D) Both A and B.
Genetic influences account for _____% of the risk for SUDs?
50%
If a substance is legal it must be safe to use, right? True or False?
False, particularly during adolescence
Name 4 healthy ways to reduce stress
Eat a healthy diet
Get adequate sleep
Avoid unhealthy habits (like substance use)
Connect with others
Exercise
Organize your environment
Make plans
Set goals
Journal
Talk to a trusted person or counselor
Set healthy boundaries (learn to say no!)
Meditate
On average, what percentage of N.H. youth grow up with substance use disorders in their families?
Approximately 33.6%
Alcohol and other drugs affect the adolescent brain differently from an adult’s. True or False? Explain
True. As their prefrontal cortex is still under development, adolescents rely on their limbic system (also known as the feeling/pleasure center of the brain) to make decisions and process information. The use of alcohol and other drugs causes a great surge of dopamine in the limbic system which is much more intense than that experienced by other pleasurable activities such as scoring the game winning goal. These intense surges in dopamine encourage adolescents to repeat alcohol and other drug use behaviors. Adolescents are much more vulnerable to these experiences as they do not yet have a fully operating frontal lobe to measure the consequences of their substance use behavior. This makes them more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
Name 2 environmental factors that influence the likelihood that someone will develop a substance use disorder
Family substance use behaviors
Low parental monitoring
Parental attitude around substance use and adolescents
Peers who use substances
Childhood stressors such as abuse or neglect
Poverty
Access to substances
What is true about using a vape product? (You can select more than one)
A. It can lead to Nicotine or Cannabis SUDs
B. It can cause lung damage
C. It has been proven safe by researchers
D. Those who use them and have never smoked are more likely to resort to traditional smoking
A, B, and D.
Teens frequently find themselves in situations with peers where they feel pressured to take part in something they are not comfortable with. Which of the following are considered refusal tools to help teens get out of a difficult situation? Select more than one.
A. Offer an alternative activity
B. Suggest to delay the activity until you feel no one is watching and you won’t get in trouble
C. Leave the situation
D. Reverse the pressure
E. Hang out regardless just to make sure your friends are safe
F. Text an agreed upon SOS code to a parent
G. Make an excuse
A, C, D, F, and G.
What percentage of U.S. alcohol related deaths can be attributed to binge drinking? (4-5 drinks within a 2 hour period)
33%
Cannabis can interfere with learning. True or False?
True. Cannabis use can impair memory and lead to a lower IQ.
Rachel lives with her loving grandmother as both her parents are ill with an SUD and can no longer take care of her. She is well known as a good student and friend and someone who volunteers in her community. What do you think have been factor(s) in her success?
A. She has caring adult(s) in her life to look up to
B. She has things in her life that help her to feel good
C. She has positive peer relationships
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Which of the following is true about alcohol and teens?
A. It is ranked third of most used substances by teens
B. Its use is on the decline amongst teens
In addition to school counselors, name 3 different types of adults a teen could go to for support in times of stress?
Parent
SAP Counselor
Coach
Youth group leader
Teacher
Religious leader
Therapist
____% of students at Merrimack Valley High School that do not engage in Cannabis use.
80%
What is true about the brain and addiction?
A. Substance use can change behavior
B. Addiction involves a loss of control over substance use
C. Once addicted, a person with an SUD experiences difficulty experiencing pleasure from everyday activities
D. All of the above
D. All the above
What is not a risk factor for substance misuse? (You can select more than one)
A. Having parents who check on your whereabouts
B. Talking with a trusted adult about your stress
C. Attending youth group at your place of worship
D. Spending time with peers who engage in substance use
A., B., and C.
Which of the following are signs of an alcohol overdose?
A. Very slow or irregular breathing
B. Cannot be roused
C. Vomiting
D. All of the above
D
The following are guidelines meant to support teens living with substance misuse in their family. Fill in the following blanks:
You didn’t CAUSE it,
You can’t C_R_ it,
You can’t C_ _ T_ _L it,
But you can COPE better with it
By taking better _A_E of yourself!
CURE
CONTROL
CARE