Vapes
What is the main addictive chemical found in most vapes?
Nicotine! Nicotine has been proven to be as addictive as cocaine or heroin! Big YIKES! Vapes can also contain marijuana, and other chemicals.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower can sober you up. True or False?
FALSE! The only thing that helps sober you up is time!
True or False: Second-hand exposure from vaping is harmless.
False. Nicotine aerosol can still be inhaled by bystanders putting them at risks of the same health problems as the person vaping.
True Or False: Addiction is a brain condition that can make it really hard to stop using substances.
True. This could be the case even when it causes problems at school, home, or with friends.
True or False: Alcohol has no effect on mental health.
False. Alcohol has been linked to a number of mental health issues with worsening depression and anxiety being a common effect.
You can't overdose on vaping! True or False?
FALSE! Nicotine poisoning (nic-sick) is real, & some vapes contain dangerous chemicals that can cause serious health problems.
True or False: Alcohol is a stimulant that gives you energy.
False – Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down brain and body functions.
You can only get addicted to alcohol or marijuana if you only use them occasionally. Thoughts?
Even occasional use can rewire the brain and increase the risk of addiction, especially in teens.
True or False: According to the social norm approach knowing the truth can increase bad decision making.
False. Knowing the truth = better choices.
What is one reason teens are more vulnerable to addiction than adults?
The brain is still developing - until around age 25 - making it more sensitive to addictive substances.
How does vaping affect your heart rate and blood pressure?
It increases both, which can lead to heart problems over time.
What is the best way to prevent a hangover?
Not drinking alcohol at all – Drinking water helps, but it won’t fully prevent it.
True or False: You can not overdose on alcohol.
False. You can get acute alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal.
What type of factors can contribute to substance use & risky behavior?
Risk Factors. Some risk factors include: tough childhood experience & no adult supervision. Protective Factors lower the chances of substance use and risky behavior.
What brain chemical, often called the "feel good" chemical, is affected by drugs and alcohol?
Dopamine.
What are some things you can do to naturally increase dopamine?
Can you get secondhand exposure (like secondhand smoke) from vape aerosol?
Yes – The chemicals in vape clouds can be harmful to others nearby.
What is considered binge drinking? Hint: it is different for males & females!
5+ alcoholic drinks for males and 4+ alcoholic drinks for females in a 2 hour sitting!
If a vape is labeled "nicotine-free," does that guarantee it has no nicotine?
No – Some "nicotine-free" vapes still contain nicotine due to mislabeling. Vapes are not regulated!
Addiction involves a person's biology & genes, and 3 other things. What are they?
Environment, the drug being used, & the brain.
What type of "high" can trigger dopamine receptors in a less harmful way?
Natural High. Doing things that you really enjoy like riding a bike.
What are some signs of nicotine addiction from vaping?
Cravings, anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating, and needing more to feel the same effects.
What organ is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body?
Your liver - and you only liver once, so be good to it!
What lung condition can develop from smoking vaping?
Popcorn lung. A serious lung disease caused by inhaling harmful chemicals, like diacetyl (a butter flavoring), causing permanent scarring and narrowing of tiny airways, leading to severe coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
What are social norms?
It defines acceptable and appropriate actions within a given group or community, thus guiding human nature
How does nicotine affect anxiety and mood?
Nicotine tricks the brain into feeling temporary relief but actually increases anxiety and stress levels in the long run.