Know The Facts
What is a drug?
A substance that changes how the body and brain functions.
Everyone is doing drugs, so it must be normal.
myth: not everyone uses drugs and peer pressure can make substance use seem more common than it is.
A friend offered you a vape, but you don’t want to try it. What is one thing you can say?
“No thanks I’m good” or any clear response that sets a boundary
What is nicotine commonly, found in tobacco products and many vapes?
An addictive substance that affects the brain and nervous system.
Name one trusted adult a teen could talk to about substance use
A parent or guardian, school counselor, teacher, Coach, healthcare, professional, or youth program staff member.
What organ controls, thinking, memory, emotions, and decision-making?
The brain.
Prescription medications can be dangerous if taking incorrectly.
Fact: taking the wrong dose using someone’s else’s medication or mixing medicines can cause serious harm.
Your friend makes fun of you for refusing to drink alcohol. What is the healthiest response?
Stick to your decision, calmly repeat your boundary, and leave the situation if the pressure continues
What is one reason vaping can be harmful to teens?
Many vapes contain addictive nicotine, and their aerosols can expose the lungs to harmful substances.
If you’re worried that a friend may be developing a substance use problem, what is one helpful thing you can do?
Talk to them properly and without judgment, and encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult or healthcare professional
What is a stimulant?
A substance that speeds of activity in the central nervous system. Examples include caffeine in certain prescription medication’s.
You can always tell if someone is using drugs just by looking at them.
Myth: appearance alone cannot reliably. Tell you whether someone has used the substance.
Someone tell you to take a pill because it helps him focus. What should you do?
Do not take someone else’s medication. Talk to a trusted adult or healthcare professional if you have concerns about focus.
Why should you never take a pill from a friend even if it looks like a prescription medication?
you cannot reliably verify what it contains or whether it is safe for you.
What should you do if someone is unconscious or having trouble breathing after taking a substance?
Call 911 immediately follow the dispatchers instructions and do not leave the person alone. Give naloxone an opioid overdose is suspected and it is available.
Why can substance use be especially risky for teenagers?
The brain is still developing, particularly areas involved in judgment planning and impulse control.
Mixing alcohol with certain medications can be dangerous, even if you take the recommended dose of the medication.
Fact, some combinations can cause serious interactions, including extreme drowsiness, or breathing problems.
You’re at a party and realize people are using substances. Your ride has been drinking. What should you do?
don’t get in the car. Contact a trusted adult or another safe, sober ride.
Name two warning signs that someone may be experiencing a substance related medical emergency
Examples include difficulty breathing, being unable to wake up, seizures, or severe confusion
True or false someone who struggles with addiction cannot recover?
False: treatment support and recovery service services can help people improve their health and lives.
What is addiction, also called a substance use disorder?
A treatable health condition involving difficulty controlling substances use despite harmful consequences.
If someone has used a substance before, without a problem, they can guarantee to be safe using it again.
Myth: Effects can vary depending or the substance, amount, health, and other substances involved. A previous experience does not guarantee safety.
A close friend tells you they have been using substances to cope with stress and begs you not to tell anyone, how can you support them?
Listen without judging, encourage them to talk with the trusted adult or counselor, and seek adult help if their safety is at . You can care about a friend without keeping dangerous situation secret.
What is fentanyl and why is it a serious concern in drug related overdoses?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid use medically for pain. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be present in other drugs without a person’s knowledge and can cause a fatal overdose.
A friend may have overdosed on opioids what medication can reverse an opioid overdose and what else must you do?
Naloxine can temporarily reverse a opioid overdose. Call 911, administer naloxone according to its instructions if available, follow emergency guidance, and stay with the person. more than one dose may be needed.