Substance Misuse
What is the most misused drug in the United States?
Alcohol. Alcohol comes with a number of complications ranging from health conditions such as liver and kidney failure to more direct hazards such as drunk driving. Because of its availability and the number of consumers, alcohol takes the number one spot for the most abused drug in the United States.
This organ processes alcohol
The liver *The liver is important because it helps you to metabolize nutrients and rid your system of harmful toxins. Your liver also metabolizes alcohol, which means that drinking can put a tremendous strain on this vital organ, eventually leading to illness or even death!
A common side effect of vaping that prevents people from being able to sleep is called what?
Insomnia. Chronic sleep deprivation can have dramatic effects on a teenager's life, impacting their mental well-being, increasing their risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also affect academic performance at school.
True or False:
Engaging in academics and school related extra curricular activities can decrease the likelihood of misusing substances.
Engagement in hobbies, activities, and academics can be another protective factor for addiction. When a teen is engaged in school or sports, for example, and experiences achievement, they will also feel like they have more purpose. They will have something to work at, or work towards, and will have less “down time” to get involved with substance use.
True or false
If your mind ‘goes blank’ during a test, it’s because stress chemicals disrupted your working memory brain circuits.
True. If you experience stress during a test, you may feel your mind “go blank.”
This happens because norepinephrine—a stress hormone—may temporarily disrupt brain circuits that are used to recall memories. Try taking a deep breath!
Name one example of prescription drug misuse .
What blood alcohol content level are underage youth allowed to have? (Example: when you blow into a breathalyzer)*
Zero! This means that if a chemical test determines that an underage person has a blood alcohol content above 00.00%, the person can be cited for being under the influence.
The younger a person is when he or she tries nicotine, the greater the risk of _________.
The younger a person is when he or she tries nicotine, the greater the risk of addiction. This can become a life long battle and have great cost, physically and financially.
Good _______ skills and being able to ______ solve are proven to be protective factors for substance misuse.
Good coping skills allow teens to healthily overcome difficult problems or situations. For example, if a teen is experiencing high stress at school, he or she will know how to effectively work through that stress with rest, exercise, meditation, a conversation with a friend, or other healthy coping mechanisms. Problem-solving skills go hand-in-hand with coping skills. When a teen finds themselves in a difficult situation, they will know how to address it properly. Those who do not have good coping or problem-solving skills may reach for drugs or alcohol, unsure how else to get by.
True or False:
Drinking alcohol can make you feel less stressed.
Substance use can affect the brain and body in the same way that stress does. Uncontrolled stress can cause serious health problems and increase the likelihood that teens may use drugs to try to deal with stress. Even drugs like alcohol that seem to reduce stress short term can increase the body’s stress response over time. Long-term, heavy drinking can actually alter the brain’s chemistry, re-setting what is“normal.”
It can shift the balance of hormones, impacting the way the body perceives stress and how it responds to it.
Name one type of opioid and one symptom of an opioid overdose.
Prescription opioid drugs include:
Heroin, an illegal street drug, is also an opioid.
Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose can save a life. Here are some things to look for:
Alcohol is categorized as a ______, which slows the central nervous system.
Alcohol is a depressant. This means that it causes lower levels of awareness in the brain. Depressants are known to cause drowsiness, decreased inhibition, anesthesia, sleep, coma, and even death.
How many chemical compounds have been found in in a vape?
Vaping exposes users to around 2,000 chemicals, including potentially harmful industrial compounds, according to a study of four popular brands by researchers at Johns Hopkins University.
Studies suggest that ____________ have the biggest influence on whether a teen will choose to use drugs or not.
Studies show that parents have the biggest influence over whether or not their child will choose to use drugs. A lack of parental figure can be a risk factor for addiction. However, parental involvement can be a protective factor. Almost 56 percent of teenagers today believe the most common reason their peers stay away from drugs and alcohol is, in fact, their parents. A connection to any healthy adult can also serve as a protective factor.
Name one of the three stress hormones that are released in our bodies when we experience stress.
When and why would you use the recovery position?
When someone is passed out after drinking alcohol or using other substances and they can’t wake up. The recovery position is used so that they don’t choke or drown in their vomit. If the person is unresponsive then you need to call 911.
How many drinks is considered binge drinking?
Binge drinking as described in the United States is the consumption of five or more drinks in a row by men-- or four or more drinks in a row by women.
The nicotine in 1 vape equals how many cigarettes?
The nicotine in 1 vape can = 50 cigarettes. Depending on the size of the vape and nicotine strength, it can be much higher
True or False:
Lack of strong peer relationships or connection to healthy adults can increase the risk of substance misuse.
Stable friendships and connection with healthy adults at home, school, or in the community can also be a protective factor against addiction. When teens have positive, encouraging, and healthy relationships in their lives, they are more likely to feel supported and satisfied. They are more likely to engage with their friends and family, and less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol.
Name 2 physical symptoms of stress and 2 healthy coping tools to help manage stress.
Physical symptoms of stress include:
Some studies have provided evidence that heavy ___________use, prolonged length of exposure and age at the beginning of exposure may all be risk factors in triggering a first episode of psychosis.
Marijuana use. Where mental illness — especially schizophrenia — already exists, the report concludes, heavy and prolonged pot use may make symptoms worse.
On the 2021 YRBS what percent of Montana teens (9th-12th grade) reported having zero alcohol in the past 30 days?
About 70%! That means the majority of Montana teens do not drink, great news!
What is the name of the substance being produced by a vaping device?
Aerosol. While using an e-cigarette is often called “vaping,” the devices produce an aerosol, not a vapor. Unlike vapor, which is simply a substance in gas form, the aerosol from an e-cigarette contains tiny chemical particles from both the liquid solution and the device (e.g., metals from the heating coil). There is evidence to suggest that these particles lead to cardiovascular injury, with links to negative effects on resting heart rate, blood pressure and the cells that line the blood vessels.
What percentage of people with substance addictions started misusing substances as a teen?
Preventing drug use during the teen years is one of the greatest protective factors against addiction. This is because, during these years, the brain is still developing. When substances are introduced during adolescence, the risk of addiction increases substantially. Research shows that 90 percent of people with addictions started using drugs as teens. However, those who delay any substance use until adulthood – after their mid-twenties – are far less likely to experience long-term issues.
What is one of the best and easiest ways to lower stress in the body? Hint: It is something that you always have with you.
Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body. Those things that happen when you are stressed, such as increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure, all decrease as you breathe deeply to relax.