Brain & Healthy Choices
True or False: Taking care of your mental health can help you make healthier decisions.
TRUE
What is one of the most important words you can use when someone pressures you to do something unsafe?
NO.
The first name of the DEA Agent we honor at Red Ribbon Week?
Kiki
What is peer pressure?
Pressure from people your age to act or behave a certain way.
What is a drug?
A substance that can change how the body or brain functions.
Name three healthy ways a middle school student could deal with stress.
Exercising, talking to someone, listening to music, sleeping, taking a break, journaling, spending time with friends/family, etc.
Someone says, “Come on! Don't be scared. Just try it once.” Give a confident response.
Answers could include: “No thanks, I'm not interested,” “I'm good,” or “That's not something I want to do.”
Why do people wear a red ribbon during Red Ribbon Week?
The red ribbon is a symbol of commitment to drug prevention and remembering the life and sacrifice of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
True or False: Peer pressure always involves someone directly saying, “You have to do this.”
False. Peer pressure can be direct or indirect.
True or False: Prescription medications are always safe for anyone to take as long as a doctor prescribed them to someone.
False. A prescription is intended for the person it was prescribed to and should be used as directed.
Name TWO people you could talk to if you were worried about substance use.
Parent/guardian, teacher, counselor, coach, doctor, trusted adult, etc.
Name three refusal strategies you could use when someone pressures you.
Say no, give a reason, change the subject, suggest something else, walk away, use humor, find a friend, contact a trusted adult, etc.
Red Ribbon Week began as a local movement in which state?
Calexico, California
Your friends are making fun of someone for choosing not to vape. What type of peer pressure is this?
Negative peer pressure.
Why can using someone else's prescription medication be dangerous?
It may not be safe for that person, could interact with other substances or medications, and could cause serious side effects or overdose.
What does the Amygdala control in your brain?
Feelings
What does it mean to walk away from a situation?
Physically removing yourself from a situation that could lead to an unsafe or unhealthy choice.
How old do you have to be until your brain is fully developed?
25
Your friends encourage you to join them for a workout because they want to get healthier together. Is this positive or negative peer pressure? Explain.
Positive peer pressure because they are encouraging a healthy behavior.
Name two ways substance use can affect a teenager's life besides their physical health.
School performance, relationships, sports, activities, decision-making, finances, behavior, or legal consequences.
Your friend says, “I've had such a terrible week. I just want to do something to forget about it.” Name two healthy alternatives you could suggest.
Exercise, talk to someone, play a game, listen to music, go outside, hang out with supportive friends, etc
You're at a friend's house and someone brings out a substance. Your friend says, “You won't tell anyone, right?” What are two smart choices you could make?
Refuse to participate, leave the situation, contact a trusted adult, get help for yourself or your friend, etc.
After Kiki Camarena's death, young people and community members began wearing red ribbons and making commitments to live drug-free. In what year did the National Family Partnership sponsor the first National Red Ribbon Campaign?
1988
Why might a person go along with something they don't actually want to do?
They may want to fit in, avoid embarrassment, fear being left out, worry about losing friends, or be afraid of being judged.
Why is the teenage brain especially important to protect from alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other drugs?
The brain continues developing during the teen years, including areas involved in decision-making, judgment, learning, and impulse control.