Brain Chemistry
This brain chemical is heavily involved in pleasure and reward.
What is dopamine
This stimulant drug increases dopamine and can lead to intense crashes after use.
What is cocaine
Chronic alcohol use can damage this organ tha filters toxins from the blood.
What is the liver
This Academy Award-winning actor and director well known for his role in "Iron Man" struggled with alcohol but has been sober for decades, mentoring others in recovery.
Who is Robert Downey Jr.
About 55 million Americans reported using this illicit drug--the most commonly used--in the past year.
What is marijuana
This part of the brain controls impulse control and decision making.
What is the Prefrontal Cortex
This highly addictive opioid is responsible for a large number of overdose deaths in the U.S., and is often mixed with other substances.
What is Fentanyl
What is breathing/respiratory system
This actor starred in FRIENDS and who spoke openly about his long-term recovery from alcohol and prescription meds and recently passed away.
Who is Mathew Perry
What illegal drug was responsible for the most overdose deaths in 2024 & 2025.
What is Fentanyl
This chemical is associated with stress and is often elevated in early recovery.
What is cortisol
These types of prescription medications that are commonly used to treat anxiety but can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol.
What are Benzodiazepines? (Xanax, Ativan, Clonazepam)
Chronic alcohol or drug use can increase the risk of mental health disorders such as depression or _____.
What is anxiety
This actor, known for "Two and a Half Men," publicly struggled with cocaine, alcohol, and prescription drug use.
Who is Charlie Sheen
The most commonly used substance of ages 12-17 years old
What is Marijuana (2 million youth)
Repeated substance use changes the brain's _______ system.
What is the Reward System
This drug is often perceived as "harmless" but heavy long-term use can affect motivation, memory, and mood.
What is Marijuana (cannabis)
DAILY DOUBLE!!! This common consequence of long-term alcohol use affects the brain and memory.
What is cognitive impairment/ Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
This beloved comedian and actor battled depression and substance use, including alcohol and prescription drugs, before his death in 2014.
Who is Robin Williams
This age group has 37 million people with a substance use disorder. Is it (12-17), (18-25), or (26 & older)
Who is 26 & older
This process describes the brain needing more substance to get the same effect.
What is tolerance
This stimulant can keep a person awake for days at a time, increasing the risk of paranoia, psychosis, cardiac issues, dental problems, and life-threatening health consequences.
What is Methamphetamine
Chronic stimulant use, like meth or cocaine, can cause this cardiovascular risk, sometimes resulting in _____ or _____.
What is Heart attack or Stroke
This celebrity chef and travel host struggled with alcohol and cocaine and tragically died in 2018.
Who is Anthony Bourdain
This is the most commonly used substance from ages 18-25 years of age
What is Alcohol