Impact of Substances
Phone use leads to this impact on the body.
Short attention span, cravings, eye strain, increased symptoms of depression/anxiety, sleep disturbances, memory reduction, increased stressed levels, reduced dopamine levels (this increases the likelihood of addiction)
Addiction
Addiction happens at any age.
True! Addiction can happen at any age no matter what the substance is. Your brain and body are some big indicators if you are overusing something and may have formed an addiction.
This substance has changed throughout the years. Many teens stopped using this substance until it changed shapes where now the effects have increased. Some forms look like pods, mods, tanks, electronic, chew, etc.
This word refers to absolute no use and abruptly stopping use. This word has been the "go to" with making changes, but has the worst outcomes.
Abstinence/Abstinence-only
Caffeine use has this impact on the body.
Rapid heart rate, increased likelihood to get a heart attack, increased anxiety symptoms, dehydration, potential bone loss, tremors, increased alertness, terrible withdrawal symptoms.
These are known as Downers. These substances will slow the central nervous system function which is often used to treat anxiety and sleep. Downers will allow slow bodily functions such as breathing, memory loss, increase in depressive symptoms, etc
Depressants
If I smoke once a week, or vaping (nicotine/cannabis/etc), can I become addicted?
Situational. Smoking whether cannabis/nicotine/etc once a week will not start off as an addiction, more substance misuse. As it is continued, smoking becomes addictive both mental and physically where once a week goes to more than 1x per week.
This is a very common substance that is addictive with it's relaxing nature. It is usually consumed in a liquid form. It certainly doesn't give "liquid courage" when it is a depressant.
This word means that you are actively experiencing symptoms that may cause distress after stopping use. This can become dangerous with certain substances such as alcohol. If you are wanting to stop use, ensure that you have the support you need.
Withdrawal
Cannabis use has this impact on the body
Memory impairment, rapid mood changes, increased likelihood of psychosis at a young age, engage in risky behaviors, leads to other addictions/substance misuse
These are known as uppers. They make you fell "more" awake. They keep your energy going. They can cause a rapid increase of heart rate, rapid breathing, reduction of the hunger reflex, impulsive, etc.
Stimulant
Situational. If you are noticing someone who may have an active addiction or is misusing substances, you can always reach out to a supportive adult or call a supportive line to help get someone resources. It is not your responsibility to directly tell an adult or a friend they are misusing/falling into an addiction. Your safety is the most important
This natural substance can be smoked or ingested. It has chemicals that latch on to the body's chemicals that have a similar name. Using this substance increases the likelihood of psychosis, tremors, rapid heart rate, breathing problems, etc. Many say it's not "addictive".
What is Marijuana/Cannabis/Weed/Pot?
This word means that we are meeting where you are at while incorporating active steps to make a change. This word has the best outcome with making changes by applying more supportive coping skills to use.
Harm Reduction
Nicotine has this impact on the body.
Lung problems, deterioration of body tissue (gum decay and lung decay), rapid heart rate, increased mood swings, withdrawal difficulties, permanent brain changes, increased addiction
This is a broad term that refers to the consumption of something. This includes alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, phone, shopping, vaping, etc. The "misuse" side of this word means the inappropriate use of something. This word can lead to a person having an addiction.
Substance use
Relapse is normal.
True. If you are actively misusing or may have an addiction, relapse is the norm with stopping use. A relapse has been shaming. A lapse has been adapted to indicate that this is the normal process with changing a habit.
This very dangerous substance is a narcotic/opioid and is used as a form of pain relief in hospitals. Outside of the hospital setting, it can be seen as a "filler" for other substances. Only a couple of milligrams can lead into an overdose or become lethal.
What is Fentanyl?
This means that you might've gone "backwards" in making changes in your treatment. This word means that this is the normal process and you are learning your limits. This word has had a few changes.
Lapse/Relapse.