Illicit Drugs
What is an "illicit" drug?
What are some examples?
Illicit drugs refer to highly addictive and illegal substances.
Examples are heroin, marijuana and meth
TRUE OR FALSE?
Alcohol is a drug.
TRUE!
Alcohol is a "depressant", meaning that it slows down your body’s functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, and slow reaction time.
TRUE OR FALSE? These are other names for cannabis:
- Marijuana
- Pot
- Weed
TRUE!
Cannabis can have many names including: marijuana, pot, weed
TRUE OR FALSE?
Smoking cigarettes or tobacco can cause cancer, heart disease and lung disease.
TRUE!
Smoking cigarettes or tobacco can cause cancer, heart disease and lung disease, on top of yellowing of the teeth and nails.
Why do people take drugs?
- To deal with stresses
- To fit in
- "Escape" or relax
- Bored
- Experiment or curious
What are some ways drugs can enter the body?
- Swallowing (eating, drinking)
- Inhaling (smoking)
- Injecting
Which of these are short-term effects of alcohol?
- Impaired judgment
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady movement
- Change in the way you see or hear things
- Slow reaction time
- Upset stomach & vomiting
ALL OF THEM... and more!
- Impaired judgment
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady movement
- Change in the way you see or hear things
- Slow reaction time
- Upset stomach & vomiting
- Drowsy
- Headaches
- Memory problems
TRUE OR FALSE?
Cannabis in not harmful.
FALSE! Cannabis can be very harmful.
THC is the chemical that causes the "high". Nowadays, there is a big dose of this chemical than there has been ever before.
Nicotine is a chemical found in cigarettes. Is nicotine addictive?
Yes! Nicotine is very addictive, which means that once a person starts to smoke, it's very hard to stop.
Why is it not a good idea to use substances when someone is not feeling good? For example, they are stressed out, unhappy, angry, etc.?
- There are healthier ways to cope with negative feelings and stress
- Many unhealthy physical and mental effects of drug use
- Might cause addiction
What parts of the body can drugs affect?
The brain, the heart, the kidneys, the liver... the entire body!
Which of these are some long-term effects of drinking alcohol?
- Liver damage- Brain damage
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
ALL OF THEM!
- Liver damage
- Brain damage
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
Others might also include injuries, alcohol poisoning
Which of these is NOT a effect of smoking cannabis/weed?
- Problems with coordination
- Memory problems
- Seeing or hearing things that aren't there
- Increased heartrate
- Faster reaction time
Faster reaction time is FALSE.
Someone who smokes cannabis will haave SLOWER reaction time.How many chemicals are in a cigarette (a tobacco smoke)?
a. 20
b. 50
c. 100
d. none of the above
D. None of the above!
There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, and many are toxic!
What are some ways you can cope with negative feelings instead of using substances?
- Find new hobbies
- Play outside, listen to music
- Hang out with friends who don't use drugs
- Talk to friends and family, or your teacher
TRUE OR FALSE?
Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction can develop with using substances.
TRUE!
Many mental health issues can develop with substance use. Some of them can be depression, anxiety, and addiction.
TRUE OR FALSE?
The legal age to purchase and drink alcohol in Ontario is 18.
FALSE!
The legal age to purchase and drink alcohol in Ontario is 19!
TRUE OR FALSE?
The legal age to smoke cannabis is 19.
TRUE!
The legal age to smoke cannabis is 19.
What is "secondhand smoke"?
Secondhand smoke is the smoke someone can get from someone else smoking in the same area. They can also breathe in the same chemicals a smoke does!
What is 'peer pressure'?
Peer pressure is when people around you (friends, family, classmates) try to influence you to make decisions. They might make you feel bad for not doing what they're doing. Remember: you always have a choice!
TRUE OR FALSE?
Addiction can start with taking drugs.
TRUE!
We say someone is addicted to drugs when they have no control over whether they want to use the drug or not. That person feels that they HAVE to have that drug
TRUE OR FALSE?
It is okay to drink alcohol before driving.
FALSE!
It is illegal to drink and drive. It can cause car accidents, and can put the driver, passengers, and others on the road in danger!
Which of these are possible long-term effects of smoking cannabis/weed?
- Problems with school work
- Impaired thinking and ability to learn
- AddictionALL OF THEM!
- Problems with school work
- Impaired thinking and ability to learn
- Addiction
TRUE OR FALSE?
The legal age for someone to smoke cigarettes and tobacco in Ontario is 16
FALSE!
The legal age for someone to smoke cigarettes and tobacco in Ontario is 19
What can you do if someone is peer pressuring you, or making you do something you don't want to do?
For example, someone is saying that you should smoke because you'll be able to fit in.
- Remember that it's your body and your choice!
- Learn to say "no"
- Go to a trusted adult or teacher