Addiction
Basics
Basics
What is addiction?
A chronic brain disease that affects behavior and decision-making.
What is a risk behavior?
Any action that increases the chance of negative outcomes.
What is a gateway drug?
A drug that may lead to using other drugs
Define peer pressure
Influence from friends to act a certain way
What is media influences?
How media affects your decisions.
What does tolerance mean?
Needing more of a substance to feel the same effect.
Give one example of a risk behavior involving substance.
Vaping, drinking, smoking weed
Give one gateway drug
Alcohol, nicotine, marijuana
What is positive peer pressure?
Friends encouraging healthy behaviors
How does media glamorize substance use?
Makes it look fun, normal, or without consequences
What is withdrawal?
Physical or emotional symptoms when someone stops using a drug.
Why do teens take more risks?
Their prefrontal cortex is still developing
What is a pattern of addiction?
A predictable cycle that leads to drug use
What is negative peer pressure?
Friends encouraging unsafe/unhealthy behaviors
Who benefits from glamorizing drug/alcohol use?
Companies selling the product
Name one sign of developing addiction.
Mood changes, using more, loss of interest in activities, etc.
What is an example of an unsafe situation?
Getting inside of a car with someone who has been drinking.
What is one early sign of an addiction pattern?
Using substances to handle stress or fit in
Name an effective refusal skill
Clear NO, walk away
How can social media increase drug- related risks?
Trends, comparisons, influences, peer pressure
Why is addiction difficult to treat?
It changes the brain’s reward system (dopamine pathway).
How are risk behaviors connected to addiction?
Risk behaviors -> patterns -> addiction
Why are gateway drugs risky for teens?
Teen brains are still developing -> easier to form habits
Give an example of using a refusal skill
No thanks, I don’t vape, let’s go do _____ instead
Give an example of a media message that influences teens.
Ads, songs, videos, influencer posts