Brain and Dopamine
What does dopamine do in your brain?
Makes you feel good and teaches your brain what to repeat
Which type of substance slows your brain and reaction time?
Depressants
In the Juvenile Justice System, what’s one consequence if you fail a drug test?
Probation violation
Weed helps you relax so it’s not a problem.
False — can lead to anxiety, poor decisions, and consequences
“You’re in a situation where everyone is using but you know the risks. What’s a REALISTIC way to handle it?”
Why might someone stop enjoying normal activities after using substances for a while?
Brain is used to higher dopamine → normal life feels boring
What is a stimulant?
A stimulant speeds up the body and brain. Stimulants, such as methamphetamines and cocaine, have the opposite effect of depressants. Usually, stimulants make someone feel high and energized. When the effects of a stimulant wear off, the person will feel tired or sick.
Why do small decisions (like “just once”) matter over time?
They build patterns → bigger consequences
Taking drugs can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis
True
You’re stressed and use to feel better—what happens after the feeling wears off?
Stress returns / worse
If your brain is used to quick dopamine from substances, how might that affect your decision-making?
More impulsive / choosing quick relief over long-term consequences
What type of substances causes your heart rate and breathing to slow down and numbs pain.
opioids like lean, heroin, oxys
Why might stimulants lead to risky behavior?
Increase impulsivity and reduce thinking before acting
Substances help you deal with stress.
False — only temporary, stress comes back
You use before something important (court, school, work)—what’s the risk?
You could have difficulty concentrating, feel more anxious, which can lead to acting strange, not answering questions the right way, forgetting important information, and consequences such as detainment, suspensions, and being fired.
Why is it harder to stop using substances over time, even if someone wants to?
Brain adapts → cravings + dependence + habit loop
Why are edibles more dangerous for decision-making than people expect?
Delayed effect → overuse → stronger impairment later
Why do people often think they won’t get caught—even when others do?
Overconfidence / “won’t happen to me” thinking
If I can stop using whenever I want, that means I am not addicted
False! Addiction can mean a lot of things such as taking more over time, having strong urges, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite consequences
You keep using every time you feel angry, what pattern are you building?
Substance use cycle / dependence; lose ability to cope with emotions with drugs; suppress emotions
How does dopamine help explain why people repeat behaviors that get them in trouble?
Brain links behavior with reward → keeps repeating despite consequences
Which type of substance is MOST likely to affect your ability to understand what’s happening around you, and why?
Hallucinogens → distort reality
Why could memory problems from weed lead to real-life consequences?
Forgetting rules, court dates, or instructions → getting in trouble
Vapes can lead to metal in your lungs
True! The "water vapor" contains cancer causing chemicals and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
You know using can get you in trouble but still feel like doing it—what’s happening in your brain?
Dopamine craving + habit loop overriding logic