Substance Use Basics
What is the difference between substance use and substance misuse?
Substance use is using a substance as intended, while misuse involves using it improperly or excessively.
What are the short-term effects of alcohol use?
Slurred speech, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times.
True or False: You can't become addicted to prescription drugs if they are prescribed by a doctor.
False. Prescription drugs can be addictive if misused.
Name one refusal strategy for saying no to drugs.
Saying "no thanks" or offering an excuse like, "I need to stay sharp for a test."
What is one way substance use affects families?
It can cause financial strain or lead to emotional distress.
Define substance abuse.
The consistent and harmful use of a substance despite negative consequences.
What is one long-term effect of smoking on the body?
Lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
True or False: Alcohol is a stimulant that gives you energy.
False. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain activity.
True or False: Peer pressure is one of the top reasons teens start using substances.
True.
How does substance misuse increase crime rates in communities?
It can lead to theft, violence, or drug trafficking.
True or False: Addiction is a choice, not a disease.
False. Addiction is classified as a chronic disease that changes the brain.
How can marijuana affect mental health in the short-term?
It can cause paranoia, anxiety, or temporary memory loss.
True or False: You can overdoes on over-the-counter medications.
True.
What is a refusal skill that allows you to avoid a situation involving substance use?
Planning ahead or avoiding places where substances will be present.
How does the opioid epidemic impact the healthcare system?
It increases hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and the need for rehabilitation services.
What does the term "epidemic" mean in the context of substance use?
A widespread occurrence of substance use or addiction affecting a large portion of a population.
What organ is primarily affected by excessive alcohol consumption?
The liver.
True or False: It's okay to share prescription medications with friends if they need them.
False. Sharing prescription medications is illegal and dangerous.
Why is it important to practice refusal skills?
To build confidence and reduce the likelihood of giving in to peer pressure.
What is one economic consequence of substance abuse?
Loss of productivity in the workforce.
Name three factors that increase the risk of substance misuse.
Peer pressure, mental health challenges, and genetic predisposition or family modeling.
How does fentanyl differ from other opioids in terms of potency?
Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, making it much more dangerous in small doses.
True or False: Addiction treatment requires one-time help like therapy and/or going to rehab.
False. Addiction is a chronic disease and should be treated as one; recovery is on-going and is a life-long management.
Describe the "broken record technique" in refusing drugs.
Repeating the same refusal statement multiple times until the other person gives up.
Name one national resource for substance use prevention or recovery that we learned in class.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline.