Classifications of Substances
This type of substance slows down the central nervous system, causing drowsiness, lack of coordination, slurred speech, & more
Depressants
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgement and ability to make good decisions. Which part of the brain is therefore impaired?
Frontal Lobe / prefrontal cortex
Needing increasing amounts of a substance to feel its effects is called...
Tolerance
True or False: Addiction is only about using illegal drugs.
FALSE
People can become addicted to substances (legal or illegal), behaviors, or activities
This type of substance causes the release of adrenaline & speeds up your nervous system activity. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, anxiety, sweating, loss of appetite
Stimulant
The use of drugs can hijack the reward centers in your brain that release this feel good chemical
Dopamine
When someone stops using a substance and experiences physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea
Withdrawal
Addiction is a disease that affects the brain and body
TRUE
Addiction changes or even destroys key brain regions that are meant to help us survive
This type of substance can change the user's perception of reality and cause hallucinations, panic or paranoia, and uncoordinated movement
Hallucinogens / Psychedelics
This organ is most affected by chronic alcohol use, potentially leading to cirrhosis
Liver
______ is a treatable, chronic condition in which the brain and body become dependent on a substance, activity, or behavior. People experiencing this may continue to engage in behaviors compulsively and continue to do so despite harmful consequences.
Addiction
True or False: Genetics can play a role in a person’s risk of developing an addiction.
TRUE
It is estimated that genetics account for 40-60% of your risk of becoming addicted to a substance, activity, or behavior
This specific drug has its own category due to its wide range of effects that can vary from person to person. It can have the effects of depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Drug abuse, especially during teen years, can permanently shrink the size of the hippocampus, a structure in the brain responsible for...
Memory
Taking an incorrect dose of a medication, taking a drug for reasons other than prescribed, and taking a drug that is not prescribed to you are examples of...
Drug misuse
True or False: Someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs can "just stop" when they are ready, without any medical or psychological support.
FALSE
support is needed to help fully recover from an addiction
This type of substance is used in medical settings to treat severe pain but is highly addictive and has a high rate of overdose when abused and misused
Opioids / opiates / narcotics
smoking & vaping can cause this chronic lung disease that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe
Emphysema
This is the term for the process of stopping the use of a substance and can include medical and psychological support.
Detoxification / rehabilitation
Once you've recovered from an addiction, you won't get addicted anymore
FALSE
Recovery from addiction in a lifelong process