Name that Drug
I am found in beer, wine, and liquor. I slow down activity in the brain and can affect balance, judgment, speech, and reaction time. What am I?
Alcohol
This chemical is the brain's natural reward signal. Feeling happy when you get an A, eat pizza, or scroll through a funny meme is caused by a rush of this neurotransmitter.
dopamine
This highly addictive chemical is found in almost all e-cigarettes (vapes) and tobacco products, and it can actively interfere with teen brain development.
Nicotine
This is the primary mind-altering chemical chemical in cannabis that changes how the brain perceives things and slows down coordination.
THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol
Taking a medicine that belongs to a friend or family member—even if it is for a legitimate reason like pain or focus—is classified by this two-word medical term.
prescription misuse
I am often smoked or vaped. I can make time feel slower, increase appetite, affect short-term memory, and sometimes cause anxiety or paranoia. What am I?
Marijuana, Cannabis, Weed, THC
The brain communicates using electrical and chemical signals. These are the specialized chemical messengers that travel across the tiny gaps between brain cells.
neurotransmitters
Contrary to popular belief, the "cloud" produced by a vape is not harmless water vapor. It is actually this type of mixture containing tiny particles of liquid chemicals and heavy metals.
aerosol
Because THC is fat-soluble (lipophilic), it hides and stores itself in this type of tissue, meaning it can take weeks to leave the human body.
body fat
Medications like Adderall or Ritalin belong to this class of drugs, which speed up body systems and are heavily misused by students attempting to pull "all-nighters".
stimulants
I am a powerful synthetic opioid. A person who overdoses on me may have pinpoint pupils, very slow breathing, and difficulty waking up. What am I?
Fentanyl
This area at the front of the brain handles decision-making, logic, and self-control. Because it keeps growing until about age 25, teens are more vulnerable to the effects of substances.
prefrontal cortex
Nicotine affects the brain's reward system by increasing the release of this chemical, which is associated with pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement of addictive behaviors.
Dopamine
Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a very short period—known as binge drinking—can paralyze the brainstem, causing this life-threatening medical emergency.
alcohol poisoning (or alcohol overdose)
This common, over-the-counter cough suppressant chemical can cause hallucinations and dangerous heart rate spikes if taken in doses far higher than the bottle recommends.
dextromethorphan (DXM)
I am a stimulant that can cause extreme alertness, rapid heartbeat, overheating, and going days without sleeping. Long-term use can also cause paranoia and hallucinations. What am I?
Methamphetamine
Alcohol mimics and boosts this calming chemical messenger, slowing down your central nervous system, reaction time, and balance.
GABA
Nicotine works by tricking the brain into thinking it is a natural chemical called acetylcholine. It attaches to these specific docking stations on brain cells to trigger a dopamine release.
nicotinic receptors
THC mimics this naturally occurring chemical in our brains, which is named after the Sanskrit word for "bliss."
anandamide
Mixing prescription anti-anxiety meds (like Xanax) with alcohol is incredibly dangerous because both slow down the body, causing a person to completely stop doing this vital function.
breathing (respiratory depression)
I am an ingredient in some allergy and sleep medications. In large amounts, I can cause confusion, dry skin, dilated pupils, a racing heart, hallucinations, and dangerous heart rhythms. What am I?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
When a person uses a substance repeatedly, the brain adapts by shutting down or hiding its natural receptors. This causes a person to need more of the substance to feel the same effect.
tolerance
This is the term for the process in which the brain adapts to repeated nicotine exposure, causing a person to need more nicotine to experience the same effects.
Tolerance
Severe, chronic cannabis use can cause a condition abbreviated as CHS, which leads to sudden, repetitive episodes of this severe physical symptom.
intense vomiting (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome)
Many prescription painkillers (like Vicodin or OxyContin) belong to this powerful class of drugs, which can easily trigger severe physical addiction after just a short period of use.
opioids