Teen Brain Basics
This part of your body is still growing during the teen years.
brain
This feel good chemical increases when using drugs.
Dopamine
It is dangerous to ride with someone who has been doing this.
Drinking or using drugs
Friends can sometimes push you to try something, this is called
peer pressure
Playing sports, doing art, hanging out with friends are examples of this
healthy activities or healthy coping skills
This part of the teen brain controls planning and decision making.
prefrontal cortex
Drugs release dopamine in amounts that are much higher than these normal healthy activities. What are normal activities?
Natural rewards like sports, art, laughing or hobbies.
Taking a pill that has not been prescribed to you can lead to this.
Getting sick or overdosing
Some teens try drugs because they want to feel like they do this with others..
Fit in
When someone offers you drugs, you can always say
No
The teen brain is still developing until about this age.
25
This is what happens when drugs hijack the brains reward system
It makes the brain crave the drug more and more.
Using more than one drug at the same time can make things even more...
dangerous
Some teens use drugs because they feel this big feeling inside...
stress
Talking to a trusted adult when you feel stressed is a sign of ...
Maturity
Because this part matures last, teen may act on impulse.
prefrontal cortex
This term describes when the brain needs more of a drug to feel the same effect.
Tolerance
Being around drugs at school can get you into this kind of trouble
school trouble or suspension
Social media can sometimes give this kind of information about drugs.
Wrong or fake information
A healthy way to deal with stress is doing one of these calming actions
any healthy coping skills exercises, breathing music etc
Emotions
Addiction
Parents or family members
Teens may try drugs because they are...
Curious
This person can help you make safe choices- teacher, coach, counselor or parent. They are ...
Trusted adults