Types of Substances
In the term drug abuse, a drug is defined as a substance other than food or water that changes the way your body functions.
TRUE - Drugs include tobacco, alcohol, and other things that are used to alter the way you feel. What are other substances in this category?
Substance abuse is using a substance to the point that it alters a person’s judgment and decision making which leads to dangerous behaviors.
TRUE - Substance abuse also leads to addiction which makes it very difficult to stop.
Cannabis is the main ingredient in cigarettes, cigars, and dip. It is a leaf that has the drug nicotine in it. You have to be 18 years old to buy it.
FALSE - Tobacco is the main ingredient which has nicotine in it.
People pressure takes place when friends or people your own age try to get you to do something.
FALSE - Peer pressure is very common with kids and adults. What are the five strategies for surviving it?
Drug use can lead to failing grades and even getting suspended or expelled.
TRUE - What are other consequences that can happen at school?
Controlled substances and illegal drugs do not have a very high potential for abuse and do not lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
FALSE - They have a very high potential for abuse and addiction.
It only takes your brain a few hours to recover to full function after using marijuana only one time.
FALSE - It can take up to three weeks.
Carbon monoxide is the chemical in cigarettes that reduces the amount of oxygen available to your body and makes it hard for you to exercise or be good at sports.
TRUE - It is extremely harmful to the lungs.
Your parents and family will have a great influence on how you grow up. They help to raise you and influence you daily. If they are smokers, you are more likely to try smoking.
TRUE - Peer/family pressure can be good or bad. It's up to you to educate yourself and make wise choices.
Smoking does not limit your ability to breath properly due to the damage it does to your lungs. Kids who smoke can usually keep up with kids who don't because they can still get enough oxygen.
FALSE - Kids who smoke have a much harder time with physical activity.
Substances that are prescribed by a doctor to safely treat a medical condition but are improperly (too much or for something else) can affect the brain in ways very similar to illegal drugs.
TRUE - When taken too many at a time or for something other than treating the medical condition, prescription drugs can cause the same dangerous side effects as illegal drugs.
Teens abuse over the counter substances to get high. They can cause weakness, numbness, nausea or vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure and brain damage.
TRUE - What are some of these substances?
Nicotine is the extremely addictive drug in tobacco and is a strong stimulant, but after getting a "boost" it quickly fades and the user wants more and uses it again and again.
TRUE - This is why it is so hard to quit, even if a person really wants to.
Goals can't be ruined by drug abuse because drugs don't take away your drive to accomplish things.
FALSE - Drugs definitely take away your drive to accomplish you goals.
When someone who is addicted to drugs stops taking that drug, they go through withdrawal, which involves pain, shakes, vomiting, and severe headaches.
TRUE - Withdrawal is a miserable process that can take a long time.
Substances that are sold from a drug store directly to a person without a prescription are not harmful if taken improperly.
FALSE - Over the counter drugs can be very harmful if used improperly.
Substance addiction is using something to the point where your body or brain needs the drug to function properly.
TRUE - Addiction is a need for and use of a habit-forming substance.
Smoking has short term consequences. It makes it harder to breathe and makes you more likely to get sick. Smoking also has long-term consequences such as lung-disease, heart-disease and many types of cancer.
TRUE - Marijuana also has these side dangerous effects.
Sports, drama, & music are examples of hobbies that can help to keep you busy and prevent drug abuse.
TRUE - What are some other activities?
You can get grounded if you are caught w/ drugs. If it this happens, it stays on your record and can make it impossible to get into College, private high schools, or even get the job that you want.
FALSE - Grounding is not fun, but if you get arrested for drugs it goes on your record and can impact your future.
Some substances are legal such as alcohol and tobacco but they have an age requirement for consumption.
TRUE - Alcohol and tobacco are legal for adults but not for underage youth. What are the age limits?
A psychological addiction is when your BRAIN thinks that it needs a substance to function properly. However; physical addiction, is when your BODY is so used to the drug that it needs it to function properly.
TRUE - Psychological and physical addictions are extremely difficult to overcome but it's possible with the proper treatment and support.
Vaping is not as harmful as smoking cigarettes.
FALSE - Vaping is just as dangerous as cigarettes since is causes lung damage. It can be even more dangerous because other substances can be put into the cartridges.
There are things you can say to refuse someone who asks you to try drinking.
TRUE - Name at least three.
Though withdrawing from all drugs is extremely painful and sickening, for someone addicted to alcohol, withdrawal could cause death.
TRUE - And like other drugs, it is easier to get addicted to when you are younger.