Types of Substances
In the term substance 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 alters a person’s judgment and decision making which can lead to dangerous behaviors.
TRUE - Substance abuse also leads to addiction which makes it very difficult to stop.
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.
Adult 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.
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 or severe psychological and physical dependence.
FALSE - They have a very high potential for abuse and addiction.
It only takes your brain a few hours to clear up and fully recover after using marijuana only one time.
FALSE - It can take up to three weeks.
Carbon monoxide is the chemical in cigarettes that reduces oxygen and makes it hard to exercise or do well in sports.
TRUE - It is extremely harmful to the lungs.
If parents or family members are smokers their kids need to be extra strong/careful about avoiding tobacco use.
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. 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.
If used improperly, prescription medication can affect the brain in negative ways 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.
When teens abuse over the counter substances to get high, they can suffer 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 after getting a "boost" it quickly fades and the user wants more and more.
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 using, they go through withdrawal, which causes pain, shakes, vomiting, and severe headaches.
TRUE - Withdrawal is a miserable process that can take a long time.
Substances sold at a drug store 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 wants and feels like it needs the drug to function properly.
TRUE - Addiction extremely habit-forming substance.
Smoking has short term consequences. It makes it harder to breathe and makes you more likely to get sick. Smoking is also linked to 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. It stays on your record and can make it impossible to get into College 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 like alcohol and tobacco are legal 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?
Psychological addiction is when your BRAIN thinks it needs a drug. However; physical addiction, is when your BODY is so used to the drug that it actually 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.
Cannabis is the main ingredient in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. It is a leaf that has the drug nicotine in it. You must be 18 years old to buy it.
FALSE - Tobacco is the main ingredient which has nicotine in it and new laws require you must be 21 to buy it.
There are specific things you can say to refuse someone who asks you to try drinking.
TRUE - Name at least three.
Using drugs and alcohol not as dangerous for kids because they don't get addicted as fast.
FALSE - It is much easier to get addicted to when you are younger.