The Brain
Substance Use Continuum
Substance Use Effects on
the Brain and Body
Signs of Substance use Disorder
Random
100

The adolescent brain is not fully developed or mature until the age ____

25

100

Using a substance for the first time is considered 

_____________

Experimentation

100

These substances slow the Central Nervous System, leading to symptoms like reduced breathing, lowered body temperature, and slowed heart rate.

DEPRESSANTS

100

When a person needs to take more and more of a substance to feel the same results, this is called

Physical Dependence

100

The brain’s reward system is super _______

Active

200

Adolescents process and act on information that is driven by the "emotional part of the brain." This part of the brain is called the _____________

Amygdala 

(Teens are more impulsive when driven by this part of the brain) 

200

Using a substance regularly is considered ____________

Misuse

200

These substances impact the CNS by influencing perception. They lead to distorted perceptions of reality (things you see and hear look/sound different) or paranoia and hallucinations. "Trip It Up”  

HALLUCINOGENS

200

This kind of use also includes continuing to use even after experiencing negative consequences. For example, repeatedly not completing school work because of substance use.

Risky Use

200

True or False: Alcohol is a Stimulant 

False

300

In an adolescent brain, the "rational thinking part of the brain" is underdeveloped. This part of the brain is the ________ ________


Prefrontal cortex

300

Continuing to use a substance even if it is causing harm to your body, relationships, etc is considered having a ____________ ____ ___________

Substance use disorder

300

Nicotine (smoking or vaping) and Caffeine are examples of 

STIMULANTS

300

When a person is getting into dangerous situations because of substance use, for example, going to unknown locations while on substances, entering risky situations to purchase or obtain drugs or driving under the influence, this is known as 

Risky Use

300

True or False:  Prescription stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD

True

400

This part of the brain is known as the hub of memory and learning and it grows more during the teenage years

HIPPOCAMPUS

400

Using a substance to handle situations or feelings is considered ____________ ______

Problem use

400

Ketamine Mushrooms and PCP are examples of 

HALLUCINOGENS

400

Youth may say something like “I’m only going to have one beer,” or “I’m going to stop smoking on school nights,” but end up not being able to stick to their plan. This is known as: ________ ___ ________

Loss of Control

400

True or False:  Opioids (painkillers like Oxycodone or Morphine) are Depressants

True

500

This part of the brain is the reward center of the brain and is not fully developed in teens________ ________

VENTRAL STRIATUM

500

Using a substance occasionally for fun is considered

Recreational use

500

These substances speed up the CNS, making the body feel excited. Symptoms include rapid breathing, higher body temperature, and faster heart rate.

STIMULANTS

500

This is when youth start to neglect things that are normally important to them, like quitting a club or sport, stopping hanging out with friends, missing school or work, or withdrawing from their relationships.

Social Impact

500

True or False: Cannabis (in high doses) is a Depressant

False

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