The Brain and body
What is the chemical released by your brain related reward systems and motivation?
Dopamine
True or false: you can overdose on THC
True, what is it called to overdose on THC?
What letter of the alphabet does not appear in any US state?
Q
What is the difference between an opioid and opiate?
Opioids are naturally AND synthetically derived, opiates are naturally derived
Why are some drugs such as meth, bath salts, heroin, and MDMA so dangerous aside from the bodily risk associated with substance use
these drugs are often manufactured in unsanitary spaces and can often be cut or mixed with other chemicals (either on purpose or on accident). This leads to higher levels of overdose and heavy metal toxicity
Ex. Jessie adding chili powder to meth in Breaking Bad
What is the purpose of white matter in the brain?
Transmits information to other parts of the nervous system.
Name 2 places that are potential triggers for relapse in your day to day life.
classroom, bathroom, gas station, home, hanging out with friends, etc
What are the 2 ways hallucinogens work to create a "high" effect?
LSD, Mescaline (peyote), Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and MDMA bind to the receptors that are supposed to accept serotonin.
PCP and Ketamine block neurotransmitters from connecting with NMDA receptors and act as an antagonist to NMDA receptors.
What part of the body is responsible for breaking down carcinogens such as alcohol in the body
The liver
True or false: What you do with your prescription is your business.
false
What is neural pruning?
Your brain’s ability to change, keep, what it needs, and gets rid of the rest over time
Why is "Spice" or "K2" considered a synthetic THC?
It attaches to the same receptors in the brain as THC causing a similar high.
True or False: People are 4 times more likely to develop a substance dependance if they start in adolescence.
False! its 6.5 times more likely.
100 extra points if you can explain why. (hint: neural pruning)
What are the two substances that can cause death during withdrawals?
Alcohol
Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax)
Can you test positive for meth just by being around someone who is smoking meth?
Yes, people can test positive after being exposed to second-hand smoke from meth.
Are there other substances someone can test positive for after being around it second hand? Explain your reasoning.
What are the 4 lobes of the brain?
An extra 100 points if you can tell me where the cerebellum is
Frontal, Temporal, Occipital, and Perietal
How does nicotine affect these 4 different parts of the body: Brain, heart, Blood vessels, and Lungs
Nicotine increases and keeps the dopamine levels of dopamine in the brain elevated causing addiction.
Nicotine also constricts blood vessels while increasing heart rate and blood pressure due to adrenaline.
Use of nicotine can cause buildup of fluid in the lungs and deteriorates lung tissue, leading to lower oxygen levels.
What are the 2 purposes of the pancreas?
It produces enzymes that breaks down carbs, proteins, and fats.
It helps regulate blood sugar
Name 2 effect that opioids have on the body that can be life-threatening and what is the antagonist that temporarily reverse these effects.
heart function slows, breathing severely slows – slowed breathing can also lead to coma and permanent brain damage
Naloxone (Narcan)
What is asphyxiation and sudden sniffing death syndrome?
Sudden sniffing death syndrome is a fatal cardiac event triggered by inhaling volatile substances, which can occur even after a single use.
What are the effects of metal poisoning long term?
It causes the enzymes and proteins in your body to denature (break down) and causes
What are 5 symptoms of nicotine withdrawl?
How long can hallucinogenic substances stay in your system?
Forever. Psychoactive substances never fully leave your brain and can be triggered in your brain for lasting effects
If someone you are with someone who is overdosing, The Good Samaritan Law provides you immunity for your own substance use or possession if you do these 3 things
1. Call 911, a law enforcement officer, or a medical provider
2. You identify yourself and cooperate with the police officer or emergency medical responder, providing as much information as possible
3. You remain at the scene of the event until a police officer or emergency medical responders arrive
What are 5 effects of long-term stimulant use?
extreme weight loss
severe dental problems
intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching (this one is specifically for meth)
anxiety
confusion
sleeping problems
violent behavior
paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
hallucinations—sensations and images that seem real though they aren't