Cigarettes
What are some of the consequences of smoking? Name 1
- 50% of smokers die from a smoking related disease.
- Half of smokers who die from smoking will die before 69
Is one type of alcoholic drink safer than another? Ex: is drinking wine safer than drinking beer?
No, it is the amount of alcohol present in a drink that matters not the type of drink. Alcohol has the same impact on the body when consumed as wine or beer.
What is an overdose?
An overdose happens after someone is exposed to a toxic dose of a substance. The body becomes unable to do normal functions like breathing, controlling the heart rate, and regulating body temperature.
Who can form an addiction?
Anyone can become addicted. Addiction impacts people of all races, classes, and social groups.
What is naloxone (NARCAN)?
Naloxone is a drug used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is not harmful. It is administered by needle or nasal spray.
Is it safe to smoke in a home that you share with a child?
No. Second-hand smoke is dangerous. Children are especially susceptible to health-issues due to their small airways
What is the recommended amount of alcoholic drinks that a woman can healthily consume?
Limit to two glasses per day and maximum ten glasses per week. Alcohol should not be consumed every day.
Measurements of 1 Standard Drink (One Glass)
340ml of beer
140ml of wine
85ml of strong wine
45ml of liquor
140ml of cider.
What should you do if you think someone is overdosing?
Call 911 no matter what. Administer first aid if you are capable. Give naloxone if capable (even if you are unsure if it is an opioid overdose).
True or false, only illegal drugs can cause health complications and addiction.
False. Legal drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, etc. still have negative health implications.
What should you do if you think someone is overdosing?
Call 911 no matter what. Administer first aid if you are capable. Give naloxone if capable (even if you are unsure if it is an opioid overdose).
True of false. Cancer is the only illness that smoking causes.
False. Smoking causes many illnesses such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart disease
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
Should you take Tylenol (acetaminophen) to treat a hangover?
Never mix Tylenol with alcohol or use it to treat a hangover headache. When Tylenol and alcohol are both in your body you are at increased risk for serious liver damage. Advil (ibuprofen) is a safer alternative for hangover related headaches.
How can individuals avoid the spread of disease when using drugs?
Individuals who use drugs can avoid the spread of disease by not sharing any consumption products. This includes pipes, tourniquets, needles, syringes, etc.
Specifically, individuals who use injection drugs can avoid the spread of disease by using a brand-new needle every time they inject drugs and by not sharing needles. Individuals who use crack-pipes can avoid the spread of disease by using a personal mouthpiece that can be removed if sharing occurs.
Who can help individuals struggling with an with an addiction? Who can they turn to?
A trusted health care professional
A trusted social worker
Quebec’s free and confidential addictions helpline:
1-800-265-2626.
Name 3 signs of an opioid overdose.
Slow, shallow, irregular or absent breathing (less than 1 breath every 5 seconds).
Unresponsive – can’t be woken up.
Unusual snoring, gurgling sounds, or choking
Blue lips or nails, pale cold or clammy skin
Tiny pupils.
True or False. It is only beneficially to quit smoking while you're in your 20s. Once you're older the damage is done so it doesn't matter.
False! Quitting smoking improves health at any age. In fact, the life expectancy of individuals 35-44 after quitting increases by 9 years and for individuals 45-54 it increases by 6 years
Name two symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in people who chronically drink alcohol. (Alcohol dependent)
Increase heart rate
Trembling of hands
Headaches
Insomnia
Confusion
Agitation
Anxiety
Nausea & vomiting
Seizures
Can marijuana induce psychosis?
Yes marijuana can induce psychosis in susceptible individuals. Young people and people with a family history of mental illness are particularly at risk.
What are some risk factors for developing a drug dependency?
Not everyone who uses drugs (prescribed or otherwise) becomes dependent. Risk factors for dependency may include genetic, environmental, or other factors. However, it is important to remember that anyone, regardless of risk factors, can develop a dependency.
What should you do after the administration of Naloxone?
Call 911 if you haven’t already. Stay with the overdosing individual. Naloxone acts fast (3-5 min) and wears off after 20-90 minutes. Naloxone does not destroy the drug so the overdose may return. Give another dose of Naloxone if the person still presents signs of opioid overdose.
Name 2 methods individuals use to quit smoking
1. Cold Turkey
2. The Quit to Win! Challenge
3. Quit Smoking Centres
4. Nicotine replacement
5. Pharmaceuticals (some are covered by RAMQ)
What are the symptoms of alcohol-related liver damage?
Symptoms and complications arising from liver damage include:
Fatigue
loss of appetite
lowered resistance to infections
jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Swelling of the abdomen
Internal bleeding
Confusion
Flank pain related to kidney failure
How does the body react to opioids? Give two examples of drugs that are considered as opioids.
Opioids give a sense of euphoria and decreased pain. However, they also cause slowed reflexes, constipation, agitation, myosis (small pupils), weakened judgement, difficulty to function, trouble speaking, drowsiness and in some cases coma.
Common opioids:
Opium
Morphine
Codeine
Heroin
Dilaudid
Oxycodone
Fentanyl
Demerol.
What is methadone and buprenorphine used for?
Both these drugs are painkillers that are often used to manage pain or help treat opioid addiction. For example, they may be used in the treatment of heroin addiction.
Can an individual be arrested for possession of drugs if they call 911 for an overdosing friend? In other words, can someone be arrested for being high when they call for help for an overdosing friend?
No. The individual(s) calling for help are protected by Quebec's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.