True or False
A physical withdrawal reaction when someone stops drinking, smoking, or taking a drug means the body has developed mental dependence
True or False
False
A physical withdrawal reaction when someone stops drinking, smoking, or taking a drug means the body has developed PHYSICAL dependence
Signs of opiate overdose
Name 2
shallow breathing, confusion, lessened alertness, loss of consciousness, respiratory failure, slow breathing, small pupils, unresponsiveness, or blue skin from poor circulation.
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction plays a significant role in preventing drug-related deaths and offering access to healthcare, social services, and treatment
What does PAWS stand for?
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
What is a relapse?
After achieving short term or long-term sobriety, a person in recovery begins abusing drugs or alcohol again.
Psychological dependence causes drug users to seek out more of the drug (drug-seeking behavior).
True or False
True
Name two signs of alcohol overdose
vomiting, blacking out, passing out, cold/clammy skin, death, slurring, lack of muscle coordination
What are two examples of harm reduction?
Naloxone, Fentanyl test strips, needle/syringe distribution, safe injection sites, drinking and driving laws, methadone and buprenorphine, etc..
What is PAWS?
A biochemical withdrawal occurring after physical detoxication.
What are some examples of relapse warning signs?
A first time user who took the same heroin dose as a user who had built up a heavy tolerance to a drug will not overdose.
True or False
A first time user who took the same heroin dose as a user who had built up a heavy tolerance to a drug WILL/MAY overdose.
What are two examples of how drug addiction can start?
experimental use, regular or social use, exposure to prescribed medications, family history/genetics, environment, mental health, traumatic experiences, early exposure
What is the main goal of Harm Reduction?
The primary goal of harm reduction is to save lives and protect the health of both people who use drugs and their communities
What are some examples of symptoms of PAWS.
Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, lack of coordination, and insomnia.
What are triggers?
Triggers are people, places, objects, situations, emotions, or thoughts that spark a desire to use drugs.
Research has shown that children of alcoholics, even those taken to non-drinking families at birth, are immune to becoming alcoholics in later life, if they start drinking.
True or False
Research has shown that children of alcoholics, even those taken to non-drinking families at birth, are PRONE to becoming alcoholics in later life, if they start drinking.
Why do people feel depressed after using stimulants such as ecstasy or crystal meth?
Because uppers/stimulants trigger a big dose of the “feel good” chemical (like, dopamine), the body can stop producing them. After the drug is out of the system, it takes a while for the body to start making and releasing chemicals on its own again
What are some key Harm Reduction issues?
Drug overdose: trying to promote better solutions and policies at the state and federal level
Naloxone: unable to gain access
Good Samaritan Laws: People using illegal drugs often fear arrest if they call 911 when they witness an overdose, not knowing the law
Supervised Consumption Services: trying to advocate for supervised consumption pilot programs in the U.S
Syringe Access: not having enough access
Drug Checking: the wide scale use and distribution of testing supplies and equipment as well as drug checking research
How long can PAWS last for?
is known to last many months. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms typically last between 1 and 2 years; however, the severity and frequency of symptoms tend to dissipate as times goes by without the use of addictive substances.
What is a relapse prevention plan?
A relapse prevention plan includes strategies to reduce the risk of going back to substance misuse after addiction treatment
Almost 8% of all 12th graders had used Hallucinogens at least once as of 2020.
TRUE
Examples of Long-Term Effects of Drug Addiction
Name 2
Physical health problems, mental health disorders, impaired cognitive function, changes in memory, changes in brain connections, broken relationships, legal problems, financial problems, injuries
Where was the first safe injection site in North America?
The first legal supervised drug injection site in North America, located at 139 East Hastings Street, in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighborhood of Vancouver, British Columbia.
What are some ways to cope with PAWS?
practice self-care, educate yourself on PAWS, exercise, start a journal, talk about what you are experiencing, avoid triggers, practice relaxation techniques, know where and when to reach out for help.
What are some examples of relapse prevention plans?
Self-Care, HALT, Mindfulness Meditation, Know Your Triggers, Join a Support Group, Grounding Techniques, Deep Breathing, Make An Emergency Contact List, Play The Tape Through, Get Help.