Alcohol
What is the legal BAC in Massachusetts?
.08
List two long-term effects of nicotine on the body
There is an increased risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal disorders, lung cancer
What is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana?
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
Name one category of prescription medications and give an example
Opioids (e.g., OxyContin), antidepressants (e.g., Prozac
Name one strategy to make healthy decisions regarding substance use
Setting clear personal goals and avoiding peer pressure
Describe two short-term effects of alcohol consumption on the body.
Slurred speech, impaired coordination, slowed reaction times.
How does nicotine addiction develop in individuals?
Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine, leading to feelings of pleasure, which encourages repeated use and eventual dependence.
Describe one medical use of marijuana
It is used to manage chronic pain and alleviate symptoms of nausea in chemotherapy patients
Describe the risks of misusing prescription pills
Addiction, overdose, harmful interactions with other substances.
What role do peer pressure and social media play in substance use?
They can normalize substance use, influencing individuals, especially youth, to engage in risky behaviors.
What is binge drinking, and what are its potential health risks?
Drinking five or more alcoholic drinks in a short period; risks include liver damage, alcohol poisoning, and impaired judgment.
What are some common ways people use nicotine besides smoking? List at least two.
Vaping, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, pouches and gum.
How can marijuana use affect short-term memory?
It impairs short-term memory and learning by affecting the hippocampus
Explain how fentanyl differs from other opioids
Fentanyl is much more potent, which increases the risk of overdose even with small amounts
How can education about substances impact youth decisions?
It raises awareness of the risks and consequences, helping young people make informed choices
How does alcohol affect decision-making and judgment?
It impairs the brain’s frontal lobe, affecting impulse control and decision-making, leading to risky behavior.
Discuss the impact of nicotine on mental health
Nicotine can increase anxiety and stress in the long run, and it is associated with mood swings and depression
Analyze the long-term effects of marijuana on brain development in teenagers.
Long-term marijuana use can interfere with brain development, affecting cognitive functions like memory, learning, and impulse control
What are the signs of a fentanyl overdose
Slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or nails, unresponsiveness
What resources are available for individuals struggling with substance use?
Support groups (e.g., AA, NA), counseling, hotlines (e.g., National Helpline for Substance Use), and treatment programs
School Counselor, Mrs. Warren, Teacher, Coach
Explain the concept of alcohol tolerance and its implications for health
Tolerance means needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect, which can increase the risk of addiction and liver damage
What percentage of LHS students vape nicotine and what percentage use oral nicotine
6% and 2%
What is marijuana use disorder?
A problematic pattern of cannabis (marijuana) use. It can range from mild to severe (addiction)
Marijuana accounts for nearly half of admissions into substance use treatment for youth between the ages of 12 to 17
How can communities combat the effects of fentanyl in their populations? List at least two action items
Increased access to naloxone, public education on the dangers of fentanyl, and better treatment for addiction
Why are students with mental health issues are more likely to use substances?
Because they may use drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate, attempting to alleviate symptoms of their mental health condition like anxiety or depression, providing temporary relief from difficult emotions, and potentially due to changes in brain chemistry that make substances more rewarding for them