Illicit Drugs
What is an illicit drug? Provide an example.
Illicit drugs refer to highly addictive and illegal substances. Example(s): heroine, cocaine, LSD.
What is the legal age to purchase a vape in BC?
19.
What are 3 short-term effects of alcohol consumption?
Impaired judgment, Slurred speech, Unsteady movement, Change in the way you see or hear things, Slow reaction time, Upset stomach & vomiting, Drowsy, Headaches, Memory problems
Which of these is NOT an effect of smoking cannabis/weed?
- Problems with coordination
- Memory problems
- Seeing or hearing things that aren't there
- Increased heartrate
- Faster reaction time
Faster reaction time.
Why is it not a good idea to start using substances when someone is not feeling good? For example, they are stressed out, unhappy, angry, etc.?
There are healthier ways to cope with negative feelings and stress.
- Many physical and mental effects of drug use.
- Might cause addiction - physical dependence, overdose.
True or False: Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and addiction can develop when using substances.
True! Many mental health concerns can develop while substance using. (Depression, anxiety, psychosis, and addiction).
How many chemicals are found in a cigarette (tobacco smoke)?
a. 80
b. 500-600
c. 1,000
d. 4,000+
D. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, and many are toxic!
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.
True of False: Cannabis is a hallucinogen that can cause downer effects and upper effects (increased heart rate).
True! Cannabis has it's own drug classification because of this.
What are some ways you can cope with negative feelings/stress/anxiety instead of using substances?
Find new hobbies, listen to music, go for a walk, workout, read, bake, hang out with friends in positive settings, talk to family/friends or counsellors.
True of False: Anyone can overdose regardless of their substance use history (including prescription medication) or route of use (injecting, inhaling, snorting).
True.
True of false: One JUUL pod/vape contains 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine.
True! The amount of nicotine in one standard JUUL cartridge is roughly equal to the amount of nicotine in a pack of cigarettes, or about 200 puffs.
People who begin drinking before age 15 are ___ times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.
a) 2
b) 4
c) 5
d) 10
4x.
This main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is about 3x as strong as it was in the 80's, and even higher in a concentrated form, and are more dangerous for the brain.
THC: tetrahydrocannabinol.
What can you do if someone is peer pressuring you, or making you do something you don't want to do?
For example, someone is saying that you should smoke because you'll be able to fit in.
Remember that it's your body and your choice! Learn to say "no, I'm good." or talk to a trusted adult.
What should you do if you think someone is overdoing?
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, and asthma.
What are two symptoms of alcohol withdrawal found in people who chronically drink alcohol. (Alcohol dependent)
Examples: Increase heart rate, trembling of hands, headaches, insomnia, confusion, agitation, anxiety, nausea & vomiting, seizures.
True or False: Teens who smoke cannabis weekly are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than teens who do not smoke weekly.
True. Teens who smoke weekly are 3x more likely to have suicidal thoughts.
__________ _________ is an evidence-based, client-centered approach that seeks to reduce the health and social harms associated with addiction and substance use, without necessarily requiring people who use substances from abstaining or stopping.
Harm Reduction.
How do opioids effect the body? Give 2 examples of drugs that are opioids.
Slows down the central nervous system. Lowers heart and breathing rate. Body feels calm, drowsy/sleepy/relaxed. Can lead to addiction/dependency and overdoses.
Examples: Codeine, fentanyl, morphine, Percocet, methadone.
What is the active ingredient found in vapes that is considered safe in some foods to eat, but is not safe to inhale into the lungs (vaping).
Diacetyl. Also referred to as 'popcorn lung.'
When inhaled, diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans - more commonly referred to as "popcorn lung" - a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways.
What are 3 ways to reduce harm when consuming alcohol?
•Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
•Eat before and while you are drinking.
•Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to avoid drinking too much, too fast.
•Don’t use other drugs when drinking alcohol.
•If going to a party, only bring what you’re okay with drinking that night.
•Always mix your own drinks to control the strength.
•Never leave your drink unattended.
•Have a get home safe plan; don’t drink and drive or get into a car with someone who has been drinking.
Regular use of cannabis for teens can lead to continuous problems with attention, memory, and ones ability to take in information quickly, because it effects the brains development. At what age does your brain stop developing?
Your brain is still developing until about the age of 25.
What is something new that you have learned from today's Substance Use presentation?
Surprise me!