Myths or Facts
These substances are the most used amongst folks in 9th-12th grade
Alcohol and Cannabis
_____________________________
Side note:
Among current substance use the highest estimated for alcohol (29.2%) and cannabis use (21.7%)
Approximately 13% of youth reported current binge drinking and 7.2% reported current prescription opioid misuse
Addiction is easier to develop in an adolescent brain, explain why.
Adolescent brains are still under construction, especially the prefrontal cortex, which typically communicates with the animal side of our brain. The messages from the PFC are extremely slow compared to the animal side of our brain. (stop/go switch)
A change in attitude, Mood swings, anxiety, depression, and paranoia are examples of which of the following warning signs (choices: Psychological, Behavioral, Emotional)
Psychological
During this stage of use a person may be trying something new, may be curious, is using infrequently, and is able to stop use by themselves. (Choices: Experimental, Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, Ceremonial, Recreational, Habitual)
Experimental
Why do golfers wear two pairs of pants?
In case they get a hole in one.
Approximately what percentage of youth reported using cannabis more than 40 times in their lifetime.
Approximately 18%
_____________________________
Side note:
Among the 2,946 youth who reported current marijuana use, 18% reported using it ≥40 times, 23.5% said 10-39 times, 21.8% said 3-9 times, and 36.7% said 1-2 times.
This part of the brain makes up approximately 3/4 of the entire brain and is divided into four areas called lobes which control specific functions. One area of this part of the brain is responsible for thinking, planning, problem solving, and decision making. (Choices: Cerebral Cortex, Frontal Lobe, Cerebellum, Amygdala, etc.)
The Cerebral Cortex
These physical warning signs are commonly experienced by folks using alcohol.
Slurred speech, impaired coordination, and in extreme cases tremors.
During this stage of use a person may be using on a regular basis or using when bored / stressed / lonely. (Choices: Experimental, Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, Ceremonial, Recreational, Habitual)
Misuse
Why can’t a leopard hide?
He’s always spotted.
______________________is the only thing that will help a person "sober up."
Time
_____________________
It is common misconception drinking water or coffee can speed up the time it takes to sober up. In fact, mixing alcohol and caffeine can cause a person to misinterpret the effects of alcohol leading them to believe they are less intoxicated than they really are.
This part of the brain is in charge of all functions our body needs to stay alive (breathing, circulation, digestion, etc.) and connects to the spinal cord. (Choices: Thalamus, Hippocampus, Frontal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, Brain Stem)
The Brain Stem
These behavioral warning signs can be true for any substance.
Stopping work / school
Isolation
Being secretive (not to be mistaken with privacy)
Changes in friend groups
Not doing things you enjoy (sports, hobbies, crafts, etc)
During this stage of use a person may be continuing to use substances despite negative consequences and may believe benefits of use outweight consequences. (Choices: Experimental, Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, Ceremonial, Recreational, Habitual)
Abuse
Why should you not write with a broken pencil?
Because it’s pointless.
Irritability, increased anxiety, loss of appetite, nausea, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and mood swings can be attributed to withdrawal symptoms of which substance.
Cannabis
This part of the brain is responsible for linking together various structures in the brain that control our emotional response to stimuli. (Examples of parts associated with this system: Hippocampus, Thalamus, Amygdala)
The Limbic System
This physical warning sign is commonly found in folks whom are using opiates (heroin, fentanyl, oxy, etc).
Constricted pupils
During this stage of use a person may experience cravings, withdrawal, loss of control, and an inability to stop use on their own. (Choices: Experimental, Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, Ceremonial, Recreational, Habitual)
Dependence
Why can’t you explain puns to kleptomaniacs?
They always take things literally
True or False: You can tell a person is an "addict" based on them being homeless.
False. Housing insecurity may be influenced by drug addiction, but it is not the sole cause and not all folks who are experiencing homelessness are addicted to drugs.
Drugs work by mimicking these naturally occurring chemicals in the brain.
Hallucinations, Delusions, trouble thinking clearly, a decline in self-care, increase in anxiety, lack of motivation, confused speech, and difficulty telling reality from fantasy are all symptoms of this MH condition known to be brought on by cannabis use.
Psychosis
This stage of use is not necessarily problematic as it can be related to a persons culture, religious, or spiritual beliefs / practices. (Choices: Experimental, Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, Ceremonial, Recreational, Habitual)
Ceremonial
Why did the burglar rob the bakery?
Because they needed the dough.