Legal Or Illegal
What is the difference between legal and illegal substances?
Legal substances are permitted by law for purchase, possession, or use under certain conditions. Illegal substances are prohibited by law and include drugs like heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy. Some substances may be legal in one region but illegal in another (example, cannabis).
What’s the difference between good and bad peer pressure?
Good peer pressure encourages you to make healthy choices. Bad peer pressure pushes you toward harmful behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol.
What is a substance?
A substance is any chemical or drug that changes how your body or brain works. This includes legal ones like alcohol or medicine, and illegal ones like cocaine or heroin.
What are some examples of media that might influence substance use?
TV shows or movies showing characters drinking or smoking
Music videos or lyrics that show drug use
Social media posts showing parties or substance use
Ads for alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products
What is addiction?
Addiction is a condition where a person can’t stop using a substance, even when it’s causing harm to their health.
Name 3 Examples Of Legal Substances
Alcohol (legal for adults over a certain age)
Tobacco/Nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, vapes)
Caffeine (e.g., coffee, energy drinks)
Prescription medications (e.g., painkillers, antidepressants – legal when prescribed)
How can peer pressure lead to substance use?
Someone might feel pressured to try substances to fit in, avoid being teased, or because they think "everyone is doing it."
Name 3 Short Term Effects Of Alcohol
Slurred speech
Poor coordination
Slower reaction time
Risky behavior
Nausea or vomiting
What are some common media messages about substances that are misleading?
Everyone is doing it
You can’t have fun without it
It makes you more popular or attractive
What are signs of addiction?
Needing more of the substance to get the same effect
Feeling sick without having it
Stop hanging out with friends
Continuing to use it even when it causes problems
Name 3 Examples Of Illegal Substances
Heroin
Cocaine
Methamphetamine (meth)
What are three ways to say “no” to peer pressure?
Stay calm, but firmly say no.
Give A reason like I don't want it to mess with my soccer season.
Walk away or change the subject.
Name 3 Long Term Effects Of Alcohol
Liver damage
Memory problems
Addiction (alcoholism)
Increased risk of cancer
Mental health issues like depression
How can you be a positive influence online or in your friend group?
Share healthy lifestyle choices
Speak up against unhealthy behavior
Support friends who say no to substances
Avoid posting about substances
Can someone be addicted to legal substances?
Yes
Can Legal Substances Be used For Harm?
Alcohol can lead to addiction or alcohol poisoning.
Prescription drugs can cause overdoses or dependency if taken without knowing the risks.
Nicotine is highly addictive and harmful to health. Especially in smoking.
What are the steps to making a good decision?
Think about the situation.
Consider your options.
Think about the consequences.
Name 3 Effects Of Cannabis On The Brain
Trouble focusing
Reacts Slower
Anxiety
Less Drive
Risk of addiction with regular use
How can social media increase peer pressure to use substances?
Seeing friends or influencers post about using substances can make it seem like a normal or expected thing to do even if it's not safe or legal.
Can addiction be treated?
Yes. People with substance use disorders can recover with the right help.
Is marijuana legal or illegal?
In some countries like Canada it is very legal. In only some states in the US it is legal and some illegal.
What should you do if a friend tries to pressure you to try vaping?
You should say no, explain your reasons and walk away if needed.
How does nicotine (in cigarettes or vapes) affect the body?
Speeds up heart rate and blood pressure
Can damage lungs
Highly addictive
Why is it important to think about media messages?
Because media doesn't always show the full truth.
Why is it better in the first place to avoid trying harmful substances?
Even using a substance one time may create an addiction