Drug Categories
How is alcohol classified as a drug?
Alcohol is classified as a depressant
How do you administer Narcan?
Insert the Narcan nasal spray into one nostril and firmly press the plunger to release the dose.
Who would have a higher blood alcohol concentration a male or female who both weigh 140 lbs after drinking the same amount of alcohol?
A Female.
Why? Because females have less body water, More body fat and lower enzymes that help break down alcohol
What is it called when a person needs more and more of the drug to feel the effects/"high"?
Tolerance
This happens when a drug slows down your breathing too much and can be deadly.
An Overdose
What does a stimulant drug do?
This type of drug excites or arouses the user and create a more awake feeling. Similar effects to caffeine
If someone is blacked out from drinking too much alcohol, will giving them Narcan reverse the effects?
No
Narcan will not reverse alcohol effects because it only works on opioids, not alcohol, which affects the brain through different pathways.
What organ is responsible for breaking down and eliminating about 90% of alcohol from the body?
The liver
This word refers to the uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms that happen when a person stops using a drug their body depends on.
Withdrawal
True or False, you cannot get addicted to marijuana
False.
People can become addicted to marijuana. This is called Cannabis Use Disorder.
The most dangerous drug in the world currently
Fentanyl
Can you give someone two doses of Narcan in a short period of time?
Yes
You should give a second dose of Narcan if the person does NOT respond within 2–3 minutes after the first dose.
What is a disease of the liver where tissue is destroyed and replaced by useless scar tissue?
Cirrhosis
This term describes using more than one substance at the same time, increasing the risk of overdose.
Polysubstance use (or polydrug use) means a person is using more than one drug or substance at the same time or close together.
True or False: Research shows that women tend to start using drugs later in life than men and may develop addiction more quickly.
True.
Research suggests women may develop addiction faster than men due to biological differences, hormone effects, and mental health or stress factors.
Addiction is a choice and not a disease
True or false?
False
In the state of Virginia, can you go to jail for calling 911 if you were using drugs with the person who is overdosing?
No
In Virginia you generally will NOT go to jail just for calling 911, even if you were using with the person who overdosed.
What is a neurotransmitter?
A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate.
This term refers to the strong, often overwhelming urge to use a substance, triggered by internal or external cues.
Cravings
True or False: Prescription drugs are always safe because they are legal.
False
Prescription drugs are not always safe because they can still be dangerous or addictive if misused, taken in the wrong dose, or mixed with other substances.
What plant is Heroin made from?
Heroin is made from the opium poppy plant.
This plant produces a milky sap called opium, which contains morphine. Morphine is then chemically processed to make heroin.
What happens in the brain when you give someone Narcan?
Narcan (naloxone) quickly blocks opioids in the brain, reversing an overdose and restoring normal breathing.
What are the three ways that the body can get rid of alcohol?
Breathing, Sweating and breaking it down through the Liver
What is the term for when the brain gets used to a drug and feels like it needs it to function normally?
Dependence
What is the number one substance that can be life-threatening if stopped suddenly after years of use?
Alcohol
Alcohol can be life-threatening to stop suddenly after long-term use because withdrawal can cause severe nervous system overactivity, including seizures, tremors and hallucinations