Intro to Substance Use
Name of the drug campaign that dominated the 1970s/1980s?
Just Say No
What are the four drug-related harms?
- Physical
- Academic
- Socio-emotional
- Legal
What is a stimulant?
excites your central nervous system and is released via neurotransmitters
can be consumed orally, by injection, or snorted
what is the name of the chemical compound in cannabis?
THC
how many high school students vape?
2.4-3 million
What is a drug?
any substance that in small amounts produces significant changes in the brain, body, or both
What is the substance use continuum?
it is a spectrum that demonstrates one's relationship with substances
Components: Experimental, Recreational, Regular, Misuse, and Dependence
What are some examples of stimulants?
nicotine, caffeine, methylphenidate, amphetamines, crack
what are some of the short-term and long-term effects of cannabis?
short term: relaxed, increased creativity, decreased pain, decrease anxiety, may increase appetite
long-term: laugh easier, longer response time, concentration difficulties, paranoia, hallucinations
what is the name of the piece in the vape that holds the juice?
Please name three kinds of "drugs"
Caffeine, Alcohol, and Cannabis
Other options: stimulants, prescription pills,
what are common harm-reduction strategies?
abstinence
develop drug knowledge
dose/dosage
low/slow
moderation
set/setting
check substances
avoid mixing
be able to respond
know drug policy
What are the effects of stimulants?
Increase energy, Increase alertness, Increases focus, Suppress appetite, Improve mood, Euphoria, Dilated pupils, Sweating/heart rate, Paranoia/anxiety Increases, mental acuity
how are edibles different than flower cannabis?
minimizes carcinogens
the drug is absorbed more slowly
last 4-8 hours
THC is metabolized by the liver
11-OH-THC (more potent)
what are some health concerns regarding e-cigs or vapes?
-e-liquid manufacturing is not regulated and we don't know what sort of additives goes into e-liquids
- we don't know the long-term impacts of e-cigs
What is harm reduction?
Refers to a range of public health policies designed to lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with various human behaviors, both legal and illegal
Maria goes out for drinks and then decides to drive home, but she has a cup of coffee first
Is she practicing harm reduction?
No, drinking then driving is not safe. One coffee does not negate the effects of alcohol on the brain.
What are the risks of stimulant drugs? short term? long-term?
Short-term: agitation, dehydration, jittery, impaired judgment, decrease focus
Long-term: paranoid, aggression, hallucinations, psychosis
how was CPS changed their drug policy?
it recently changed so students are not expelled or suspended
why are e-cigs/vapes popular amongst teens?
- flavoring
- easy to access
- easier to get away with (no smoke)
Why was the War on Drugs a big failure?
- there was no health-based component
- focused on punishment, not rehabilitation
- targeted marginalized groups
Why is harm reduction a better strategy than other approaches?
Focuses on prevention and education rather than punitive measures
What are some harm-reduction strategies around nicotine?
dose and dosage, drug policy, and drug knowledge
What does CRAAP stand for and why is it important?
CRAAP (currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose)
It allows people to accurate analyze sources
why are some harm-reduction strategies around vaping?