Negative Effects of Substances
Tyler uses a substance and notices that afterward he has slowed reaction time, poor coordination, and has trouble making safe decisions. What substance is Tyler most likely using?
Alcohol
Noah witnessed a traumatic event and now has nightmares, avoids reminders of what happened, and feels constantly on guard. What mental health issue might Noah be experiencing?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD)
Marcus says, “I don’t have a problem with vaping. Everyone does it, and I’m not planning to quit.” What stage of change is Marcus in?
Precontemplation
After seeing old friends who use substances, Jordan thinks, "I can handle it this one time," feels excited, and decides to go with them. What is the thought?
"I can handle it this one time."
Sam says, “I don’t want to go along with the group tonight. I need to focus on my recovery,” while staying calm and respectful. What communication style is Sam using?
Assertive
Jasmine uses a substance and finds that she has trouble sleeping, feels more anxious when it wears off, and experiences strong cravings to use again. What substance is Jasmine most likely using?
Nicotine
Ava experiences sudden moments of intense fear where her heart races, she feels like she cannot breathe, and she worries about when the next episode will happen. What mental health issue might Ava be experiencing?
Panic Attacks
Kayla says, “I know my drinking has caused problems, and I’m starting to think maybe I should make a change.” What stage of change is Kayla in?
Contemplation
After getting into an argument with a family member, Taylor thinks, "Nobody cares about me," feels lonely, and stays in their room for the rest of the day. What is the feeling?
Lonely
Alex says, “Whatever, I don’t care what we do,” even though they actually have a strong opinion. They avoid speaking up to prevent conflict. What communication style is Alex using?
Passive
Marcus uses a substance and has become more forgetful, has difficulty concentrating, and feels unmotivated to complete schoolwork. What substance is Marcus most likely using?
Marijuana (or Cannabis)
Lily’s moods shift dramatically. At times she feels extremely energized, sleeps very little, and acts impulsively. Other times she feels very low and unable to function. What mental health issue might Lily be experiencing?
Bipolar Disorder
Jay says, “I want to stop using, and I’m making a plan. I’m talking to my counselor and choosing a quit date.” What stage of change is Jay in?
Preparation
Before giving a presentation, Alex thinks, "I'm going to embarrass myself," feels anxious, and asks to skip class. What is the behavior?
Asking to skip class
Jordan says, “You’re so annoying. You never listen to me,” and raises their voice during an argument. What communication style is Jordan using?
Aggressive
Alex uses a substance and becomes extremely energized, talks very quickly, has a racing heartbeat, and feels unusually confident. The effects fade quickly, so he uses repeatedly throughout the night. They become increasingly restless, impulsive, and paranoid as they continue using, believing people are watching or trying to harm them. What substance is Alex most likely using?
Cocaine
Sarah avoids parties, meeting new people, and speaking in groups because she is extremely afraid of being judged or embarrassed. What mental health issue might Sarah be experiencing?
Social Anxiety Disorder
Tiana has stopped using substances, attends treatment groups, and practices new coping skills every day. What stage of change is Tiana in?
Action
After being told they cannot leave treatment early, Riley thinks, "They don't trust me to make my own choices," feels frustrated and powerless, and refuses to participate in group. What is the emotion?
Frustrated and/or Powerless
Taylor says, “I understand you’re upset, but I still need you to respect my boundaries.” What communication style is Taylor using?
Assertive
After using a substance, Riley's jaw is constantly clenching, they grind their teeth, feel unusually connected to everyone around them, and become dangerously overheated after being physically active for several hours. What substance is Riley most likely using?
MDMA (or Ecstasy or Molly)
Marcus gets very focused on keeping things organized. He spends hours checking and rechecking that things are done perfectly because he feels intense distress if they are not. What mental health issue might Marcus be experiencing?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (or OCD)
Carlos has been sober for a year, continues using recovery skills, and works to prevent relapse. What stage of change is Carlos in?
Maintenance
After receiving a text from an old friend who still uses substances, Jordan thinks, "If I ignore this feeling, it will just go away," feels overwhelmed and uncomfortable, but chooses to go for a walk instead of responding. What is the behavior?
Going for a walk
During a disagreement with a roommate, Jordan says, "It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I know you’re upset, and I probably should have cleaned up sooner. I don’t want to make this a bigger issue, so we can just do whatever you think is best." What communication style is Jordan using?
Passive