Alcohol
True or False: Drinking beer or seltzers is safer than drinking hard liquor because they have a lower alcohol content.
False. While beer and seltzers may have less alcohol per serving, it’s easy to drink more quickly and consume more in a shorter time. The total amount of alcohol consumed is what matters, and drinking too much of anything can lead to alcohol poisoning and dangerous behavior.
How much fentanyl is needed to be deadly?
2 milligrams (mg) of fentanyl is considered a potentially fatal dose. (2 grains of salt)
-It is impossible to taste or smell and extremely difficult to test for.
True or False: Just because Delta-8 and Delta-10 are sold in gas stations, they’re safe and legal for teens.
False. These are synthetic THC products, often unregulated and not legal for minors — and can cause harmful effects like anxiety, confusion, or paranoia.
True or False: Vaping is just flavored water vapor.
False. Vapes often contain nicotine, toxic chemicals, metals, and fine particles that damage lungs.
Myth or Facts: Myth or Fact: If a substance is legal, it means it’s totally safe.
Myth.
Even legal substances (like alcohol, Delta-8, or vape products) can cause harm—especially to developing teen brains.
What’s the legal drinking age in the United States, and why is it set at that age?
The legal drinking age is 21 to help protect brain development. The brain doesn’t fully mature until around the age of 25, and alcohol can harm memory, impulse control, and decision-making during this crucial stage of development.
What’s the biggest danger of mixing opioids with alcohol or benzodiazepines (like Xanax)?
Mixing these substances can slow down your breathing and cause a fatal overdose, as they both depress the central nervous system.
What’s the difference between CBD and THC?
THC is the part of marijuana that causes a “high.” CBD doesn’t get you high, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free — especially for developing brains.
True or False: Vaping is less addictive than cigarettes.
False. Many vapes contain high levels of nicotine, and some studies show they may be even more addictive due to fast absorption.
Myth or Fact: Vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes.
Myth.
Vapes can still contain nicotine, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. Plus, many users end up addicted just as quickly.
True or False: Drinking alcohol is a rite of passage for teens and shouldn’t be seen as a big deal.
False. Drinking alcohol at a young age can lead to alcohol dependence, legal consequences, and mental health issues. It’s also linked to risky behaviors like unsafe driving, violence, and sexual assault.
True or False: Prescription opioids are safe because doctors prescribe them.
False. Prescription opioids can still be highly addictive, and misuse can lead to overdose or long-term dependence — especially when taken outside of prescribed use.
True or False: Because marijuana is legal in some states, it's safe for teen use.
False. Even in states where it’s legal for adults, marijuana use by teens can lead to memory problems, impaired learning, and increased risk of mental health issues.
True or False: Because vapes are “smokeless,” there’s no risk of secondhand exposure.
False. Vapes release aerosol, not water vapor, and secondhand exposure still contains harmful substances.
Myth or Fact: You can always tell if a pill or vape has fentanyl in it.
Myth
Fentanyl is often hidden in fake pills or mixed with other drugs—and you can’t smell, taste, or see it.
What are some immediate dangers of binge drinking for teens?
Binge drinking can cause blackouts, alcohol poisoning, risk taking behaviors, and injuries. It also increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorder later in life.
What is Narcan (naloxone), and how does it save lives?
Narcan is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It works by quickly restoring normal breathing and consciousness to someone who has overdosed on opioids like heroin or fentanyl.
True or False? Kratom is "natural" and sold in stores, so it can't be risky.
Kratom is a plant-based substance with opioid-like effects. It’s sometimes marketed as “natural,” however what is typically available in store contains synthetic compounds. It but it can be addictive and has been linked to seizures and death.
Is it legal for anyone under 21 to buy, use, or possess vaping products in Florida?
No. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or possess vape products in Florida—even “just CBD” or Delta-8 vapes.
Myth or Fact: Using marijuana during your teen years has no long-term effects.
Myth.
Teen marijuana use has been linked to lower motivation, memory issues, and even increased risk for mental health struggles.
What are the signs of alcohol poisoning, and why is it so dangerous for teens?
Signs of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and unconsciousness. It’s dangerous because alcohol poisoning can shut down the body’s vital systems, leading to death if not treated immediately.
True or False: If a person overdoses on opioids, there’s nothing you can do until emergency responders arrive.
False. Narcan can be used immediately to counteract the overdose and giving it right away can save lives until paramedics arrive.
True or False: Using THC products during your teen years can impact brain development.
True. Regular use of THC as a teen can interfere with brain development related to decision-making, memory, and focus — and those effects can last.
Long term it can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, fatigue, and over all lower mood.
True or False: Most teens are vaping regularly.
False. While vaping is a concern, most teens are not using vapes — but marketing and social media can create a false sense that “everyone’s doing it.”
Data shows approximately 26% of high schoolers in Nassau reported having used vape in their lifetime, and 15% if in the last 30 days.
Myth or Fact: Drinking alcohol at home with parents is a safe way to teach responsible drinking.
Myth.
Research shows that early exposure actually increases the chances of risky drinking and future substance misuse.
In Florida, it is illegal to allow minors to consume alcohol in a private setting. This is known as "social hosting." The adult who permits this action may face a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail