Substance Questions
Why are teens’ brains more vulnerable to alcohol and drugs?
Their brains are still developing critical decision-making areas, and use during this developmental period changes the brain’s reward system and can cause addiction.
What’s a “false norm”?
Believing everyone does something when they actually don’t.
Compare and contrast protective factors and risk factors
Risk factors and protective factors both influence a person’s chances of using or avoiding substances, but they work in opposite ways.
Risk factors are things that increase the likelihood of substance misuse or other risky behaviors.
Protective factors, on the other hand, are things that reduce the likelihood of substance misuse and help teens make healthy choices.
In other words, risk factors push you toward risky choices, while protective factors pull you toward healthy ones. Everyone has some of both, but building more protective factors can balance out or reduce the impact of risk factors.
What’s an “A-Team” of trusted adults?
Adults you can go to for support and guidance.
What are “refusal skills”?
Ways to say no and avoid risky situations while staying confident and respectful.
What’s in most vapes?
Nicotine, flavoring, solvents, and other substances/chemical compounds.
Why do social media posts about drugs and alcohol often seem positive?
They glamorize use and leave out risks.
How can planning future goals reduce risky behavior?
It provides motivation to avoid harmful behaviors.
What are healthy ways to cope and practice mindfulness?
Engage in hobbies/activities, maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, seek support if you need help, maintain strong friendships, breathing exercises, listening to music, creating art, guided meditation, journalling, etc. (Check out our Mindfulness Monday series on Instagram!)
What’s one strategy you can use if someone pressures you to use a substance?
Use humor to redirect, change the subject, suggest another activity, walk away if needed, etc.
Why is marijuana stronger now than in the past?
Modern marijuana products contain a significantly higher concentration of THC, the psychoactive and addictive component of marijuana.
What is “anticipatory socialization” in substance use?
Forming beliefs about substances before actually encountering them (i.e. everyone vapes in high school).
How can healthy relationships protect teens from substance misuse?
They provide support, guidance, and positive influence.
Why should you refer a friend who is struggling to a trusted adult instead of trying to help them by yourself?
Adults have the experience, knowledge, and resources to help safely. Trying to handle serious problems on your own can be risky for both you and your friend. Your friend might need professional support, and you might feel overwhelmed or unsure what to do. Trusted adults can provide guidance, connect your friend to help, and keep everyone safe.
Why are strong refusal skills important beyond just saying “no”?
They help protect your values, build confidence, resist peer pressure, and set a positive example for others.
What neurotransmitter in the brain do most addictive substances affect?
Dopamine, it’s part of the brain’s reward and pleasure system.
Why is it important to question media portrayals of substance use?
They often glamorize risk, omit real consequences, and subtly influence our perspectives on health, wellness, and how to best care for ourselves.
How does early exposure to substances affect the teen brain?
It disrupts prefrontal cortex development and reward pathways.
What is the difference between enabling and helping a friend?
Enabling shields them from necessary consequences; helping empowers safe choices.
Which skill is crucial when helping a friend with substance issues?
Empathy, communication, setting boundaries, etc.
Common signs/stages of alcohol intoxication
Decision-making/impulse control/judgement decline with exaggerated emotions, poor motor coordination and slurred speech, vomiting, losing consciousness, and in extreme cases, possible coma or death.
How does media portrayal of substance misuse create false norms?
When teens see movies, music videos, or social media posts where people their age are drinking, vaping, or using drugs, they may start to believe that substance abuse is normal because “everyone is doing it.” In reality, most teens don’t use substances, but constant exposure to those images and messages can make risky behavior seem typical or socially accepted.
Why is it important to identify and understand personal risk factors for substance use?
Recognizing risk factors helps teens make informed choices, build protective factors, and seek help or support before problems start.
Warning signs of substance use/mental health & wellness challenges
Symptoms of intoxication (slurred speech, impaired motor function, etc.), lying, avoiding others or becoming withdrawn, giving up activities, changes in mood and affect, etc.
Your friend says, “Come on, just one hit, everyone’s doing it.” What’s an assertive refusal response?
Student response may vary.