Drug Facts and Effects 1
Why does mixing alcohol with opioids or benzodiazepines increase overdose risk?
Mixing depressants slows down breathing and can lead to not breathing at all.
A key danger with counterfeit pills (“Percs,” “Zans,” etc.) bought online or from friends is that they may contain what substance?
Fentanyl. But fentanyl is only one of many extra strong substances that can lead to overdose.
Name one method that can help you set an effective goal.
SMART method
True or false: if a doctor prescribes pills for someone else, it means those pills are safe for you to take, too.
False. Sharing prescription pills is illegal and risky.
What are the risks of taking someone else's prescription pills?
Name some healthy daily habits that support sobriety.
Regular sleep schedule/bedtime routine, consistent nutritious meals/snacks, regular exercise, planned activities/downtime.
Which short term effect is most associated with cannabis use in teens?
Problems with attention and learning.
What other short term negative effects can you think of?
Name some signs of alcohol poisoning.
Vomiting, being unresponsive, slow or irregular breathing, cold/clammy or bluish skin. These are classic red flags; seek medical attention immediately.
Name one step of the SMART method of goal setting.
Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound.
If someone appears to be overdosing on opioids, what should you do?
Call 911, give them Narcan if available.
What does the HALT check‑in stand for and what is it used for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. These feelings make it more likely to make harmful impulsive decisions--fixing the basics first helps you make decisions in line with your values, verses making decisions because you're feeling desperate for comfort.
Which brain area—still developing through the mid‑20s—is most affected by alcohol and drugs when it comes to judgment, impulse control, and planning?
Prefrontal cortex
Stimulant misuse (including abusing prescription stimulants, like ADHD medication) is linked to what problems?
Heart problems, anxiety, paranoia, dental decay (meth use), reduced sleep, reduced appetite/weight.
Name one method that can be used to make a good decision.
DECIDE method.
True or false: Narcan is harmful to someone if they haven't actually overdosed on opioids.
False. Narcan only acts on opioid receptors, so if there are no opioids in the body, Narcan simply has no effect, making it safe to give if someone is unconscious and you're not positive it's an opioid overdose.
Negative side effects typically only occur from giving the actual dose, like nasal irritation or headache.
Give an example of a coping plan that follows an “if‑then” format.
Ex. “If I feel triggered after school, then I’ll walk the dog and call my cousin for 10 minutes.”
Bonus: This also is an example of a plan to "urge surf."
Why is alcohol considered a drug?
It affects the brain and body, can be addictive, and produces measurable physiological and behavioral effects.
Your group chat says, “Everyone’s hitting the vape at lunch. Don’t be lame.” What’s an effective refusal strategy?
Ex. “I’m good—got practice later and don’t want the lungs messed up. Catch you after.”
Offer an alternative, give a reason, set that boundary!
Give an example of a SMART goal.
Ex. I want to lose 10 pounds in 8 weeks so I can reduce my risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What is the difference between a lapse and a relapse in recovery?
A lapse is an isolated incident (a "slip up") of substance use; relapse is considered many instances of substance use--or returning to addictive patterns.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique and when is it supposed to be used?
You name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste. This is meant to ground you in the present moment and reduce high anxiety and stress.
Name some negative effects that nicotine (including vapes) can have, other than increased risk of lung/heart disease.
Worsened anxiety after buzz fades, worsened attention/concentration.
You feel a strong urge after a stressful argument. Which coping skill is MOST helpful in the moment?
"Urge surfing." This means riding out the craving, which typically reduces after 10–15 minutes, using breathing techniques or healthy distractions.
What are some healthy distractions that you could use for urge surfing?
Give an example of a decision made with the DECIDE model.
Ex. The problem is I really don't feel like going to work, but I'm scheduled for today. I could go even though it sounds overwhelming, or I could call in. If I go, it's going to be a long day, and I'll feel tired and annoyed. If I call in, I might get written up, someone else will have to cover my shift, it could hurt my chances of getting a raise. I value being trustworthy and being resilient. I'm going to get ready for my shift and go in. Even though my shift was stressful, I feel good that I showed up and feel more confident that I can do difficult things even when I don't want to.
It can make you feel less drunk while you’re still impaired, increasing the risk of overdrinking, injury, or driving while impaired.
It does not lower blood alcohol content or restore coordination/judgment.
Give an example of cognitive reframing and explain when it should be used.
Ex. Unhelpful thought: "I'm never going to get sober because this program is stupid and doesn't help me."
Cognitive reframing: "There are some things I don't like about this program, but there are also some things here that could really help me. I can talk to the clinical team about the things I don't like. I can get the support I need to get sober."