DRUG TERMS
When a drug is used for something other than it's purpose, used too often or taken incorrectly it is called drug _______ ?
Drug abuse. This can happen with good drugs and bad drugs. That's why it's important to be smart and safe with good drugs and avoid bad drugs all together.
This part of the brain controls our emotions and can be heavily affected by drug usage...
The amygdala or "guard dog"- this part of brain is altered heavily on drugs and can make you feel paranoid, fearful, hostile, or angry VERY easily when on drugs.
Saying no to a friend can be hard, even when you know it's the right thing to do. Having __________ can be helpful and means "doing what's right in the face of adversity or fear". This character word helps you stand up and do what's right.
You can tell what drug it is just by looking at it
False. Color and shape can be deceiving. Some drugs can even look like CANDY so make sure you check with a grown up before taking anything that you aren't 100% sure you're allowed to take.
These type of good drugs are used to prevent or treat an illness... These can be taken orally, injected (like shots), rubbed on your skin, etc.
Medicine. Good drugs can become bad drugs if used incorrectly.
Drugs can affect the memory part of your brain, making it hard to remember what you just said or did. Which part of the brain stores our memory?
The hippocampus.
Knowing your values and reminding yourself of them often can make you feel STRONGER when faced with hard decisions.
True. If you know what you stand for, it's easier to stay committed.
Practicing positive self-talk to remind yourself of your dreams, your goals, and the choices you are committed to can help you stay drug free
A doctor writes you a _____ if you are sick
A prescription. These are safe and good drugs but they can still harm you if you take them incorrectly or take medicines not prescribed to you.
Drugs can affect the thinking part of your brain, making it nearly impossible to perform complicated tasks.
The PFC or prefrontal cortex. If our PFC is impaired, we may make decisions we wouldn't normally make.
Peer pressure is when someone in your age/social group tries to get you do something. There is good and bad peer pressure.
What are two healthy ways to resist or not give into peer pressure?
Listen to your own feelings- if that "uh oh" feeling pops up in your tummy, it's probably not a good idea
Enlist a friend to resist, as well- there are strength in numbers and courage is contagious
Choose friends wisely- similar values go a long way in helping you stay committed to being drug free
Stay away from peers who are doing things that are wrong- you know the rules and risks with drugs.
Ask an adult to help, say “No”- grown ups have your back on this one. Don't ever hesitate to get a grown up involved
I can take a drug once and have no effects/consequences.
False. There are a lot of risk factors associated with drug use, even once-- some people's genetics cause them to get addicted easier than others, some people have health conditions that will make their body react more extremely than others. It's SAFER and SMARTER to never use them because you never know.
Drugs can alter the way your brain works and make it hard to stop taking drugs, even if you decide you don't want to anymore. Some people are more prone to this than others.
When someone struggles to stop using drugs/alcohol they are ______.
Addicted.
Our liver has an important job of removing toxins, digesting foods, and making important proteins the body needs. Which legal drug can impair your liver and cause fat to build up?
Alcohol
Peer pressure is when someone in your age/social group tries to get you do something. There is good and bad peer pressure.
Giving into bad peer pressure can lead to unhealthy choices. What are some reasons you might feel pressured to do something you know is wrong/unhealthy?
Worried about being liked
Wanting to fit in
Worrying they will be made fun of
Everyone’s doing it
Poor judgment
Miseducation
Red ribbon week was started because a police officer was trying to keep people from doing drugs
True; Kiki Camerena was killed doing his very dangerous job trying to keep drugs off the street for kids. People wore red ribbons to remember his hard work and dedication and it eventually turned into a national event!