What is substance use?
What is a substance?
Any drug, alcohol, or chemical that changes how the body or brain functions.
What is an overdose?
When someone takes too much of a substance, causing harmful or life-threatening effects.
What is indirect peer pressure?
When behavior is influenced without direct encouragement (e.g., seeing others use substances).
What is tolerance?
When the body needs more of a substance to feel the same effect.
What is a coping skill?
A healthy way to manage stress, emotions, or difficult situations.
Why is “just trying it once” sometimes risky?
It can lead to repeated use or unexpected harmful effects.
This organ is most affected by substance use
The brain
Why can social media increase substance use risk?
It may normalize or glamorize drug and alcohol use.
What is withdrawal?
Physical or emotional symptoms when substance use is stopped.
What is the goal of prevention programs for substance use?
To reduce or delay substance use
What is prescription drug misuse?
Taking medication in a way not prescribed, such as higher doses or without a prescription.
What is a short-term physical effect of stimulant drugs?
Increased heart rate, energy, or alertness.
What is a “high-risk situation”?
A situation where substance use is more likely to occur.
What is impaired judgement?
Difficulty making safe or rational decisions due to substance use.
How can mindfulness help prevent substance use?
It increases awareness of thoughts and feelings, helping people respond instead of react.
What is polysubstance use?
Using more than one substance at the same time or within a short period.
How can depressants affect the body?
They slow down brain activity, breathing, and heart rate.
What is peer approval seeking?
Wanting acceptance from peers, sometimes leading to risky choices.
What is substance use?
Substance use refers to using alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, or drugs.
What is cognitive reframing?
Changing negative or unhelpful thoughts into more positive or realistic ones.
What is habitual substance use?
Using a substance regularly or as part of a routine.
How does long-term substance use affect brain communication?
It changes how neurotransmitters function, affecting mood, memory, and decision-making.
What is conformity?
Changing your behavior or choices to match a group.
What is addiction?
A chronic condition where a person compulsively uses a substance despite negative consequences.
What is a harm reduction strategy?
Actions that reduce negative consequences of risky behavior without requiring complete abstinence.