The Continuum of use
What are the two ends of the teen drug use continuum?
Never used and physical dependence/substance use disorder.
What do you know about physical harms from substance use? What have you seen in your life?
more than 2 must answer
What type of protective factor involves having supportive friends, family members, coaches, or mentors you can talk to when you’re struggling?
A strong support system or positive relationships.
What risk factor involves being around friends or peers who use substances and encourage others to try them?
Peer pressure or substance-using peer groups.
What is harm reduction in relation to substance use?
Strategies that reduce the risks and negative consequences of substance use, whether someone stops using or not.
What term describes trying a drug once or a few times out of curiosity?
Experimental use.
What are some academic harms that can occur due to substance use? What are some of your experiences with academic harms?
2 or more must answer
What personal skills help someone deal with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions without turning to substances?
Healthy coping skills (talking to someone, exercise, journaling, mindfulness, etc.).
Why can untreated stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles increase someone’s risk for substance use?
Someone may use substances to cope or self-medicate difficult emotions.
What is it called when someone stops using one substance but begins using another substance to cope or get similar effects?
Cross-addiction.
What stage describes occasional use, such as only drinking on Fridays and not before games?
Recreational or regular use.
What are some long-term harms someone can experience if they continue to abuse substances?
normalization of legal issues, adult criminal record after age of 18 (felony charges), court mandated fines and fees, limits on financial aid and resources, etc.
How can having clear future goals (like college, a career, sports, or other ambitions) help protect someone from substance misuse?
Goals give motivation to avoid behaviors that could interfere with the future.
What risk factor occurs when drugs or alcohol are easy for someone to get at home, school, or through friends?
Easy access or availability of substances.
What term describes addictive behaviors that don’t involve substances but still affect the brain’s reward system, such as gambling, gaming, or social media?
Process addiction (or behavioral addiction).
What stage is characterized by needing a substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms (like a headache from missing caffeine)?
Physical dependence.
What are three social-emotional harms that can occur to someone of your age group if they abuse substances?
strained or broken relationships, isolation, increased anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem or self-worth, impaired emotional development (lack of coping skills), etc.
How can being involved in activities like sports, music, art, clubs, or hobbies act as a protective factor against substance use?
They provide structure, purpose, and healthy ways to cope with stress.
How can a lack of supportive adults, guidance, or supervision increase someone’s risk for substance use?
Without guidance or support, teens may have fewer boundaries and less help navigating challenges.
Name one way someone could practice harm reduction with a potentially addictive behavior like gaming, social media, or gambling.
Examples: setting time limits, taking breaks, balancing with other activities, or noticing when it interferes with responsibilities.
What stage describes continued use despite negative impacts on mood, health, or life functioning?
Substance Use Disorder.
What are some drug related harms that you have seen or experienced in your own life? (physical harm, academic, mental, social, et.)
More than one person must answer to receive points
What is one environmental protective factor that can reduce risk for substance use?
Examples: supportive family expectations, positive peer groups, clear rules/boundaries, or safe environments.
Bonus 100 points: What are your environmental protective factors?
Why does having several risk factors at the same time increase the chance of substance misuse?
Risk factors can build on each other, increasing stress, exposure, and likelihood of using substances.
Bonus 100 points: What are some risk factors you might be dealing with?
Why can replacing a substance addiction with another substance or behavior still be risky?
The underlying coping patterns or addiction cycle may continue, causing similar problems in different forms.