What is a drug?
A drug is any substance that affects the way you think, act, and/or feel
Why is alcohol considered a drug?
Alcohol is a drug because it affects the mind and body and can be addictive.
What happens to a person who drinks too much in a short period?
Drinking too much in a short time period is known as binge drinking. Vomiting, passing out, difficulty waking up, and slow, shallow breathing are all signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can result in coma or death
What is peer pressure?
Feeling like you have to do what your friends are doing to fit in even though you feel uncertain about it
What are stimulants?
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the functions of the central nervous system and make the user more aware of the environment. Some examples include Caffeine, nicotine, and methamphetamine.
What does having an addiction mean?
A person addicted to a substance feels that they cannot do without the substance
Does alcohol make a person feel more tired or more awake?
Alcohol is a depressant and slows down the mind and body so it makes a person feel more tired.
What are the signs of alcohol poisoning?
Vomiting, passing out, difficulty waking up, and slow, shallow breathing are all signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can result in coma or death.
What does cannabis do to your body?
Increased appetite (munchies); loss of coordination; decreased concentration; hallucinations; memory loss; lung disease; addiction.
What are depressants?
Depressants are drugs that slow down the functions of the central nervous system and make the user less aware of the environment. Some examples include alcohol, sleeping pills (sedative hypnotics), and pain killers (narcotic analgesics)
Why do some people choose to use drugs when they know that these drugs are harmful?
People think that taking drugs will help them cope, feel cool, belong to a peer group, rebel, and satisfy their curiosity
Why do the people in alcohol commercials look happy and successful?
Alcohol companies want TV viewers to associate beer with happiness, health, wealth, and popularity so you buy more of the product
Name two things that people should NOT do after drinking alcohol.
Drive a car, ride a bicycle, swim, come to program
What are some ways that drugs and alcohol can increase risk of injury?
Increased injuries due to decreased coordination, impaired judgment and increased risk-taking, and impaired vision. Drugs and alcohol can increase injuries relating to railroads, pools, and falls. Impairment is also one of the main reasons for vehicle crashes.
What are the side effects of stimulants?
Short term effects include: increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. They can decrease appetite and desire to sleep. Stimulants can also cause changes in behaviour, restlessness, and dizziness.
Why do some teens choose not to do drugs?
They want to stay in control; parental influence; religious/cultural reasons; personal goals/ambitions (e.g. sports, good grades); self-confidence; concern for health; concern about legal consequences
Can you tell from a person’s behaviour that she/he has been drinking alcohol?
Not always. Some people may not seem to be affected by alcohol. However, it slows down the activity of the mind and body even though this may not be obvious to an observer.
Why is it dangerous to mix alcohol and other drugs?
Combinations of drugs can intensify effects that can even be fatal including mixing alcohol with medication prescribed by a doctor or mixing energy drinks with alcohol.
What is the connection between mental health and substance abuse?
Mental illness can contribute to substance abuse or long-term drug use can lead to the development of mental illnesses. Some examples of mental illnesses connected with substance misuse include: depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
What are the side effects of depressants?
Depressants have a relaxing effect and can slow brain function and physical function, such as breathing.
What are the warning signs of substance abuse?
Changes in behavior; gradual withdrawal from social circles; drop in grades; loss of interest in normal activities
What will take away the effects of alcohol?
Only time will take away the effect of alcohol. Coffee and cold showers will not make you sober or shorten the time it takes to become sober
Your favorite cousin says to you, “I had a few drinks but I can still drive you home.” What is the best thing for you to do?
Call home for a ride. Talk your cousin out of driving, etc.
What are some of the resources (“resiliency resources”) you can count on to help prevent or address substance misuse?
Social supports such as parents/guardians, teacher, coach, good friends, siblings, counselors/program. Interests, including sports, hobbies, and academics. Community resources
What are hallucinogens? What are the dangers of taking hallucinogens?
They are drugs that distort the user’s awareness and perception, causing the person to see or hear things that are not there. Some examples include LSD, solvents (gasoline, glue), ecstasy (MDMA), and mushrooms. Hallucinogens hinder a person’s ability to think rationally, communicate, or recognize reality which can cause bizarre and dangerous behaviour, increasing risk of injury. The effects of hallucinogens are unpredictable – while one may have pleasant sensations and heightened awareness, others may experience a “bad trip”, with terrifying thoughts, anxiety, and/or paranoia. The same person can have different experiences with each use.