Alcohol
What organ is most affected by long-term heavy alcohol use?
The Liver
Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree native to what region?
Southeast Asia
What is the addictive substance found in cigarettes and vapes?
Nicotine
What do stimulants do to the body’s energy and alertness?
Increase energy and alertness
What do depressants do to brain activity?
Slow it down
What is a common short-term effect of alcohol on the brain?
Slower reaction time / impaired judgment
Kratom can act like what two types of drugs depending on dose?
Stimulants and opioids
Nicotine increases what two vital signs?
Heart rate and blood pressure
What happens to heart rate when using stimulants?
It increases
What breathing effect can depressants cause?
Slow or shallow breathing
Alcohol is a depressant. What does that mean it does to the nervous system?
Slows down brain and body activity
What is a common side effect of kratom use?
Nausea, constipation, dizziness, or increased heart rate
What part of the body becomes dependent on nicotine?
The brain
What mental health symptom is common with stimulant use?
Anxiety, paranoia, or agitation
Mixing depressants together increases risk for what dangerous outcome?
Overdose
What serious condition can develop from long-term alcohol use that causes scarring of the liver?
Cirrhosis
Why is kratom considered risky even though it’s sold legally in some places?
It is not well regulated and can be addictive
Long-term nicotine use increases risk for what major diseases?
Heart disease, stroke, and lung disease
What serious heart-related emergency can stimulants cause?
Heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms
Why is mixing opioids and benzodiazepines especially dangerous?
Both suppress breathing and can cause respiratory failure
Why can suddenly stopping alcohol be dangerous for heavy users?
It can cause withdrawal symptoms such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs)
What serious complication has been linked to high doses or mixing kratom with other substances?
Respiratory depression, liver injury, or overdose risk
Why do people experience irritability and cravings when quitting nicotine?
Because the brain has become dependent and is adjusting to lower dopamine levels
Why is stimulant “crash” dangerous?
It can cause severe depression, exhaustion, and suicidal thoughts
What life-threatening symptom signals a depressant overdose?
Very slow breathing, blue lips, unconsciousness, or unresponsiveness