Notes
Understanding substances
- A drug changes how the body or mind works. Misuse is using medicine in a way that was not prescribed. Addiction is a brain disease, not a lack of willpower. Tolerance is needing more for the same effect.
- The teen brain is still developing until about age 25, so substances can harm learning, memory and judgment. Most teens do not use substances.
- Nicotine is highly addictive. Vape aerosol can contain nicotine, chemicals and fine particles that harm the lungs.
- Alcohol is a depressant that slows reaction time and judgment. Binge drinking can cause alcohol poisoning. Never ride with an impaired driver.
- Cannabis affects memory, attention and coordination, and driving after use is dangerous.
- Pills not prescribed to you can be fake and contain fentanyl. Overdose signs (trouble breathing, blue lips, unresponsive) need a 911 call.
Prevention and help
- Use refusal skills: say no, offer an alternative, leave, or use a code word to get a ride.
- Protective factors include supportive adults, activities and clear values.
- Treatment works. Talk to a trusted adult, school counselor or doctor.
Topics in this unit
Each topic has its own short notes and practice.
Practice
Addiction is a treatable medical condition.
Nicotine causes addiction.
Alcohol is a depressant.
Overdose is life-threatening and needs immediate help.
Counterfeit pills can contain fentanyl.
Support and activities lower risk.
Free response
Write your answer first, then open the scoring guide.
Free-response question
At a weekend gathering, an older teen offers Ava a vape and says, "Everyone here does it, and it just relaxes you." Ava feels pressure, but she does not want to try it.
(a) Identify two health risks of vaping nicotine.
Show the answer and scoring guide
Nicotine is addictive, it can harm teen brain development and attention, and the aerosol can damage the lungs.
Check off the points you earned:
(b) Write a strong refusal Ava could use and name one refusal strategy it uses.
Show the answer and scoring guide
"No thanks, I'm good. Want to go get snacks?" This uses a clear no and an alternative activity.
Check off the points you earned:
(c) Explain why the claim "everyone does it" is a problem and describe where Ava can get support.
Show the answer and scoring guide
Most teens do not vape, so the claim is a misleading way to pressure her. She can talk to a trusted adult, school counselor or doctor, and text a parent for a ride if she wants to leave.
Check off the points you earned: