Drug Abuse

Peer pressure can result in drug abuse.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Peer pressure often results in experimentation of drugs and subsequent abuse.

Which of the following increases the chances for drug abuse?

• Family history of addiction

• Mood disorders like depression, anxiety and bipolar disease

• Antisocial personality disorder

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Factors that increase the risk for drug abuse include genetic factors, mood disorders, personality disorders and social factors like low socioeconomic status.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.7.8

Drugs of abuse are taken via injection only.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Drugs of abuse may be taken orally, smoked, snorted, inhaled or injected.

People who abuse drugs are weak-willed. They could control their craving for drugs if they tried.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Addiction is a complex condition of the brain and brain chemistry. It drives people to use drugs even when they know about the health or social problems that can happen. People have a choice about whether to use drugs when they first start. But continuing to use them affects how the brain works. This leads to addictive behavior. Getting drugs becomes compulsive. Addiction is often long-term (chronic). Just like diabetes or heart disease, sometimes the condition is under good control. But other times there are disease-related problems. The long-term nature of addiction means that even if an addicted person stops using drugs, they can relapse and begin using again. Drug treatment and ongoing support and management can help break this cycle.

Tags

CCSS.SL.7.3

CCSS.W.7.1B

Club drugs got their start at all-night dance parties among teens. These illegal drugs have moved into mainstream culture.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A club drug is an umbrella term for a wide variety of mood-altering drugs. These include the stimulants Ecstasy/MDMA and methamphetamine, the depressants GHB and rohypnol, and the dissociatives ketamine and PCP. These also include the hallucinogen LSD. Health problems linked with these drugs range from amnesia to seizures and coma, and even death.

Different drugs cause different symptoms. So it's not always easy to tell when someone is abusing a substance. One possible sign of substance-use disorder in teens is when grades slip and school attendance becomes irregular.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

According to the Partnership to End Addiction, these are also warning signs of possible drug addiction in a teen:

1. They become withdrawn, depressed, or careless about personal grooming.

2. They become hostile and uncooperative.

3. Eating and sleeping patterns change.

4. They lose interest in favorite activities.

5. They have a hard time concentrating.

6. You find pipes, rolling papers, pill bottles, or eye drops in your teen's room.

7. Relationships with other family members become strained.

If you suspect that a loved one is abusing drugs, check that the person isn't in any immediate danger. If the person isn't in immediate danger, wait to discuss the abuse issue until they aren't high. If they are in immediate danger, take them to the closest emergency department or call 911.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

You should also wait until a time when the person is not upset or angry. The first step in talking to your teen or other family member is to express your love for them and your concern about your teen's health and safety, according to the Partnership to End Addiction. You should also share with the person the warning signs you have seen. Emphasize that the problem needs serious attention and support because it can get out of control. Have definite resources and support ready. Be open to getting family therapy if the person abusing drugs is an immediate family member. Stay calm, neutral, and nonjudgmental. Listen to the person's response.

Which of the following is NOT related to the definition of drug abuse?

• continued use of drugs

• use of drugs for non-treatment purposes

• use of dangerous and illegal drugs

• drug abuse is illegal

Read the interview below. What's the cause of taking drugs?

'We have heard that party drugs give users a strange and excited feeling, you know, to get high.'

• curiosity

• enjoyment and pleasure

• peer pressure

• being rebellious

• escape from reality

Read the interview below. What's the cause of taking drugs?

'I want to be different and feel exclusive. Why should I follow rules and do what I am told? It’s cool to be able to do something that can provoke my parents and teachers into a reaction. I want a different path!'

• curiosity

• enjoyment and pleasure

• peer pressure

• being rebellious

• escape from reality