Substance abuse Flashcards
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance Abuse is using a substance in the wrong way for the effect it has on the body. Substance Abuse can lead to lifelong scars (Both physical and mental).
Why do people turn to Substance Abuse?
People turn to Substance Abuse of a low self-esteem, peer pressure or to deal with problems that they do not know how to fix.
What forms do drugs come in?
- Injections
- Capsules
- Herbal
- Powder
- Pills
What are the three categories recreational drugs are classified as?
- Opiates
- Depressants
- Stimulants
What are opiates? Give an example.
Opiates are drugs that copy the brains feel-good hormones (endorphins) and make a person feel relaxed and at ease. These drugs bring about a state of Euphoria.
E.g. heroin, morphine, opium
What are depressants? Give an example.
These drugs slow down the messages in the brain and along the nerves. -reduce emotions, help people feel relaxed and forget their problems.
E.g. alcohol, dagga, solvents
What are stimulants? Give an example.
These drugs speed up the messages in the brain and along the nerves. These drugs make people experience things in a more intense manner.
E.g. caffeine, nicotine, tik
What ways can substances be taken?
S- swallowing: (Pill/Liquid)
S- smoking: (drug is smoked and absorbed through bloodstream)
S- snorting: (Snorted/sniffed up nostrils)
I- injections: (drug injected in liquid form into the bloodstream)
What does ‘recreational’ mean?
Something that is done for pleasure and relaxation.
What does ‘Addictive’ mean?
A substance that causes a person to become reliant on it. Addiction occurs when people can no longer control their need to escape from their problems and feel they can’t cope without the substance.
What does ‘Euphoria’ mean?
Euphoria is a false feeling of extreme happiness.
What are ‘Solvents ?
Liquid substances normally sniffed to cause a ‘high’.
Besides the fact that substances can contain addictive ingredients, why else would people end up abusing drugs?
- Because of the feeling it gives them
- pleasure and relaxation
- help deal with problems
- addictive personalities (can be inherited)
- binging
Why is alcohol known as the gateway drug?
Alcohol is known as the gateway drug as it lowers one’s guard and makes one more vulnerable to try other substances such as recreational drugs.
How can substance abuse affect a person?
Substance abuse can affect someone’s behaviour and physical appearance.
Bonus: ________ contains over 800 dangerous chemicals that can destroy your brain.
DAGGA contains over 800 dangerous chemicals that can destroy your brain.
Give 5 Physical symptoms of Substance Abuse.
- dramatic Weight loss or gain
- Red glassy eyes
- unexplained Needle marks
- odd Smells
- Rash around nose and mouth
Give 5 Behavioural symptoms of Substance Abuse. (FRAMP)
- stopping Activities
- academic Results decline
- new Friends
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
Why are family and old friends first to notice symptoms of substance abuse?
Family and old friends are generally first to notice symptoms of substance abuse because they know the person well and therefore will notice the changes in the person’s behaviour.
Substance abusers generally find new friends and avoid old friends and family because of these reasons. The abuser will find new friends who most likely also use drugs and will not know them enough to be able to spot symptoms.
What are the 3 main influences? (ISIC)
- Intrapersonal influences - individual
- Interpersonal influences - relationships with others
- Community and Social influences
Name four ‘Intrapersonal influences’
A
- Personality traits
- Attitudes
- Beliefs
- Genetics
Name three ‘Interpersonal influences’
Er
- Family
- Friends and peers
- Situation personally and at home
Name four ‘Community and Social influences’
- Cost of substances
- Law enforcement
- School rules
- Advertising
How can the economical background of a person potentially lead to criminal activity?
If an individual forms an addiction to a substance, and cannot afford to maintain the intake, they will do criminal activity in order to make money to purchase the substance.
How can one protect themself from falling into the trap of substance abuse? Name 5 steps one can take.
- Choose your friends carefully.
- Choose good role models.
- Exercise
- Share your problems with someone you trust.
- Obey the rules set by your parents, teachers and caregivers.
- Educate yourself about drugs- knowledge is power.
- Work on your assertiveness skills- No means no!
- Develop your social skills.
Fill in the blanks.
The sooner that a substance abuse problem is _____ and action is taken, the _____ the chances of ____, The biggest obstacle though, is that people are ____ _____ and not wanting to admit that they have a _____. In these incidents, the family could ____ that the person seeks ____. If a friend of yours is experiencing a number of ____ for turning to substance abuse,as a friend you should _____ your friend and help build his/her _____ _____. Encourage them to rather deal with issues in their lives by taking up _____ __ ______ or speaking to a ______. Help your friend realise, that by turning to drugs, their lives will be ____ _______. If your friend has already turned to substance abuse, then encourage them to ____ ____. Do not _____ the person, and be as __________ ___ __________ as possible.
- identified
- better
- recovery
- often
- in denial
- problem
- insist
- help
- risks
- support
- self esteem
- sports or hobbies
- professional
- changed forever
- seek help
- judge
- supportive and understanding
What factor makes it harder for a person not to become addicted to drugs?
Some people can inherit an addictive personality in their genes. This doesn’t mean, however, that genetics are a good enough reason to start abusing substances.
How can an individuals economic background potentially lead to substance abuse?
If an individual is born into a very poor home, they may steal money (or food, if they’re starving) to buy food or just get their next shot so they can escape their problems.
Explain why substance abuse by injection is so dangerous.
If more than one person uses the same needle, it can have serious consequences such as the spread of HIV.
