Alcohol:
Short-Term Effects:
· Harder time to make SMART decisions
· Less aware of risky or inappropriate behavior
· Less likely to recognize potential danger
Long-Term Effects:
· Problems with brain development
· Reduced potential growth
· Increased risk of alcohol use disorder
· Increased risk of cancer
Negative Consequences of Underage Drinking:
· Death
· Injury
· Increase risk of physical and sexual assault
· Problems in school or law
Why do Teens Drink Alcohol?
· Experience new things
· Peer Pressured
· Coping method of stress and other problems
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance by teens.
Smoking/Vaping:
Types of Vapes/Smoking Devices:
· Juul
· Vape Pens
· E-cigarettes
Effects on Your Body:
· Heart & Lungs (heart and lung disease, heart attack, affects blood vessels, decreased blood to heart, popcorn lung)
· Brain Development (the brain continues to grow and develop to age 25)
· Can lead to addictions
· Affects your behavior
Reasons Teens Vape:
· Experiment, peer pressured
· Tastes good
· Relax or feel good/high
· Boredom/looks cool
Student Statistics:
· 1 in 10 students in 8th grade vape
· 1 in 5 students in 10th grade vape
· 1 in 4 students in 12thi grade vape
Vaping is the most commonly used form of tobacco use among teens.
Drugs:
Different Types of Drugs:
· Stimulants—Speed up the brain and functioning; higher energy, faster breathing, increased heart rate and higher body temperature (ex: Adderall, Ritalin, Synthetic Marijuana, Cocaine, Methamphetamine)
· Depressants—Slow down the brain and functioning; less energy, slower breathing, decreased heart rate, and lower body temperature (ex: barbiturates, alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, cannabis, rohypnol)
· Hallucinogens—Harm the brain and body; delusional thoughts, bizarre physical motions, and experience things that in reality are not there (ex: LSD, PCP, mushrooms (psilocybin), ketamine, mescaline)
Negative Effects:
· Harm teeth/gums/mouth
· Tooth decay
· Dry mouth
· Problems with brain development
As a parent, talk openly and freely about these topics. You can influence your child(ren)’s decision-making!
Additional Parent Resources: https://e-cigarettes.surgeonge...