ALCOHOL
MEDICATIONS Prescription Drugs
Alcohol is a drug that slows down the activity in your brain and nervous system, also called a depressant. Its effects start with the first sip. It enters the bloodstream and travels to different parts of the body, including the brain. Alcohol is a substance that can change the way the brain works, and that’s why it affects how someone thinks, feels and acts. Binge drinking is a pattern of consuming lots of alcohol over a short period of time. When someone drinks in this way, it increases their chances of having bad grades and engaging in risky behaviors such as getting in a car with a driver who has been drinking alcohol or using other drugs. Binge Drinking
Prescription drugs are medicines that a doctor orders to help treat an illness or health problem. They can only be given to you if you have a special order from the doctor.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are drugs that you can buy from a store without a prescription from a doctor. These drugs can help with regular problems such as headaches, colds, allergies and pain. Even though these drugs can be helpful, some may not be safe for youth. This is why some stores will require you to be a certain age before you can buy them. Over-the-Counter Medications
For youth, binge drinking means drinking between 3-5 DRINKS within 2 hours depending on your age and size.
Both types of medication can be helpful when used correctly. They can help us live longer and be healthier people, but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly or abused. So, it is important to take medicine exactly like your doctor told you or exactly how it is written on the package. Never take prescribed
CANNABIS
medication that is not yours or give your medication to others. Not only is it ILLEGAL, it’s dangerous.
Cannabis is the dried petals and leaves from the cannabis plant. It has certain chemicals in it, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that can change how you think and feel. Using cannabis can affect your memory, attention and learning abilities. Additionally, using cannabis at a young age can increase the risk of mental health problems later in life.
Legalization Some states have passed laws to make the use of cannabis legal for adults over 21. This doesn’t mean it’s “safe” for youth to consume. No matter where you live, it is in all states for anyone under 21 years old to use cannabis without a medical prescription.
POLYSUBSTANCE USE Polysubstance use is when two or more drugs are taken together, like drinking alcohol and using cannabis. Polysubstance use increases the risks of serious side effects, including both physical and mental health issues.
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