Ms. JB visits schools to discuss healthy choices with substances and addiction to young adults. She works with the Drug Education Council
ADOLESCENT BRAIN
The brain is fully developed at twenty-five years old. Alcohol and other drugs compromise the perfect growth of the brain. Hippocampus is a very crucial for forming new memories. Youth who drink show reduced brain response, low on vocabulary, general information memory, and memory retrieval.
UNDERAGE DRINKING & CONSEQUENCES
Alcohol and other drugs impair quality of sleep. This diminishes your ability to learn and remember important information. Symptoms like poor concentration, headaches, slurred speech, problems at school (failing grades). Drinking and driving is also a major contributor to teen deaths in U.S. Mixing alcohol and other substances, such as medications or energy drinks is extremely dangerous.
FACTS ON MARIJUANA
Interferes with attention, motivation, memory and learning. When used during teen years, it can lower grades and your IQ. There are increasing reports of THC over-intoxication which can result in unease, shaking, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and in rare cases, extreme psychotic reactions. Marijuana increases the risk for accidents and injuries. Edibles have a high potential for overdose which can be fatal. The potency of edibles can easily consume dangerous amounts of THC. It can increase the risk of develpoing mental health problems has been linked to depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts.
E-CIGARETTES /VAPES
The first juul was created in 2003 and the international permit was out in 2006. The advertised it would be safer and would help smokers, quit. It is not FDA regulated meaning it doesnt have to be honest and no one knows what's actually in it. Nicotine makes it harder for the adolescent brain to concentrate, learn, or control impulse while also compromising the immune system. Propylene glycolis a synthetic compound used in e-juice. Diacetyl is a chemical that gives flavoring to e-juice and foods. Popcorn lung is permanent if it is caused by vapes and causes chronic coughing and shortness of breath, while also damaging your teeth by destroying its enamel.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a very powerful prescription opioid that is highly addictive. It is also produced in labs that are very unsafe and unregulated. It is similar in make up to heroin and morphine but is 50-100 times more powerful. Fentanyl is driving many overdoses. Can cause respiratory distress and death. It is often mixed with other drugs on the street increasing risk of fatality. When made illegally, it can be laced with all sorts of harmful chemicals including arsenic. Often people become addicted to fentanyl after just one use.
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