Alcohol and Drug Misuse

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among students in grades 9 to 12. Cannabis (marijuana) is the second most common.

Alcohol and cannabis use increases greatly with each grade.

Reactions Vary

Trying Something for the First Time Could Kill You

Every person is different. Just because a friend or someone you know has tried a drug and been ok after does not mean your body will react the same way.

There are many factors that affect the way you react to a substance:

• Gender, Age, Weight / Body type
• Race / Ethnicity
• Medical history
• Amount of food you have eaten
• How the drug is taken (e.g. inhaled or injected) or how fast you drink the alcohol

Health Risks

All drugs and alcohol pose risks to your health. Some consequences include:

• Mental confusion
• Headaches
• Short term memory loss
• Intense paranoia
• Cancer / Disease
• Coma
• Death

How to Say NO

Make up an excuse that requires you to leave the situation:

• Example: I have a doctor’s appointment, I have to go to work, I’m going to my grandparents’ house for their birthday

Make up an excuse that will prevent you from being peer pressured:

• Example: I'm allergic, I don't like what's being offered, I have to take blood tests today

Chances are that after you deny it once or twice, it will stop being offered to you

Misusing Prescription Drugs