Life Orientation Notes PDF

Life Orientation The development of the Teenage Brain Our brains develop up until our mid-late twenties. Due to this, teenagers are more prone to experimenting and engaging in risky behaviours. The prefrontal cortex This is the very last part of the brain to develop. It is responsible for...

Life Orientation The development of the Teenage Brain Our brains develop up until our mid-late twenties. Due to this, teenagers are more prone to experimenting and engaging in risky behaviours. The prefrontal cortex This is the very last part of the brain to develop. It is responsible for decision-making, risk calculation, consequence prediction, reasoning and impulse control. The late development explains why teens are less concerned about risks and the effects these risks may have. The limbic (reward) system This is extremely sensitive during teen years. This is the part of the brain that rewards us for doing something pleasurable e.g., drinking, and therefore making us want to do it again. The Mesolimbic Dopamine System The pleasure system is otherwise known as the mesolimbic dopamine system. Drugs provide an artificial way of stimulating the mesolimbic dopamine system, which is why they are so addictive. Reward Pathway The reward pathway is located in the centre of our brain and this is responsible for our feelings of motivation, reward and behaviour. The reward pathway is necessary for our survival in that it ensures that we engage in activities that keep us alive such as eating. It stores information about what makes us happy. For example, When we are hungry and see a delicious looking cupcake, a message is sent through your brain to signal for you to eat the cupcake.When you eat the cupcake, neurons in the reward pathway release the chemical dopamine, which makes you feel pleasure and makes you want to repeat the behaviour. Neurotransmitters: the brain’s chemical messengers Receptors: the brain’s chemical receivers Drugs like marijuana and heroin have chemical structures that mimic that of a neurotransmitter that naturally occurs in our bodies.They can fool our receptors, lock on to them, and activate nerve cells.They don’t work the same way as a natural neurotransmitter, and the neurons wind up sending abnormal messages through the brain, which can cause problems for our brains and bodies. Drugs like cocaine result in our nerve cells releasing too much dopamine. Causes of Addiction Research shows that a mix of biological, psychological, social and environmental factors play a role in substance use and addiction. Biological factors Roughly 50% of the risk of addiction is genetic Studies show that our genes affect how much of a reward feeling we get from using a substance or engaging in a behaviour. Genes affect the way our bodies process substances. Psychological (emotional) factors Stress Anxiety Trauma Social factors Surround yourself with people who participate in substance use. Environmental factors accessibility and availability of substances at an affordable rate. Trauma and Addiction Trauma comes in many forms and can include neglect, abuse and the loss of a loved one.Those who experience a traumatic event have been found to be at an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder.This is because many substances provide a means of numbing the physical, emotional or psychological harm caused by the trauma experienced. It is possible to successfully recover from trauma through the help of a trusted adult or medical health care professionals. Stages of Addiction 1. Experimentation a. Trying the substance for the first time (e.g., going to a party and having your first alcoholic drink or smoking marijuana for the first time) 2. Regular use/bingeing a. The substance is used more often and in excess. 3. Problem or risky use a. Problems begin to arise as a result of using the substance and dangerous habits are formed (e.g., drinking and driving; bad grades as a result of using a substance; or emotional, social and/or physical health problems begin to arise) 4. Dependence a. Despite the obvious harm of the substance the person is unable to stop. Characteristics of Dependence Binge Binge and intoxication (e.g.,binge drinking and getting drunk). Withdrawal Withdrawal and negative effects (e.g., being in a bad mood,feeling hungover) Craving Preoccupation and anticipation or craving (e.g., wanting to drink again and again) During the craving stage of addiction, the brain’s inability to function normally means that the person battles to engage the prefrontal cortex in holding back from drinking again, meaning that they are more likely to repeat the behaviour. How Identify symptoms of Addiction Impaired control Constantly craving the substance and not being able to control the substance use. Social problems Losing interest in anything that does not involve the addiction Inability to do what you need to get done at school or home Broken relationships Increased risk-taking  Taking more risks in order to get the substance, or resulting from taking the substance Drug effects Build-up of tolerance (needing more of the drug to get the same results) Withdrawal symptoms Effects of Prolonged Drug use Prolonged drug use causes long-term changes to our brains.Use of drugs over a period of time leads to addiction. People are unable to stop using drugs, even when they really want to because it is having a devastating effect on their lives. What is Binge Drinking Binge drinking is the consumption of an excess amount of alcohol in a short period of time.Binge drinking is a form of substance abuse. It is defined as drinking five or more alcoholic drinks on the same occasion. Alcohol is a depressant, in other words it slows down vital functions and can therefore be extremely dangerous when used excessively and it slows down vital functions. People who begin drinking before the age of 18 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who have their first drink at the age of 20 or older Liquid Courage One of the things that appeals to people about alcohol is that for a short time, it can boost your confidence, making you less inhibited. With fewer inhibitions, you tend to be braver, which leads people to believe in ‘liquid courage’. However, the braver you get, the more you risk embarrassing yourself in public and doing things that you will regret when sober. Risks of binge drinking Health: Accidental Injuries Your coordination is impaired, making you prone to accidental injuries Alcohol Poisoning In severe cases this can lead to brain damage and even death. Organ Damage Long-term risks include liver damage and high blood pressure. Behaviour: Poor Decisions When judgement is impaired, you are more likely to make out of character decisions Depression Instead of lifting your mood,binge drinking can make you feel worse. Reputation; Humiliation Lowered inhibitions make you more likely to do something you will regret. Social Media shame Images on social media can damage your reputation. Why you must wait before drinking The legal age limit for drinking in SA is 18 years.50% of teenagers in the average South African home are alcohol consumers.13% of boys and 8% of girls will try alcohol by the age of 13 years.People who begin drinking before the age of 18 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who have their first drink at the age of 20 or older.Worldwide, 3 million deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol.This represents 5.3% of all deaths.67% of teens who drink before age 15 will go on to use illegal drugs.You are 22 times more likely to use marijuana, and 50 times more likely to use cocaine if you drink before the age of 15. What is blood alcohol concentration (BAC) BAC is the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. Your body can only process so much alcohol at a time. BACs differ from person to person,depending on factors such as your gender, weight and the food you have eaten. While one or two alcoholic drinks can act as a stimulant, two or more act as a suppressant, slowing down your reaction time and reducing your fine motor skills and concentration. Driving under the influence of Alcohol Alcohol abuse plays a role in more than 60% of road deaths in South Africa.The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 details the legal limits of driving while under the influence. If you are over the legal limit you are not allowed to drive or sit in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle, even if you do not intend to drive. South Africa has a near ‘Zero Tolerance’ for driving under the influence, one drink now exceeds the legal limit.Alcohol remains in the blood system for up to eight hours What happens if your arrested for drunk driving People are usually apprehended for drunk driving after an accident,irresponsible driving or at a roadblock (e.g. after failing a breathalyser test). They will be arrested,charged and can be held at the closest police station and sent for further testing at an alcohol testing centre. The results of this can be used as evidence in court. While someone who has been arrested for drunk driving does not have the right to refuse to give a blood sample, they may insist that their GP be present. After a docket has been opened, the drunk driver may be held in custody until they appear in court, or until bail has been paid. The purpose of custody is also to protect other road users from a drunk driver. Bail may be denied in some instances. First time offenders will face a minimum fine of R2 000.00 or two-year imprisonment, or in some cases, both. Depending on the severity of the DUI, one’s drivers licence may be suspended. If someone died in the accident, the drunk driver will stand accused of culpable homicide or even murder – both of which could result in jail sentences.When you are caught driving drunk, previous offences and the nature of the offence will be taken into consideration by the magistrate when determining your sentence. Previous offenders are usually punished more harshly than those with no previous convictions. You can be sent to prison for up to six years, or more, if the charge is changed to culpable homicide or murder. According to Arrive Alive, if you kill someone while driving drunk, apart from possible prison time, you can also be fined up to R180 000. You could lose your licence and you could get a criminal record (for 10 years). This would naturally have a very significant impact on your life, including your future employment opportunities. You may also be required to engage in community service, or go to a rehabilitation centre. Marijuana Marijuana is one of the most abused substances.Some people think that since it is legal in some places, it must be safe. But your body doesn’t know a legal drug from an illegal drug. It only knows the effect the drug creates once you have taken it.It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)which creates mind-altering effects.While the use of marijuana has been legalised for over 18’s in South Africa it is still a damaging and addictive drug. Harmful effects Memory loss Psychosis Impaired coordination Schizophrenia Marijuana comes from the Indian hemp plant, and the part that contains the “drug” is found primarily in the flowers (commonly called the “buds”) and much less in the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant. There are over 400 chemicals in marijuana.As for the medical uses of marijuana, it contains another chemical called CBD (short for cannabidiol). This is the substance most often associated with creating medical benefits. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. Its medical benefits are still being studied, as are methods to breed marijuana plants with high CBD and low THC for medical use. In comparison to smoking a cigarette, when smoking marijuana a person will typically inhale a lot more smoke and hold it for a longer period of time, severely affecting the lungs.It has been found that smoking one joint gives as much exposure to cancer-producing chemicals as smoking four to five cigarettes. In 2018, the South African Constitutional Court agreed with the legalisation of adult use of marijuana for private and personal use.Selling or dealing marijuana is illegal, as is its use under the age of 18.While the use of marijuana has been legalised for adults in South Africa, it is still a potentially damaging and addictive drug that has harmful effects. People with an addiction to marijuana are often irritable, and suffer from anxiety and depression, amongst many other health problems. Social Media and Phone Addiction(Nomophobia) Although social media and phone addiction are not substances that can be abused, they are serious addictions that need to be managed and they have yet to be recognised as official disorders. Research shows that we check our phones between 47 to 150 times a day. Studies have linked social media addiction to Depression Low self-esteem Feelings of isolation Vaping Vaping involves heating up liquid, which may contain nicotine, through a battery.The liquid turns into an aerosol which is then inhaled.The aerosol is not water, as many people incorrectly think, but contains small particles that contain varying amounts of toxic chemicals that usually include nicotine.Nicotine,the highly addictive substance is also found in cigarettes. This is harmful for both the users and non-users who are exposed to the second-hand aerosol.In a study on supposedly nicotine-free e-liquids it was found that some did contain detectable traces of nicotine. In recent years, e-cigarettes have become a popular aid for those trying to stop smoking. For someone who smokes a lot of cigarettes in a day, swapping to vaping could result in absorbing less harmful chemicals. However, for everyone else, there are many downsides and possible health risks associated with vaping. It is normal to want to experiment, especially with something as popular as vaping. We live in a technology-driven world and the innovative appearance and functions of e-cigarettes are appealing to many. However, it is important to be mindful of the risks and the long-term effects of vaping, many of which are still unknown. There is a lack of regulation and control around vaping products and their labelling, and due to the rapid growth in the popularity of e-cigarettes,there is not enough conclusive scientific research on the longer-term effects and dangers of vaping. Examples of vaping devices are e-cigarettes—electronic nicotine delivery systems(ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS) are the most common,vape pens and advanced personal vaporizer (also called ‘MODS’).The JUUL is a small vape that looks like a USB drive and is therefore easy to hide.It usually contains a very high dose of nicotine; one flavour cartridge or pod contains roughly the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. Risks of Vaping The toxic particles in the aerosol have been linked to cancer, and respiratory and heart diseases. It increases the risk of dealing with other addictions later. EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury) EVALI is a relatively new but severe lung disease requiring hospitalisation that has been linked to the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices.It is an inflammatory response with various symptoms, linked to the inhalations and triggered by the inhaled substances. As e-cigarettes differ enormously in their ingredients, it is unclear at present which chemical/s within the vaping devices are responsible for EVALI. The use of e-cigarettes significantly increases your chances of getting a chronic lung disease. Symptoms of EVALI Shortness of breath Cough Chest Pain Fever Diarrhoea Nausea Vomiting Rapid Heartbeat Shallow breathing There are many devices that can be used to vape, such as vape pens,MODS and JUUL’s. Ritalin and Adderall Ritalin and Adderall are prescription drugs that are commonly used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) When needed and prescribed by a medical professional, these drugs can be extremely helpful in improving concentration, focus and listening skills in people who have been diagnosed with ADHD.It is very important to ensure that you always have a prescription from a medical professional and that you use the correct dosage so that your medication can work effectively. Ritalin and Adderall are Schedule 2 narcotics and if used incorrectly or without a prescription, they can have extremely harmful side effects. Some scholars combine Ritalin and alcohol. Ritalin is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant, which some people think means they will cancel each other out. However,this is not the case and combining two drugs can cause massive problems (e.g., worst case scenario—alcohol poisoning, drug withdrawal and overdose). Prescription painkillers Painkillers work on our nervous system to block pain. As with any drug, long-term abuse of painkillers can lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction. Tranquilisers Tranquillisers are used to treat anxiety and sleep-related disorders. They make a person feel relaxed and sleepy.Because your body becomes so relaxed, it is very easy to become dependent on them for sleep and to deal with normal levels of anxiety. Understanding Addiction As a teenager your brain is still going through a lot of growth and development. The specific development that is taking place makes teens more likely to take risks. While this makes this time of life more exciting, it also lends itself to a greater risk of addiction. Addiction is a complex and serious condition. It is considered to be a brain disease, involving compulsive substance use (such as alcohol or drugs), and/or compulsive behaviours (such as gambling). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people take drug to : to feel good—feeling of pleasure, ‘high’ to feel better—relieve stress to do better—improve performance (at school or on the sports field) curiosity and peer pressure. The language we use The words we use are powerful and can shape whether or not we create a stigma about something. As the concept of addiction is discussed, be mindful of the language used,making sure that you do not use language that would negatively label people. For this reason it is advisable to use the term ‘substance use disorder’(SUD) as opposed to ‘substance abuse’, or ‘a person suffering from addiction’, rather than ‘an addict’.