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Anh, Angela & Yonnae

Source 1: “Racism and Teen Mental Health.” by New Haven Team, November 7, 2023.

Source 2: “Trump’s first term polarized teen’s views on racism and inequality.” by Laura Wray-Lake, April 2025.

Source 3: “Talking about racism with your teenager.” by Carl E Pickhardt Ph. D. June 15, 2020.

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Mayo Clinic

National Institute on Drug Abuse

American psychological _____Association

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10039773/

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https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

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ttps://compasshealthcenter.net/blog/teen-mental-health-statistics/

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https://www.apa.org/topics/bullying/cyberbullying-online-social-media

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/12/15/teens-and-cyberbullying-2022/

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2007.01846.x

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https://www.epa.gov/schools/about-state-school-environmental-health-guidelines

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The Benefits of Green School Grounds - Tree Canada

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https://www.fftllc.com/blog/teen-gang-involvement

https://www.annapolis.gov/656/Gang-Culture-Influence-in-Popular-Media

https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2019/05/gangs-use-social-media

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How have stereotypes, harmful or not, impact your perception of your race?

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How do you think racism started? Do you think it's something that was taught at a young age or something else?

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How do you think racism started? Do you think it's something that was taught at a young age or something else?

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How has the topic of racism shown up in your personal life?

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Why do you think most teenagers try to hide the fact that they are struggling mentally?

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What are some things teenagers would resort to to try and “fix” their mental state?

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What do you think game developers of apps like Roblox or Fortnite, should do to combat harassment and cyberbullying?

Have you ever been a victim of “Stan Twitter”?

Have you ever done cyberbullying at any point in your life? If so, why?

Have you ever done cyberbullying at any point in your life? If so, why?

To what extent do you consider cyberbullying, bullying?

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How do you think racism impacts people of your age?

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How do you think racism impacts people of your age?

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1. When you hear the word “gang,” what do you imagine?

2. Have you noticed teenagers your age joining gangs or emulating gang culture around you?

3. What do signs of gang culture in mainstream media look like to you?

4. How do you think teenagers nowadays are influenced by gang-associated content (ex: drill rap, Snapchat threats)?

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Substance use disorder can lead to short- and long-term negative health effects. These can be physical and mental, ranging from moderate to severe. They will depend on the substance a person had been using.

Generally, drug misuse or SUD refers to the use of psychoactive drugs, which are substances that affect the brain. The effects on the body on the type of substance a person uses and their health history.

Examples of common psychoactive drugs include:

This article discusses the physical and mental effects of substance use disorder.

changes in coordination

blood pressure and heart rate changes

feelings of being more awake or sleepy

improved sociability

pain relief

changes in the appearance of a person's body

When chronic substance use occurs over a long period, these short-term physical effects may cause long-term changes to a person's brain and body.

The specific physical effects of substance use may vary among individuals and depend on the substance, dosage, delivery method, and length of use.

Substance use can sometimes lead to serious health consequences, overdose and death.

Short-term physical effects

Using any drug can cause short-term physical effects. The following are examples of common drugs, their short-term physical effects, and potential health risks due to SUD.

methamphetamines

increased wakefulness and physical activity

decreased appetite

increased breathing

increased or irregular heart rate

increased blood pressure

increased temperature

cocaine

narrowed blood vessels

enlarged pupils

increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure

headache

abdominal pain and nausea

erratic and violent behavior

heart attack

stroke

coma

benzodiazepines

slurred speech

dizziness

problems with movement

slowed breathing

lowered blood pressure

heroin and other opioids

dry mouth

itching

nausea

vomiting

slowed breathing and heart rate

tobacco and nicotine

increased blood pressure

increased breathing

increased heart rate

tobacco or nicotine:

greatly increased risk of cancer - lung cancer due to smoking or oral cancer due to chewing

chronic bronchitis

emphysema

heart disease

leukemia

cataracts

pneumonia

Long-term physical effects

Using substances for an extended time may have long-term health consequences. These lasting effects depend on multiple factors, including the substance, the amount, and how long a person has used it.

Examples of commonly used drugs and potential long-term physical effects of SUD include:

alcohol:

stroke

liver disease and inflammation (alcoholic liver disease)

pancreatitis

digestive problems

cancer of breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum

immune system

alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence

methamphetamines:

severe dental problems

weight loss

intense itching leading to skin sores

risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases from shared needles

cocaine and heroin - when a person snorts them, these drugs may cause:

loss of sense of smell

nosebleeds

nasal damage and trouble swallowing

other effects include:

infection and death of bowel tissue from decreased blood flow

inadequate nutrition and weight loss

collapsed veins

abscesses

infection of the lining and valves of the heart

constipation and stomach cramps

liver or kidney disease

pneumonia

fatal overdose

tobacco or nicotine:

greatly increased risk of cancer - lung cancer due to smoking or oral cancer due to chewing

chronic bronchitis

emphysema

heart disease

leukemia

cataracts

pneumonia

Long-term SUD a person's memory, behavior, learning, consciousness, and concentration.

Substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids, are psychoactive drugs that may change an individual's brain function and structure after chronic use. This t in cognitive and behavioral changes and deficits that may remain even after someone stops using.

The exact mental or cognitive effects of SUD may vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of use.

For example, frequent cannabis use in adolescents can increase the risk of psychosis in adulthood in individuals who carry a particular gene variant.

Short-term mental effects

Examples of common drugs and their short-term mental effects include:

alcohol:

feelings of euphoria

reduced anxiety

easing of social interactions

irritability and anxiety upon withdrawal

cannabis:

enhanced sensory perception

feelings of euphoria and relaxation

anxiety

irritability upon withdrawal

benzodiazepines:

drowsiness

concentration issues

dizziness

reduced anxiety

problems with memory

heroin:

feelings of euphoria

restlessness upon withdrawal

prescription opioids:

pain relief

drowsiness

feelings of euphoria

methamphetamine:

increased wakefulness

anxiety upon withdrawal

Long-term mental effects

Examples of common drugs and mental effects associated with long-term SUD include:

alcohol:

depression

anxiety

learning and memory problems

social problems

prescription opioids:
increased risk of overdose

methamphetamines:

anxiety

confusion

insomnia

mood problems

violent behavior

paranoia

hallucinations

delusions

heroin:

tobacco and nicotine:

in teens, they can affect the development of brain circuits that control attention and learning

irritability, attention and sleep problems, and depression upon withdrawal

cannabis:

mental health problems

irritability, trouble sleeping, anxiety upon withdrawal

To get a diagnosis of SUD, a person has to qualify for 11 criteria that the DSM-5 outlines.

using more of a substance than a person intends or using it for longer than they mean to

trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to

experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance

needing more of the substance to get the desired effects (tolerance)

developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance

spending more time getting and using drugs and recovering from substance misuse

continuing to use even when it causes relationship problems

giving up important or desirable social and recreational activities due to substance use

using substances in potentially harmful settings that put a person in danger

continuing to use despite the substance causing problems to physical and mental health

SUD prevalence

Government data shows that SUD tends to be more common among Black people than Hispanics, Asians, and people who are white. SUD is more common in males among people who are white, Black or African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, and those who identify as two or more races.

However, it is difficult to determine the accuracy of data on racial disparities. In the United States, historically, the "war on drugs" has meant that Black Americans are more likely to be incarcerated for drug offenses even though they are not necessarily more likely to use illegal drugs. This imbalance may impact prevalence data.

In addition, SUD from illegal opioids is a large public health problem in the U.S. that overdose and death. In some cases, SUD can result from prescription opioids, but the bulk of the crisis stems from illegal or "street" drugs.

More than 760,000 people have died since 1999 from opioid overdoses. In 2018, two out of three overdoses had links to opioid use.

Finding the right treatment program may feel overwhelming. Here are a few things a person can consider when seeking treatment for SUD.

Consider whether inpatient or outpatient services would be most suitable.

Find local treatment centers using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's treatment finder tool.

Know that state-run treatment centers and programs may be free of charge.

Look for programs that use evidence-based treatment strategies.

However, effective treatment for SUD should address all of a person's mental and physical health needs.

Treatment aims to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with drugs, helping them live productive lives in relationships with their family, work, and society.

Treatment may involve some of the following components:

Medications: Can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent the return to unsafe use.

Behavioral counseling: Helps individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to substance use, increase healthy life skills, develop problem-solving skills, and stick to treatment plans.

Group therapy: Gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance.

Additional support: May include vocational training and other resources that address problems associated with SUD, such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and medical conditions.

Here are some common questions and answers regarding SUDs.

How do I know if I or someone I know is misusing drugs?

Healthcare professionals use 11 criteria to determine if an individual has SUD. Some of them include:

using more of a substance than a person intends

using it for longer than they mean to

trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to

experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance

needing more of the substance to get the desired effects

developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance

What are the risk factors for drug misuse?

Certain factors may increase an individual's risk for SUD. These risk factors include:

family history of substance use

difficulties with parental monitoring

parents substance use

family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity

association with substance-using peers

lack of school connectedness

academic achievement difficulties

childhood sexual abuse

mental health issues

SUD can affect several aspects of a person's physical and psychological health.

Certain substances may lead to drowsiness and slow breathing, while others may cause insomnia, paranoia, or hallucinations. Chronic substance use has links to cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease.

In addition to physical and mental effects, substance use can adversely affect a person's relationships, home and work life, and mental health.

Care providers should tailor treatment to a person's needs. Community-based organizations and state-funded treatment programs usually involve a combination of behavioral therapy, group therapy, and medication.

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Physical and mental effects of drug abuse - Medical News Today

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The short-term and long-term effects of drug misuse depend on the drug that a person uses and their overall health. Learn about the possible effects here.

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does prolonged use of social media affects teens mental health more than teens that don't use it at all?

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How do you think we could help teens in the long run when it comes to social media affecting their mental health?

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How might environmental issues, such as climate change or pollution, influence the daily lives or mental health of students and teens?

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How does exposure to news and social media about climate disasters or environmental decline affect the mental well-being of teens?

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https://www.garrisoninstitute.org/ending-racism-how-to-change-the-world-in-one-generation/

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Ending Racism: How to Change the World in One Generation - Garrison Institute

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Almost every piece of work or literature that I’ve read on racism is built on one assumption: that it cannot end. Or at best, that it will be a “lifelong fight.” That ending racism will be something that “will probably never happen in our generation.” Most of the quotes you hear about the fight against racism sound something like this:“We used…