Substance Abuse Part I: Smoking

Studies show that cigarette smoking is most likely to become a habit during the adult years. TRUE FALSE Studies show that cigarette smoking is most likely to become a habit during the teenage years.

Social influencers such as older peers and parents have been cited as reasons for picking up smoking among the youths. TRUE FALSE The Student Health Survey conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) found that 58% of youth smokers have at least one parent who smokes, compared to 27% of youth non-smokers.

About 4 Singaporeans die prematurely from smoking-related diseases each day. About 7 Singaporeans die prematurely from smoking- related diseases each day. TRUE FALSE

Smoking-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - also known as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD)-, are the nation's top killers. TRUE FALSE

Smoking is estimated to increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by 2-4 times. TRUE FALSE

I am not at risk if I puff the cigarette without inhaling the smoke. Many chemicals in the cigarette smoke (including nicotine) can be absorbed through the mouth, nose and skin. TRUE FALSE

I will cough more after I've quit smoking. TRUE FALSE Lungs start to function properly again and are working to clear tar, dead cells and extra mucus accumulated from the cigarettes.

Smoking is the largest cause of preventable death in the world. TRUE FALSE

Health Benefits of Quitting In blood: Carbon monoxide Oxygen returns to normal Within 8 hours Risk of heart attack Sense of smell and taste returns to normal Within 48 hours Decline in lung function stops Energy level Within 72 hours Improve in blood circulation and pressure Lung capacity Within 3 months Risk of smoking- related heart attack by 50% Within 1 year Risk of lung, bladder, kidney, pancreatic cancer Within 10 years

Substance Abuse Part II: Alcohol

Classification of Alcohol Consumption

What Defines Binge Drinking?

Age-specific Prevalence (%) of Binge Drinking, by Gender, 2004

The active component of alcoholic beverages is ethanol a chemical that is intoxicating and addictive. TRUE FALSE

Regular drinking has been associated with obesity; cancer of the mouth, throat and oesophagus; cirrhosis of the liver; brain damage and memory loss; sexual problems, especially male impotency. TRUE FALSE

Below the age of 21 years, one should not drink alcohol because the body processes it more slowly. TRUE FALSE Below the age of 18 years!