Drug Abuse and Teens: Warning Signs
Straight talk about drugs

Drugs seem to be everywhere you turn. You probably hear about them in movies, on TV, in the news, or even at school. It’s almost like everyone is using them. But did you know that most teens don't use drugs? What's important is that you understand exactly what's out there, what's being offered to you, why your friends may pressure you to use them, and what drugs do to your body.

What are drugs?
Drugs are substances that change the way your brain and body works. Drugs can be swallowed, inhaled, smoked, or injected. Whichever way drugs are taken, they end up in your bloodstream and go to all parts of your body.

Many drugs are illegal, meaning it is against the law to have them. Click here for a list of the different illegal drugs and learn about the dangers of each one.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs – Using Medication Wisely
Some people take drugs that are prescribed by their doctor when there is something wrong with their body. They might be in pain or have an infection. You need to take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs with much the same caution as drugs prescribed by your doctor. Over-the-counter drugs are used when you are sick, without a prescription. You can purchase them at a pharmacy or grocery store. Medical drugs are legal and safe as long as people use them the right way and follow the instructions that come with them. Using prescription drugs that are not prescribed for you is not safe or legal. Using OTC drugs, such as Robitussin and Benadryl cough syrup, to “catch a high,” can cause you serious harm. Special care is necessary if you use prescription and OTC drugs. If abused, both types of drugs can be deadly.

Here’s the real truth about illegal drugs
Drugs wear off, but they can cause life-long damage to your body.
Many drugs are addictive, which means it can be really hard to quit.
Drugs affect your mind, making it harder to make safe choices and defend yourself in dangerous situations.
Drugs are toxic and are not meant to be in your body. Your body can have an extreme reaction – you can become really sick or even die. This happens to teens every day.
Drugs make you look ugly! Not only are drugs bad for your health, they can alter your looks dramatically! These pictures show the tragic toll that crystal meth can take on a person's physical appearance. One of the most reported physical and mental effects of the drug is "crank bugs." The "crank bugs" cause a sensation that there are bugs under the skin and the person keeps scratching at them until their arms, legs, faces, and bodies are all scared with sores and blisters.
 

Why do teens take drugs?
There are many reasons teens might choose to use drugs. For some young people, using drugs makes them feel grown up. Or they think drugs will help them fit in and belong to a group. Some teens use drugs to relax and feel good, or to have more fun at a party or club. Others use drugs as a way to take risks and rebel. Some teens try drugs because they are curious. The bad news is that, in every case, using drugs is the worst way to do all of these things.

The good news is that there are many more positive and healthy ways to feel grown up, be part of a group, relax and feel good, take risks, and satisfy curiosity. If you are looking for a challenge, try activities like rock climbing, hiking, or skiing. Join a club or sports team at school if you want to make friends and learn something new. You can even start your own club! Going out to a movie or shopping with friends are great ways to relax and have fun. You can probably think of many more great things that don’t involve using drugs!

Be safe: Choose not to use
Ok. So you know that drugs can cause terrible problems. Now what? The hardest part is telling your friends or anyone who offers you drugs, "NO", but it is definitely worth it! Most teens have made the decision not to use drugs. Making a decision not to use drugs takes courage but you can do it! Here are some ways you can choose not to use:

Just say, "No thanks."
Find an excuse to leave.
Stay alert: don’t allow anyone to give you drugs without you knowing it.
Ask for help from other friends or adults if someone is really pressuring you to use.
Make new friends who respect your decision not to use drugs.
Go to events that don't involve drugs. Don't put yourself in an unsafe or difficult situation.
Know when there's a problem
How do you know a friend has a problem with drugs? Here are some signs:

A person who has a drug problem thinks drugs are the solution to all problems. She may spend all of her free time figuring out how to do drugs and how to get money to buy drugs.
She is anxious, depressed, and irritable.
She has dropped out of regular school activities and has group of drug-using friends.
Her grades have dropped and she may not come to school regularly.
Her sleep habits have changed.
She seems to have gained or lost a lot of weight.
She may look sick, tired, or even messy.
She also seems to be taking more and more of the drug to get the same effect.
If you or someone you know shows some of these signs, you can get help! The only way out of drug addiction is to recognize that there is a problem and that you can get help from others. Turn to your parents, teachers, counselors, or any adult you trust—they care about you. Although it won't be easy, you or your friend can stop using drugs. Don't be ashamed. Asking for help could be the best decision you ever made.

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