What are drugs?

Have you ever been sick and had to take a kind of medicine? This is considered a drug. A drug is a chemical or substance that change the way our body acts. Some drugs are legal, and some drugs are illegal.

What happens when you take drugs?

Drugs can be taken by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting. After you take them, they begin to find way in your bloodstream. From there they move to the brain and other body parts. Drugs may also cause an intensification in senses as in changing how alert or tired you feel. They also sometimes decrease physical pain.

Why are illegal drugs dangerous?

Drugs are particularly the worst for children or teens because their bodies are still developing. These drugs damage the heart, brain and other important organs. When you use drugs, people are less able to do well in school, sports and other activities. It is way harder to think while in that state of mind. People can do dangerous things to themselves and other people while taking drugs.

Why do people take drugs?

People take drugs for the pleasure they believe it brings. Or, people can tend to take drugs due to peer pressure, or someone telling you to do so. Often many friends will try to persuade you to take drugs, but always say no! Some people believe drugs will help them think better, be more popular or become better athletes. But, really it only makes you feel like that for a moment, and then they start to destroy your body and life.

How can you tell if someone is taking drugs?

-Lost interest in school

-Change of friends

-Become moody, negative, cranky or worried.

-Asks to be left alone

-Sleeps alot

-Lose or gain weight

-Get in fights

What are some types of drugs?

To be more aware, some types of drugs are:

Stimulants: Sometimes called uppers, they make you feel more hyper.

Depressants: Sometimes called downers, they slow down the central nervous system.

Hallucinogens: Sometimes called psychedelic, they alter how a person feels

Painkillers: Sometimes called analgesics, they treat severe pain.

What do laws do about drugs?

-Our country has laws that protects us from harm with drugs.

-There are laws which allow us to use drugs for illnesses only.

-There are laws that say drugs can be sold without a prescription

-There are laws that say how old you have to be in order to buy drugs.

-It is against the law to sell or give you tobacco or alcohol products if you are under the age of 18.

-There are laws that make buying, growing and using drugs illegal.

What can you do to help?

If you know someone that is using drugs then the first thing to do is tell an adult. This could be a parent, a teacher, a counselor or a coach. An adult can help the person get the professional help they may need. You can also help by telling other kids not to try any drugs.