Make HEALTHPOWERFORMINORITIES.ORG My Homepage

Header picture

Teens Issues

teens ask the experts about drugs

teens ask:   How does drug use affect overall health?

People usually take illegal drugs and alcohol (alcohol is also a drug) in order to:

  • get high
  • socialize with others who use them
  • escape from pain, unhappiness or some other unpleasant situation
  • respond to peer pressure

In other words, people usually take drugs to get a temporary good feeling. However, after a while the good feeling often wears off and the person wants more.

Taking drugs is dangerous to your health because:

  • You can become addicted, which means hooked or dependent on the drug.
  • Craving for the drug may cause the addicted person to steal money to buy drugs, or get involved in other crimes.
  • Some people sell sex for drugs. Although they make money for their drugs, they also open themselves to new risks, such as HIV and other STDs.
  • Excess alcohol and other drug use can often interfere with mental health by:
    • decreasing a person's ability to concentrate
    • decreasing body coordination such as in riding a bike or driving a car
    • decreasing a person's ability to make sound decisions
  • Excess alcohol and other drug use can cause physical damage by leading to:
    • permanent damage to the liver, brain, other parts of the nervous system, and kidneys
    • high blood pressure
    • violent or abusive behavior
  • Marijuana (also called "pot," "weed," and "grass") can cause:
    • a person's heart to beat fast
    • a person to lose their balance and feel out of control
  • Heroin and crack (a form of cocaine), are two of the most addictive narcotic drugs a person can use.
    Heroin and crack can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. One reason is that a lot of heroin and crack that looks "clean" may be contaminated (tainted or polluted) with other dangerous substances.
  • Stimulants (also called "uppers"), keep you awake. That can be unhealthy because it is very important to get enough sleep on a regular basis.

    The most common illegal stimulants are:
    • cocaine     • crack     • speed

    Methephedrine, an amphetamine, is a very dangerous stimulant. Users often lose their sense of reality when high.
  • Although cocaine first causes a short burst of energy and a sense of well being, these feelings are quickly followed by depression. After more drug use, the positive feelings develop again, but are followed again by depression. This cycle of repeat highs and lows is unhealthy, and interferes with normal daily living.
  • Ecstasy (or X) and LSD (or acid), which are classified as hallucinogens, cause many unpredictable and often dangerous reactions.
  • Angel dust (or PCP) is one of the most dangerous hallucinogens of all. Users often have no sense of reality and when addiction develops, it interferes with normal daily living.
  • The date rape drug, Rohypnol (or ruffles) can lead to behavior which is very damaging to the physical and mental health of users. Sometimes it involves two people, and sometimes a group can be involved, including the family. How you interact with your family, other loved ones and friends is greatly affected by the use of drugs and alcohol.

Teen Power's Bottom Line:

  • Drugs, including alcohol, can have a very negative effect on a person's physical and mental health.
  • Since teens often get involved in drugs and alcohol by experimenting and influence from their friends, the best thing is to Do You (be your own person).

Remember what Teen Power says: "Better Safe than Sorry!"

Finally, also remember the Health Power motto:

Action's The Way 4 Health Power!

We share Health Power's commitment to multicultural or minority health. Visit us.

  • Previous
  •                  
  • Next
Disclaimer | Privacy
The information on our web site is not meant to substitute for medical care provided by a physician (or doctor). Therefore, individuals who consider themselves to have a significant medical or health problem should consult a physician. We do not knowingly accept advertisements (ads) that are not genuine offers. However, since all ads on our site are from independent sources, they are not guaranteed by us. I All Health Power materials are copyrighted, and all related Rights are reserved. Therefore, except as authorized below, use of Health Power materials is prohibited .

Health Power materials may not be altered, or reproduced in whole or in part. However, single copies of our materials may be printed/downloaded for (a) personal use; (b) the use of staff and clients of non-profit organizations; and (c) after receipt of written permission from Health Power, for other purposes. Copyright / ©2009 Health Power for Minorities (Health Power).