Why Are Illegal Drugs Dangerous?

                                      

Illegal drugs aren't good for anyone, but they are

particularly bad for a kid or teen whose body is still

growing. Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart,

and other important organs. Cocaine, for instance,

can cause a heart attack — even in a kid or teen.

While using drugs, people are also less able to do

well in school, sports, and other activities. It's often

harder to think clearly and make good decisions.

People can do dumb or dangerous things that could

hurt them — or other people — when they use

drugs.

Why Do People Use Illegal Drugs?

Sometimes kids and teens try drugs to fit in with a

group of friends. Or they might be curious or just

bored. Someone may use illegal drugs for many

reasons, but often because they help the person

escape from reality for a while. A drug might —

temporarily — make someone who is sad or upset

feel better or forget about problems. But this escape

lasts only until the drug wears off.

Drugs don't solve problems, of course. And using

drugs often causes other problems on top of the

problems the person had in the first place.

Somebody who uses drugs can become dependent

on them, or addicted. This means that the person's

body becomes so accustomed to having this drug

that he or she can't function well without it.

Once someone is addicted, it's very hard to stop

taking drugs. Stopping can cause withdrawal

symptoms, such as vomiting (throwing up),

sweating, and tremors (shaking). These sick feelings

continue until the person's body gets adjusted to being drug free again.

                                                  

Can I Tell if Someone Is Using Drugs?

If someone is using drugs, you might notice changes

in how the person looks or acts. Here are some of

those signs, but it's important to remember that

depression or another problem could be causing

these changes. Somebody using drugs might:

lose interest in school

change friends (to hang out with kids who use drugs)

become moody, negative, cranky, or worried all the

time

ask to be left alone a lot

have trouble concentrating

sleep a lot (maybe even in class)

get in fights

have red or puffy eyes

lose or gain weight

cough a lot have a runny nose all of the time

What Can I Do to Help?

If you think someone is using drugs, the best thing to

do is to tell an adult that you trust. This could be a

parent, other relative, teacher, coach, or school

counselor. The person might need professional help

to stop using drugs. A grownup can help the person

find the treatment needed to stop using drugs.

Another way kids can help kids is by choosing not to

try or use drugs. It's a good way for friends to stick

together.