What We All Need to Know About Drug Addiction
Individuals who struggle with drug addiction do not set out to destroy themselves and everyone and everything in their path--rather, these catyclysmic consequences are the effect of the vicious cycle of addiction. Drug use and abuse may seem to avert emotional and physical pain by providing the user with a temporary and illusionary escape from or way to cope with life's realities. Read More »
Preventing Teen Drug Abuse: Strategies for Parents
When it comes to preventing drug addiction, adolescence can be a critical period. Several studies have documented the relationship between early exposure to alcohol and other drugs and the development of addictive behaviors later in life. Researchers have also noted that youth who refrain from using alcohol and other drugs are much more likely to live addiction-free lives. Read More »
Teens Drug Addiction and Health
What are the medical consequences of drug addiction? Does drug abuse cause mental disorders, or vice versa? What harmful consequences to others result from drug addiction? Read More »
Teen Drug Abuse and Treatment
Being a teenager is often a confusing, challenging time, which can make teens vulnerable to falling into a destructive pattern of drug use. While most teens probably see their drug use as a casual way to have fun, there are negative effects that are a result of this use of alcohol or other drugs. Even if adolescent drug use does not necessarily lead to adult drug abuse, there are still risks and consequences of adolescent drug use. These negative effects usually include a drop in academic performance or interest, and strained relationships with family or friends. Read More »
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. There are over 200 slang terms for marijuana including "pot," "herb," "weed," "boom," "Mary Jane," "gangster," and "chronic." It is usually smoked as a cigarette (called a joint or a nail) or in a pipe or bong. In recent years, marijuana has appeared in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana, often in combination with another drug, such as crack. Some users also mix marijuana into foods or use it to brew tea. Read More »
The Hard Facts About Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Cocaine has been labeled the drug of the 1980s and '90s, because of its extensive popularity and use during this period. However, cocaine is not a new drug. In fact, it is one of the oldest known drugs. The pure chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, has been an abused substance for more than 100 years, and coca leaves, the source of cocaine, have been ingested for thousands of years. Read More »
What is Inhalant Abuse? When we think of drugs, most of us think of marijuana, heroin and crack cocaine. But some of the most lethal drugs are simpler and easier to obtain. Read More »
Club Drugs Aren't "Fun Drugs"
During his seven-year tenure as director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Dr. Alan I. Leshner led the organization’s initial efforts to educate the public about the rise of so-called “club drugs” – substances such as Ecstasy, GHB, Rohypnol and other drugs that were becoming increasingly popular at dance clubs and all-night “rave” parties. Read More »
What is LSD?
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the major drugs making up the hallucinogen class. LSD was discovered in 1938 and is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Read More »
Did You Know? Get answers to some of the questions about marijuana most commonly asked by teens, including what are the short- and long-term effects of using marijuana; what effect does it have on regular activities, such as driving, studying, and sports; what does using marijuana do to the brain and to the body; how addictive is it; and what can you do to get help if you want to stop using. Read More »
Talking to Teens About Drugs
Most parents would agree with the statement that children should not do drugs. But when it comes to talking to their teens about the dangers of drug use, many neglect to broach the subject. Read More »
Dumbing Down With Pot
Think using marijuana is a dumb idea? A new study suggests that heavy marijuana use can actually lower a person's IQ score and discontinuing use of the drug may be the only way to recover lost brain power. Read More »
The information provided on the Teens Drug Abuse web site is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Nothing contained on the Teen Drug Abuse web site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care professional. Teen Drub Abuse contains links to third party websites. Teens Drug Abuse does not make any representation, warranty, or endorsement of any product or service or the content or accuracy of any materials contained in, or linked to, any advertisement or link on the Site.
