Alcohol and Other Drugs

Today, everyone is exposed to the temptation to try drugs and alcohol. Most people experiment for curiosity, for kicks, because of peer pressure or to escape emotional problems. Drugs and alcohol change the way we act, think and feel. People may feel temporarily relieved from problems with alcohol/drugs. However alcohol/drugs can make the problem worse and may result in more drinking/drug abuse.

Alcohol/drug use can be harmful to teenagers in many ways:

Effects depend on:

ALCOHOL is the most abused drug in the United States in all age groups. It is a depressant. It slows the heart rate and respiration and affects the part of the brain that controls mood and emotion. Time is the only cure for the effects of alcohol on the body. It takes your body about one hour to eliminate the alcohol in one shot of whiskey, one beer, or one glass of wine. All contain approximately the same amount of alcohol. Mixing alcohol with other drugs is especially dangerous. People troubled by alcohol use often have problems that are social, physical, financial, and/or emotional.

WARNING: Alcohol is a dangerous drug. Games such as ‘Chugging’ can kill you.
WARNING: Drinking or using any drugs during pregnancy is extremely dangerous to the unborn baby.
WARNING: Drinking and driving don’t mix. Do not operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol of drugs. IT’S ILLEGAL.

CAFFIENE is found in soda, chocolate, coffee and tea, as well as pills designed to keep you awake. Caffeine is addictive. It can cause headaches and nervousness. Long-term use can cause heart problems.

COCAINE, when snorted, injected, or smoked acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature. The dangers of cocaine use vary widely.
WARNING: First time use of cocaine can cause death.
WARNING: It is physically and psychologically addictive.
WARNING: It’s illegal.

CRACK is a form of cocaine which appears as small granules that are smoked in a glass pipe or tube. Because crack is more concentrated, its use can result in more severe consequences.
WARNING: Even first time use of crack can cause death.
WARNING: Crack is highly addictive. A first time user can be addicted immediately.
WARNING: Freebasing cocaine or crack can cause injury or death from fire or explosion.
WARNING: It’s illegal.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS can also cause dependency and side effects that interfere with life. Prescription drugs are not safe for use by anyone other than the person for whom they are prescribed.
WARNING: Overdose or use with alcohol can cause death.

MARIJUNANA is generally smoked or eaten. Marijuana use can interfere with decision making, the ability to learn, and the ability to get along with others. Depression and anxiety are common side effects of marijuana use. Other effects are:

WARNING: It’s illegal.

NICOTINE is contained in cigarettes and chewing tobacco which, like all tobacco products, are among the hardest substances to quit using. They cause cancer of the lungs, mouth and nasal passages, and can cause several forms of heart and liver disease.

LOOK-ALIKE DRUGS are easily available from people on the street, but the name tells it all. How do you really know what you are buying? Because look-alikes may or may not be as strong as the real drug, they can be extremely dangerous.
Warning: When taken, look-alikes can lead to accidental overdose.

Someone who abuses alcohol and other drugs may be unable to recognize the seriousness of his/her problem. It is important to seek information about how to get help for yourself or a friend. There are many alternatives to doing drugs. Help is available.

Don’t forget to check with your school’s Student Assistant Counselor or Student Assistance Team Member.

To gain support if you choose not to drink, or if you have concerns about alcohol:

Alcoholics Anonymous provides support to those with a drinking problem. They also provide a setting where recovering alcoholics can share problems related to prior drinking and giving up alcohol.

Alanon provides help and support to adult family members and friends of alcoholics.

Alateen provides support for preteens and teenagers who have alcoholic family members. Alateen assists in helping young people understand alcoholism and ways in which to deal with it in others.

You know you are or a friend is in TROUBLE when one of you:

For more help or information call: