Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and Alcohol

SMOKING

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase tobacco products because cigarette smoking is highly addictive and can cause diseases like emphysema, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, even premature death. Smoking is particularly dangerous for teens because their bodies are still developing and changing. Use of cigarettes can lead to the abuse other substances. Besides that, it makes your breath smell bad and makes your teeth turn yellow!

In the wake of the surgeon general declaring a youth e-cigarette epidemic, Truth Initiative® has expanded its quit-smoking resources to include a first-of-its kind e-cigarette quit program. This innovative and free text message program was created with input from teens, college students and young adults who have attempted to, or successfully, quit e-cigarettes.

The program is tailored by age group to give teens and young adults appropriate recommendations about quitting. The program will also serve as a resource for parents looking to help their children who now vape.

Youth and young adults can access the new e-cigarette quit program by texting "DITCHJUUL" to 88709. Parents and other adults looking to help young people quit should text "QUIT" to (202) 899-7550.

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/quitting-smoking-vaping/quitting-e-cigarettes

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is illegal to buy or possess if you are under age 21. It is a central nervous system depressant affecting virtually every organ in the body. It blocks the messages going to your brain and alters your perception and emotions, vision, hearing and coordination. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can lead to risky behaviors. The relationship between alcohol and motor vehicle crashes is widely acknowledged. In addition, alcohol use can lead to the abuse of other substances.

MARIJUANA

It is illegal to buy or sell marijuana because it is highly dangerous. Marijuana affects your judgment, drains your motivation and can make you feel anxious. It affects your self-control, including your sense of time and coordination, leading to burns, falls and car crashes. It can be laced with other dangerous drug without your knowledge. “Blunts” – hollowed out cigars filled with marijuana – sometimes have substances such as cocaine, PCP, or embalming fluid added. Despite popular perception, you can become addicted to marijuana and smoking marijuana is even worse than smoking tobacco. One joint affects the lungs as much as four cigarettes.

SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA

Synthetic marijuana is a designer drug in which herbs, incense or other leafy materials are sprayed with lab-synthesized liquid chemicals to mimic the effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in the naturally grown marijuana plant (cannabis sativa). Synthetic marijuana, also known by the name of “Spice” or “K2” is becoming increasingly popular with high school students and young adults because it can be legally obtainable from convenience stores, smoke shops, and online. Case reports and surveys have identified serious toxicities that occur with use of synthetic marijuana, and some users have required emergency room treatment. The chemicals synthesized for the production of synthetic pot can be more potent than natural THC found in marijuana, and may have more dangerous side effects.

INHALANT USE

The abuse of ordinary household products can cause severe consequences including permanent brain damage, loss of muscle control and destruction of the heart, blood, kidney, liver and bone marrow. Inhalant abuse can kill; it can kill suddenly and it can kill those who sniff for the first time.

COCAINE AND CRACK

Cocaine and crack are illegal and highly addictive. Even first time users may experience seizures or heart attacks, which can be fatal. People using crack and cocaine can do risky things they later regret. Car crashes, falls, burns, drowning and suicide are all linked to drug use.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

Prescription medication provides many benefits when used correctly under a doctor’s care. When abused of used incorrectly they are as dangerous as illicit drugs especially when combined with alcohol and other illicit drugs. It can kill you! It is illegal for someone to take or use someone else’s prescription medication.

(Source: Elks National Drug Awareness Program)