Steer Clear of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is a quick way to wreck your life. Take the high road, live a healthy, productive life, without the need for drugs. Look around you. Most teenagers are not using drugs.

They understand that drug abuse could rob themselves of an education, a family, a job, and even their life. So, don't give-in to peer pressure. Real friends don't try to get their friends to abuse alcohol or do drugs.

True Facts

Drugs can affect your entire body and your well being. Despite the glamorization in movies or music, drugs can produce tragic consequences and affect the body's natural chemistry.

Drugs are illegal to buy, sell, or possess and can impair thinking and development

Many drugs are highly addictive. Your dependence increases, while your self-control decreases. Some drugs, like crack cocaine, become addictive the first time you try them.

The older a person is before beginning to drink alcohol, the less likely they will develop a drinking problem later.

Our office offers several pamphlets to help inform teens on the danger of drugs. Please feel free to download our pamphlets or contact our office to see if we have copies in bulk available.

Effects of Drug Abuse

• Decreases school performance
• Can't get along or fit in with others
• Causes brain disorders
• Kills brain cells and impairs thinking
• Increases the likelihood of violence
• Dulls the senses
• Causes heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and hepatitis
• Smoking marijuana greatly increases the risk of using harder drugs

Over the Counter Drug Abuse

Over the counter drugs are just as dangerous and addictive as street drugs.  Visit Parents: The AntiDrug for information regarding the signs of Rx drug abuse and ways to prevent your loved ones from becoming addicted

Tips for Teens:

Few decisions are as important as the choice not to use drugs. Make your own choices. Educate yourself by using these important facts:

False Statements

• "Some drugs are fun and cool"
• "I can't get in trouble...drugs won't hurt me ."
• "I know my limits. I can stop using drugs whenever I want"
• "Drinking alcohol as a teenager isn't that big of a deal"

We Care

For more information please visit the following websites:

• www.theantidrug.com
• www.drugfreeamerica.com
• www.dare.com