As
we end the month of January let’s look at what we know about drugs and alcohol.
National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week serves to improve our basic knowledge of
these substances and also to get rid of some myths. If you’re curious about any particular drug
and its effects, this is the week to educate yourself. Prescription drugs,
cocaine, tobacco, and even marijuana are a few drugs that people become
addicted to. Here are some examples of topics you can educate yourself with
this week!
This
week also focuses on teen prevalence and prevention. At least 18.3% of teens have abused just prescription drugs at least
once during their short lifetime. This is a scary fact also knowing that
half of drug overdoses in the U.S. come strictly from the use of prescription
drugs. This is the week to talk to your peers and teens about the facts of
drugs and how addictive they can become.
Quick
facts:
- Many factors contribute to becoming addicted to drugs, including family, peers, method of use, and the age one begins using a substance.
- Tobacco use is still considered the highest preventable cause of death in the U.S.
- Spending a lot of time alone, lost of interest, nervousness, and even change in eating habits are all signs of drug abuse and addiction.
- E-Cigarettes still have many unknown side-effects due to insufficient information but still have high amounts of nicotine (a highly addictive drug) and users are likely to have a stronger connection with regular tobacco use.
Just
take 10 minutes this week to sit down with a friend or a teenager you know and
discuss some drug facts that you can find in the links below. This basic
knowledge can go long way and make a true difference in their lives.
Sources:
