Drugs

Articles

Pages: |1|2|

Drugs

Basically for the same reasons that they drink alcohol or tobacco. The reasons are :

To relax and feel better.
To get out of depression (it does not help!).
To gain peer acceptance and fit in with a group.
They are insecure and lack confidence.
Some of them try it out only once but soon get addicted !

Teens are at a very vulnerable stage in their life. They may be pressurized by others to do drugs or they may try it only once but may get addicted. Drugs are highly addictive so it is essential not to try it. There are no medicines to stop addiction and drugs produce psychological and physical dependence due to which the addict becomes ready to anything for the drugs. The addict believes that the drugs are essential for his well being and hence gets sucked deeper into the addiction cycle.

Highlights

Dealing with normal adolescent
Rebellion

Other Articles

Drugs

The various types of drugs are listed below.

(1) Marijuana

Marijuana comes from the leaves of the hemp plant. The leaves and flowers are either smoked, eaten or drunk to produce intoxicating effects. Marijuana is fat soluble and hence is stored in the fat cells. The highest concentration of fat cells is in the brain, lungs and liver. Here marijuana acts as a poison damaging the cells in these areas.

For teens the negative effects of this drug are:

Interference with your ability to perform well in school.
Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities.
Becoming paranoid and afraid.
Developing a dependency on marijuana and being unable to function without it.
Loss of will power and motivation.

(2) Hallucinogens

The drugs under this category are :

(a) LSD - lysergic acid deithylamide
(b) PCD - phencyclidin

These drugs produce varied mental effects. Distortions in your vision, thinking, sensations and emotions. These drugs also cause mental instability and confusion. Hallucinogens are powerful psychoactive drugs that can cause mental distortions for up to 12 hours. These drugs also cause flashbacks even months after taking the drug.

(3) Cocaine

Cocaine is a white powder derived from the cocoa bush. Crack is a form of cocaine that can be smoked. Crack as well as cocaine is highly addictive and the drug user is always left wanting more after the high wears off. People will do anything to get it because if they do not then they face powerful withdrawal symptoms.

The effects of taking this drug are :

Increased heart rate (this could disrupt your hearts electrical impulses and kill you.)
Increased breathing and respiration.
Long term depression, paranoia, respiratory problems and cancer. Appetite deprivation.

Recovering from cocaine is a long slow process and it requires determination and help but in the end its all worth it.

(4) Heroin

Heroin is a drug made from morphine. The use of heroine depresses the central nervous system and slows breathing and heart rate. Tolerance develops quickly with this drug and it is highly addictive. A person can become addicted even after one dose and withdrawal is severe and difficult. Withdrawal symptoms are severe, including sweating, convulsions, dizziness and even panic.

Drug addicts say that they are powerless against the drug. They can only recover with the help of committed professionals and a good recovery program. There is a simple solution to drugs - DO NOT START.

Role of parents in helping their teen recover:

Create a relationship that is trusting and open.
Try to understand that he has a problem.
Be firm but yet supportive.
Do not blame him or her.
Do not even blame yourself.

Pages: |1|2|

E-mail this page to a friend