Information
AIDS- ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICENCY SYNDROME
Aids is a virus that is transmitted through blood, sexual contact, pregnancy and breast milk. You can contact Aids through unprotected sex, contact with others blood and mother to baby. It can also be contacted through intravenous drug use. You cannot contract Aids through saliva, tears, sweat or urine.
The virus Aids weakens the immune system to the point where it has difficulty fighting off certain infections, and many of these infections can be life threatening. These infections would be controlled by a healthy immune system.
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ADOLESCENT ALCOHOLISM:
Alcohol affects teenagers in many ways and there are many reasons teenagers use alcohol and other drugs. One reason is peer pressure; a teenager’s feeling of fitting in with their peers. Other reasons are; they like they way alcohol makes them feel, it is cool to drink and it makes them feel like an adult. Also teenagers may think that alcohol and drugs are exciting and are a risk.
There can be many serious problems associated with drinking alcohol. If you think your friends or children have an alcohol problem, here are things to look out for. A teenager may have problems with grades dropping. A teen may also may become withdrawn or depressed or have an increase of violence or out of control behavior. Visually, a teenager may have problems staying awake or have red eyes.
Drinking and driving is a very dangerous and illegal result of teenager’s driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Never drink and drive or get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
If you or someone you know is Drinking, please get help.
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CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS:
Children who live with parents who are alcoholics must remember that their parent’s drinking is not their fault. Having different feelings of hurt and other emotions is normal. The best response is for the child to speak to an adult about their feelings and to stay active in enjoyable activities in school and after school. Children of parents who have a drinking problem must remember they are not alone and should ask for help. Another very important fact to remember is:
DO NOT get into a vehicle with an adult who has been drinking. Find help immediately Drinking and Driving is illegal and can kill you.
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COCAINE:
Cocaine refers to a drug in both a powder and crystal form. This drug is very addictive and can kill you. It can be snorted through the nose, eaten or injected.
There are a lot of side effects that accompany cocaine use:
- increased heart rate
- muscle spasms
- permanent damage to nasal tissue
- The use of cocaine can also lead to death.
Cocaine also affects your body by interrupting normal sleep patterns and can also effect emotions.
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PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
Prescription drugs are not harmful if used the way they were prescribed by a medical person. Always follow the prescription label when taking prescription drugs and NEVER take prescription drugs that were not prescribed to you.
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SMOKING:
Some facts about smoking and Tobacco are: Nicotine is the substance that is inhaled into your lungs when you smoke cigarettes and use smokeless tobacco this substance is very addictive.
- Teens become addicted faster than adults
- Smoking reduces the rate of lung growth and maximum lung function.
- Smoking can cause lung cancer and mouth cancer.
- Long-term smoking can cause throat cancer, bladder cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Some other side effects of smoking are looking older than you are and it can become hard to play sports and do other physical activities. Smoking can also harm your friends and family just by being around you. Second hand smoke can cause lung cancer and respiratory problems.
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HALLUCINOGENS:
Hallucinogens affect your brain and alter how your brain perceives reality and the environment. You may think you are hearing voices and/or seeing and feeling things that don’t exist.
These drugs can affect your self control you may do things you would not normally do. These drugs can affect your heart, blood pressure and can put you in a coma or cause death.
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MARIJUANA:
Marijuana is also referred to as: Pot, dope, weed or grass. THC are the chemicals found in marijuana. Marijuana can effect:
- Judgment
- motor coordination
- short term memory
- increase heart rate
- And shorten attention spans.
There are a few myths for teenagers who smoke pot. Everyone smokes pot and smoking pot is not as bad as smoking cigarettes. THESE ARE BOTH MYTHS. A good percentage of teenagers choose not to smoke marijuana but to handle stress in a different way. Also smoking Marijuana is just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes. Both substances are inhaled into the lungs causing many infections.
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STEROIDS:
Steroids are manmade substances linked to male hormones.
Steroids can cause:
- male baldness
- acne
- make you feel hostile and uncomfortable
- Cause outbursts and frustration.
- Men and women use steroids to build muscle and strength. Teenagers should eat healthy and exercise regularly to build muscle naturally. Not by using steroids.
Steroids have also been associated with heart problems. Steroids can be prescribed by a doctor for an illness. If taken under a doctor’s care and the doctors instructions are followed, they may be taken safely.
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INHALANTS:
Inhalants are substances or fumes from different household products that can be inhaled or sniffed to cause a high. Examples are: glue and paint thinner. Inhalants can be very dangerous. They can affect the brain and cause brain damage Inhalants can cause a sudden death when the cells of the brain don’t get enough oxygen. Some of the signs that someone is using inhalants is slurred speech, drunk dizzy, paint stains on body or face, red eyes runny nose.
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AMPHETAMINES:
Amphetamines, also known as speed or meth cause your body to amp up, feeling like you have a jolt of energy. This jolt of energy pushes the body further than it is supposed to go. Methamphetamines increase the heart rate and blood pressure and increase the risk for stroke. Meth can also cause many other side effects including:
- irritability, confusion or dizziness
- tremors or convulsions
- inability to sleep
These drugs may also affect your self control and can be very addictive. Some amphetamines are made in laboratories to look like certain common amphetamines. These can be dangerous because the strength is different in each batch made. WARNING: These drugs can look like common candies or over the counter medicine.
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PREGNANCY AND DRUGS:
Drugs and alcohol can cause a person to engage in sexual activity, when taking drugs or alcohol your judgment becomes impaired and you may behave in a way you would not if you were not impaired by drugs or alcohol. The results of this may include unwanted pregnancy, sexual assault transmitted diseases and emotional problems.
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PREVENTION:
Pressure to use illegal drugs and tobacco can come from wanting to be accepted, wanting to be noticed and wanting to belong. It can also come from lack of parental supervision.
Some strategies for parents and teens to prevent substance abuse:
- Teens helping teens. Teenagers are great communicators to their peers. If teens notice signs that their friends are using drugs and alcohol, get help immediately.
- Parents stay connected with their children take part of their children’s lives and communicate.
If parents notice signs that their children are taking drugs and alcohol, get help from a counselor, school social worker or a counselor in the community. Here are some signs to look for:
- Grades dropping
- Isolation
- Depression
- Change in mood
- Reckless behavior
- Anger or short temper
- Change in appearance (loss of weight, fatigue)