Drug Facts for Kids

A drug is defined as any substance other than food taken in order to change the way the body or mind functions. Drugs have different side effects, and make a kid's body and mind react differently. In the past, many kids smoked cigarettes or tried alcohol, but drug use for kids has expanded to Ritalin, marijuana and other substances. Drugs are not only addictive, but can have harmful side effects that kids should avoid.

  1. Popular Drugs

    • Drugs that are popular with high school and college students as of 2009 are alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, psilocybin, LSD, ecstasy, PCP, amphetamines, steroids, barbiturates and Ritalin. Each drug also comes in several different forms ranging from pills to powders, liquids, plants, resins and powders.

    Effects of Drugs

    • Drugs affect the brain and body in several different ways and often depends on the dosage. Many kids who try drugs experience changes in mood and may notice that their physical growth and sexual development are slowed. If a kid uses drugs, there are common side effects, like paranoia, confusion, dizziness, sleepiness, unusual hunger and anxiety. Because the brain of a child is still developing, the use of drugs during childhood can leave more severe trauma and permanent brain damage. Children who use drugs are also more prone to overdose because of their size.

    Lingo

    • Drugs are known by many other names. For instance, marijuana is also known as weed, pot, dope and herb. These alternate names are how dealers keep their business low key. Common names for cocaine are snow, C, blow, coke, crack and rock. Names for psilocybin are shrooms, mushrooms and magic mushrooms. Alternate names for ecstasy are E, X, XTC, Adam, euphoria and love doves. Common names for PCP are P, angel dust and angel. Other names for LSD include acid, blotter, dose and window pain.

    Theories

    • Kids use drugs for various reasons, such as boredom, curiosity and peer pressure. Kids who may feel the need or desire to use drugs can find other means to deal with boredom. For instance, if you're bored, take a walk, watch a movie, read a book or call a friend. If you're curious, find healthy things to be curious about, such as how a thermometer works or the science behind the Mars Lander. Problems do not go away when you engage in drugs. They are just a temporary way to avoid reality. Face your problems and work them out. To fit into a social circle, think about what is the most respectful to your mind and body and what would make others respect you.

    Statistics

    • Alcohol kills more than 6.5 percent more teenagers than all other illicit drugs combined. More than 60 percent of teens said that drugs were sold, used or kept at their school. Twenty percent of eighth-graders report that they have tried marijuana. Marijuana is the most-commonly used illicit drug in the United States.

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