ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Abusing alcohol and drugs has immediate and obvious consequences. You can damage your body permanently and get caught in a cycle of addiction that can destroy your future. When you’re high or drunk, you’re out of control. That’s when you can make really big mistakes that can hurt you or someone else and other people can take advantage of you because your inhibitions are dulled and your defenses are down.

Topics:

Overview

Adolescents can become addicted to substances more quickly than adults. Some drugs are legal with others are illegal but all drugs are dangerous. Some legally available drugs include alcohol (for those over 21), prescribed medications, inhalants (fumes from glues, aerosols, and solvents) and over-the-counter cough, cold, sleep, and diet medications.

The most commonly used illegal drugs are marijuana, stimulants (cocaine, crack, and speed), LSD, PCP, opiates, heroin, and designer drugs (Ecstasy).

Pressure to Use Drugs & Saying No

Many people use abuse substances because:

  • They have a family history of substance abuse.
  • They are depressed.
  • They have low self-esteem.
  • They feel like they don’t fit in or are not in the “in crowd.”

Your friends may simply want you to join in when they’re having a “good time” and it can be hard to say no without feeling humiliated or like an outsider.

Here are a few ways to make saying NO easier:

  • Let your friends know how you feel and why you don’t want to take part (for example, it’s illegal).
  • Let your friends know what the consequences are.
  • Suggest doing some other activity instead.

It’s important to pick your friends carefully. Find friends with similar interests that respect your decisions. You can spend time with them enjoying the activities you love and this will help you avoid drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors.

Drug Types

There are four drug groups….

  1. tobacco products and alcoholic beverages which contain stimulants, depressants, and other active ingredients,
  2. over the counter pharmaceutical or herbal remedies
  3. prescription medications
  4. hallucinogenic, stimulant, depressant, narcotic, and other street drugs

Negative Consequences

Drug and Alcohol use can lead to a variety of negative consequences including:

  • Increased risk of serious drug use later in life
  • Poor judgment
  • Accidents
  • Violence
  • Unplanned and unsafe sex
  • Suicide
  • Increased likelihood of becoming involved with crime
  • Delinquency and truancy
  • Problems at school
  • Illegal behavior (see below)

Marijuana, hallucinogens, crack, cocaine, methamphetamine, and many other substances are illegal – you could face high fines and jail time. Alcohol is illegal to buy or possess if you are under 21.

Long-term alcohol and drug abuse is associated with:

  • HIV
  • Liver disease
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Neurological damage
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Getting Help

You’ve decided its time to take control of your life and your substance abuse problem. Here are a few steps to help you conquer your addiction and get your life back…

  • First, you must acknowledge that your substance use is a problem. Without admitting this, you won’t be able to move forward.
  • Once YOU DECIDE to quit, be committed. Make a plan and follow through.
  • Get help from a professional. A professional can give you support and develop a treatment plan for your immediate and long term needs. Your doctor can also treat withdrawal symptoms and other problems that you may have as you recover from your addiction.
  • Get support. Ask your family and friends for support and/or find a local group that can give you the tools and support you need to break your addiction and move on with your life.

Remember, it’s also important to change your environment to get rid of the temptation.

For immediate help in Tennessee call Centerstone’s 24-hour Crisis Intervention number at 1-800-681-7444.

Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous: Support for anyone who wants to stop drinking.

A message to teens….