What are drugs? Chances are you have learned about the dangers of drugs in school. However, what are they and what do they do to your body?
Drugs are chemicals, substances or prescription medicine that will affect the way your body works. Drugs can be administered by inhaling, injecting or swallowing. After ingestion, they travel to your bloodstream where they can affect your brain function, increase or decrease your senses, cause you to become incredibly alert or extremely tired and can numb any physical or mental pain that you may be experiencing.
People choose to do drugs for many different reasons and while they may make you feel good, they are incredibly dangerous and highly addictive. You can become dependent on them and they can be very difficult to get stop using.
Opioids
Opioids are prescribed to treat temporary or chronic pain. If misused, you could experience decreased cognitive function, decreased respiratory function or death.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are prescribed for ADD or ADHD. If misused, they can cause heart failure, seizures, paranoia and addiction.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety or depression. If misused, you could experience slowed heart rate, seizures or even death.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug in the United States. It is very accessible and in some cases, people don’t even consider it to be a drug because they can purchase it just about everywhere. Even though you have to be 21 to purchase and legally consume alcohol, many young people, even those as young as age 12, abuse alcohol. Drinking can make you feel sociable but it can quickly get out of hand. Using alcohol can have long lasting harmful effects on the body and relationships. So what do you need to know? What does it do to your body – what are some of the consequences?
• One in six Native American adolescents (ages 12-17) engage in underage drinking – the highest rate of alcohol use of all racial/ethnic groups.
• Native American youth have been found to start consuming alcohol at a younger age and in greater quantities than other youth. (Friese and Grube, 2008; Friese et al., 2011; Spear et al., 2005)
• Your brain continues to develop into your early 20’s. Underage drinking can impede that development.
