Kids and Drugs

The first 200 words of this essay...

Kids and Drugs

DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO - GENERAL

Drugs, drugs, drugs! In most cultures we are surrounded by substances that alter our mind or our body functions. Some of these are legal and accepted; others are illegal and not accepted. Some drugs can make people feel ill, and others may kill them. This article looks at drug and alcohol use in a general way. It covers things like: why people use them, how much they are used, the effects they have on health and some tips for people who want to change their drug use. Both young people and research have guided this article.

Why do kids use drugs?

Young people say they turn to alcohol and other drugs for one or more of the following reasons:

* To do what their friends are doing

* To escape pain in their lives

* To fit in

* Boredom

* For fun

* Curiosity

* To take risks

TYPES OF DRUGS

A drug is any chemical that is not food and that affects your body. Drugs can be