Number 1

Drugs are substances that change a person’s mental or physical state. They can affect the way
your brain works, how you feel and behave, your understanding and your senses. This makes
them unpredictable and dangerous, especially for young people.
Number 5

Drug Addiction
Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. When you’re addicted to drugs,
you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause. The
earlier you get treatment for drug addiction (also called substance use disorder) the more
likely you are to avoid some of the more dire consequences of the disease.
Drug addiction isn’t about just heroin, cocaine, or other illegal drugs. You can get addicted to
alcohol, nicotine, sleep and anti-anxiety medications, and other legal substances.
You can also get addicted to prescription or illegally obtained narcotic pain medications, or
opioids. This problem is at epidemic levels in the United States. In 2018, opioids played a role
in two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths.
At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel. You may
think you can control how much and how often you use it. But over time, drugs change how
your brain works. These physical changes can last a long time. They make you lose control
and can lead to damaging behaviors.
Number 4

Drug abuse is when a drug is used for a different purpose than intended, or in excessive amounts. Drug
abuse can involve illegal drugs, as well as medicines. There are many problems associated with drug
abuse, such as drug tolerance, dependence and addiction.
Number 6

 Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home

 Legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

 Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual

 Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, physical appearance

 Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

 Drop in attendance and performance at work or school

 Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors

 Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

 Unexplained change in personality or attitude

 Sudden mood swings, irritability, spaced-out, or angry outbursts

 Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason

Number 7

Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental
guidance can greatly affect a person's likelihood of drug use and addiction. Development. Genetic and
environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person's life to affect addiction
risk.
Number 8

People with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, which could include lung or
heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. Imaging scans, chest X-rays, and blood tests
can show the damaging effects of long-term drug use thSide effects of drug addiction may include:

Increased strain on the liver, which puts the person at risk of significant liver damage or liver failure.
Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage. Lung disease. Problems with memory, attention
and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult.roughout the body.
Number 9

You could:

 Speak to your doctor about your worries. They’ll be able to give you advice and useful
information.

 If you can, talk to family and friends about your drug use. Asking for help can make a big
difference, especially in the first few weeks.

 Find your nearest drug service. You can search for your nearest service and look at treatment
options further down the page.

 Join a peer support group like Narcotics Anonymous or Cocaine Anonymous.

If you have a dependency, please speak to a professional before stopping using suddenly, so you can
carefully manage any withdrawal symptoms.