DRUGS AND HOW THEY AFFECT TEENS

By Michael Martinelli, Christian Scarpati

Percentage of high schools who can obtain drugs source: University of Michigan,

What is Marijuana?

“Marijuana is a green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa.”

“There are over 200 slang terms for marijuana including "pot," "herb," "weed," "boom," "Mary Jane," "gangster," and "chronic." It is usually smoked as a cigarette (called a joint or a nail) or in a pipe or bong.”

“In recent years, marijuana has appeared in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana, often in combination with another drug, such as crack. Some users also mix marijuana into foods or use it to brew tea.” (Full Marijuana Article)

The Hard Facts About Cocaine

“Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Cocaine has been labeled the drug of the 1980s and '90s, because of its extensive popularity and use during this period.”

“However, cocaine is not a new drug. In fact, it is one of the oldest known drugs. The pure chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, has been an abused substance for more than 100 years, and coca leaves, the source of cocaine, have been ingested for thousands of years. (Full Cocaine Article)”

What is Inhalant Abuse?

“When we think of drugs, most of us think of marijuana, heroin and crack cocaine. But some of the most lethal drugs are simpler and easier to obtain.”

“We can find them in the drawers of our desks, stashed in our cabinets, and lined up on our grocery store shelves. Things like paint, magic markers, white out, lighter fluid, hair sprays, vegetable cooking sprays and air fresheners. Things that are cheap and easy to obtain, and at the same time, when inhaled can prove fatal.” (Full Inhalant Article)

Club Drugs Aren't "Fun Drugs"

“(NAPS)-Across the country, teens and young adults enjoy all-night dance parties known as "raves" and increasingly encounter more than just music.”

“Dangerous substances known collectively as club drugs-including Ecstasy, GHB, and Rohypnol-are gaining popularity. These drugs aren't "fun drugs." (Full Club Drug Article)”

What is LSD?

“LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the major drugs making up the hallucinogen class. LSD was discovered in 1938 and is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.”

“LSD, commonly referred to as "acid," is sold on the street in tablets, capsules, and, occasionally, liquid form. It is odorless, colorless, and has a slightly bitter taste and is usually taken by mouth. Often LSD is added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small decorated squares, with each square representing one dose. (Full LSD Article) “

MDMA (Ecstasy)

“MDMA is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with both stimulant (amphetamine-like) and hallucinogenic (LSD-like) properties. Street names for MDMA include Ecstasy, Adam, XTC, hug, beans, and love drug. Its chemical structure (3-4”

“ Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "MDMA") is similar to methamphetamine, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and mescaline - other synthetic drugs known to cause brain damage. (Full Ectasy Article)”

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Mushrooms? The drug

“The active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms is called psilocybin. This chemical is found in approximately 190 species of edible mushrooms. Hallucinogenic mushrooms have a high potential for abuse.” Source: Abovetheinfluence.com

What is Prescription Drugs

“Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a medication that was prescribed for someone else or takes their own prescription in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed.”

“Abuse can include taking a friend's or relative's prescription to get high, to treat pain, or because you think it will help with studying. Source: NDIA teen drug abuse”

The Book Slam by Walter Dean Myers

At one part of the book “Slam” walks into a ghetto neighborhood and there were teens smoking marijuana.

“Slams” best friend started to deal drugs and slam tries to stay away from his best friend

In this case the fictional character stayed away from drugs that were always around him

Solutions to solve drug abuse

Ways to overcome drug addiction is rehab centers .

Most rehab centers give treatments, relaxation, and wildlife retreats.

This helps people forget about drugs and show that you don’t need drugs to have a good life.

Conclusion

Teen drug abuse is a major problem all over the world.

Teens do drugs for reasons that are not even worth the risk.

Any type of drug abuse is hard to overcome because there really isn’t that much solutions to teen drug abuse besides rehabilitation and interventions.