Myths & Info

Myths about Drugs, Alcohol, and Teens

Myth - Alcohol is not as dangerous as other drugs.

Fact - Alcohol can be deadly. Drinking a quart of vodka in one sitting can kill you. Even one drink can affect your judgement and cause you to lose control. Auto crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and of these fatalities, over one third are alcohol-related.

Myth - A can of beer will not have as much effect as a mixed drink (or a shot of liquor).

Fact - A can of beer, a glass of wine, a mixed drink and a shot of liquor all have about the same amount of alcohol and will have about the same effect.

Myth - You can't get addicted to marijuana.

Fact - Increasingly, research is showing that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of cocaine, heroin and alcohol. Chronic users can experience "withdrawal" symptoms (agitation, sleep problems) after stopping heavy use suddenly, as well as "tolerance" (needing larger doses of a drug to get the same desired effects once produced by smaller amounts).

Myth - It won't hurt me if I try it just once.

Some users get hooked the first time they snort, smoke, or inject meth. Because it can be made from lethal ingredients like battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, and antifreeze, there is a greater chance of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or serious brain damage with this drug than with other drugs.

Information about Drugs, Alcohol, and Teens

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant. It can be addictive if used excessively. Drinking alcohol leads to a loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, distorted vision, memory lapses, and possibly blackouts. People can die from alcohol poisoning or choking on vomit while passed out.

Learn more ... FreeVibe.org - alcohol info / drug guide - alcohol.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. It can be eaten in certain foods or smoked. It is an illegal drug. The effects vary from person to person depending on how strong the marijuana is, how it's taken and whether other drugs or alcohol are involved. At first, pot can make people feel relaxed, in a good mood and even silly. Users will likely experience dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, some loss of coordination and poor sense of balance, and slower reaction times, along with intoxication.

Learn more ... FreeVibe - the lowdown / drug guide - marijuana.

Meth

Methamphetamine is a crystal-like powdered substance that sometimes comes in large rock-like chunks. Methamphetamine can be taken orally, injected, snorted, or smoked. In the short term, meth causes mind and mood changes such as anxiety, euphoria, and depression. Long-term effects can include chronic fatigue, paranoid or delusional thinking, and permanent psychological damage. An overdose of meth can result in heart failure. Long-term physical effects such as liver, kidney, and lung damage may also kill you.

Learn more ... FreeVibe.org - meth info / drug guide - meth.

Inhalents

Inhalants are substances or fumes from products such as glue or paint thinner that are sniffed or "huffed" to cause an immediate high. Inhalants starve the body of oxygen and force the heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly--that can be dangerous for your body. Alcohol-like effects may include slurred speech, an inability to coordinate movements, dizziness, confusion and delirium. Nausea and vomiting are other common side effects. In addition, users may experience lightheadedness, hallucinations, and delusions. Symptoms exhibited by long-term inhalant abusers include weight loss, muscle weakness, disorientation, inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression.

Learn more ... FreeVibe.org - inhalents info / drug guide - inhalents.

Prescription Drugs

Using prescription drugs without a doctor’s approval (non-medical use) could lead to serious health problems. In some people, prescription pain relievers cause euphoria or feelings of well being by affecting the brain regions that mediate pleasure. This is why they are abused. Other effects include drowsiness, constipation and slowed breathing. Taking a large single dose of prescription pain relievers can cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to death. Use of prescription pain relievers with other substances that depress the central nervous system (alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, and others), increases the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.

Learn more ... FreeVibe.org - misuse & abuse / drug guide - prescription pain killers.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a stimulant that increases your heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to heart or kidney failure. Users report an enhanced sense of self-confidence and energy. Effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance and empathy. Other effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, blurred vision, chills and/or sweating. After-effects can include sleep problems, anxiety and depression.

Learn ... FreeVibe.org - ecstasy info / drug guide - ecstasy.