Just Think Twice. You've heard the fiction, now learn the facts.

This is an issue that WAY too many teens have to deal with! While there is no simple answer, there are things that you can do to help your friend. I think that you can help out by showing your support, pointing out some of the bad consequences of using drugs (including its effect on your relationship and their grades), and maybe focus on non-drug-related activities to do with them (e.g., do they like to hang at the mall, go to the movies?? Go with them). If you are really worried that their use is getting really dangerous, I think you should try to talk to an adult (either parents or a teacher or counselor at school) to get some guidance. If you want to find more information on how to find help, you can call 1-800-662-HELP or go to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov anytime, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. To find general information on substance abuse prevention and treatment a good place to start is the Web site of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov. Good luck with your brother, I wish you both well!

Hi there! First I'd like to say Congratulations to you for being the friend that you are! This is a tough question. It's important to know that there are ways you can help your friend get sober. The first step is helping them 'get informed'! Sometimes that means providing them with information about the dangers of drug abuse (see www.teens.drugabuse.gov), sometimes it means helping them realize that their drug use is a problem (pointing out that a situation got worse because they were high...like maybe fighting with their folks get worse when they are high...), it may mean helping them find a treatment center, and then when they do get the help they need, you can be there for them when they are ready to live in a drug free environment. You can find a substance abuse treatment facility in your area by calling 1-800-662-HELP or go to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov anytime, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wow! While there is no simple answer to this dilemma, there are things that you can do to help your GF. I think that you can help out by showing your support, pointing out some of the bad consequences of using drugs (including its effect on your relationship and her grades), and maybe focus on non-drug-related activities to do with them (e.g., do they like to hang at the mall, go to the movies?? Go with them). Also, share with her some of the effects of PCP (http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/PCP.html). If you are really worried that their use is getting really dangerous, I think you should try to talk to an adult (either parents or a teacher or counselor at school) to get some guidance.If you want to find more information on how to find help, you can call 1-800-662-HELP or go to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov anytime, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.To find general information on substance abuse prevention and treatment a good place to start is the Web site of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov. Good luck with your brother, I wish you both well!

Hi there! Your friend is lucky to have you as a friend -I think that your support is very important, and it might mean that, at times, you need to help out your friend - just being there to listen to him/her. There are support groups, like ala-teen (for teens who are dealing with alcoholism in a relative or friend). You might consider helping your friend find support groups like this one. You should also help your friend find an adult that he/she could talk to - sometimes an adult will be able to intervene in a situation that you might not be able to.Good luck - Here is a resource that may help -If you need help with an addiction, you can find a substance abuse treatment facility by calling 1-800-662-HELP or go to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov anytime, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

I'm really glad you are asked this question. A lot of addicts say they don't want help because they are afraid to live without drugs. Treatment can show them how. Here are some things you might consider when trying to help a friend who is addicted to drugs. First, you can listen to what your friend has to say about why they are using drugs. You can also encourage them to learn more about how drug use negatively affects their body, brain, and life by visiting NIDA's website (www.drugabuse.gov). If they are ready to stop using drugs, encourage them to talk with a doctor, therapist, or teacher to find help. To find treatment programs (confidentially) go to: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ or call 1-800-662-HELP. Because talking with someone about their drug use can be difficult, you may want to seek the support of a trusted adult - teacher, coach, parent, etc. Remember, you can't make your friend stop using drugs - you can only provide them with support and let them know you care.

Thank you for contacting NIDA about this! Not sure if you're talking about a hypothetical case here or if it is about someone you know, but this is very serious and someone in this situation needs to ask for help. Since there is no way to make things better by yourself, here is a suggestion. Find a trusted adult to talk to -- a teacher, a doctor, an aunt or uncle. There are programs available to help treat drug addiction. You can find a substance abuse treatment facility by calling 1-800-662-HELP or go to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov anytime, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hello - It sounds like you a good person for your friend to have in his life! It can be very hard for someone to stop smoking - many people go through several quit attempts before they are successful. Keep in mind that he is probably doing the best that he can and keep offering encouragement and support when you can. The good news is that treatment and resources are available to help people quit. Information about smoking and prevention can be found at www.smokefree.gov. Kristen

Don't you just hate people who won't listen - especially when you have good advice??? A lot of addicts actually say they don't want help because they are afraid to live without drugs. Treatment can show them how. Here are some things you might consider when trying to help a friend who is addicted to drugs. First, you can listen to what your friend has to say about why they are using drugs. You can also encourage them to learn more about how drug use negatively affects their body, brain, and life by visiting NIDA's website (www.drugabuse.gov). If they are ready to stop using drugs, encourage them to talk with a doctor, therapist, or teacher to find help. To find treatment programs (confidentially) go to: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ or call 1-800-662-HELP. Because talking with someone about their drug use can be difficult, you may want to seek the support of a trusted adult - teacher, coach, parent, etc. Remember, you can't make your friend stop using drugs - you can only provide them with support and let them know you care.

To get started, you can refer that person to a website where they can better understand their drinking patterns and why they might need to seek help. Check it out here:http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/You can also find special resources for kids to get help, and offer help to others who need it here: http://www.thecoolspot.gov/real_life2.aspGood luck!

Tough spot to be in... First, be supportive and listen to them talk about their drug use. You can encourage them to stop using drugs and if they are not aware of the negative consequences drug use has on their brain and body you can refer them to: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/index.php . If they are unable to stop using drugs talk to them about treatment. More information about drug treatment can be found at: http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov . Take care of yourself and remember you can't make your friend stop using drugs - you can only support them.

It's hard to be in this situation, seeing friends going down a dangerous path and not being sure what you can do to help. If they don't realize the negative health effects drugs have on their body, brain, and life, there is a lot of information on NIDA's website (www.drugabuse.gov) that you can share. If he or she is already aware of the negative consequences that drugs have on health, school, family, etc., they may be prepared to make a change and seek treatment. You can help him or her find a doctor, therapist, support group, or treatment program by visiting the website www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov, or calling 1-800-662-HELP. If your friend is not ready yet to get help, don't give up on them. Keep reaching out, and hopefully some day soon they will be ready. Helping your friend go through the process of starting treatment, keeping in touch with him or her while they're in treatment, and supporting and encouraging them inrecovery are the best things you can do for a friend struggling with addiction.

I applaud you for trying to challenge your friend's beliefs that he or she is not an alcoholic. Denial is not uncommon for someone addicted to alcohol. Responsible adults may be able to assist your friend with support and resources to handle alcoholism. For more information on teens and alcohol go to http://www.thecoolspot.gov/index.asp Thanks for being a caring friend and recognizing that alcohol is a problem. Don't give up on your friend, and when he/she does finally get help, your friendship will mean a lot as they work to stay sober.

It's not always easy to know what to do if you have a friend who is abusing drugs, and it depends on the person. You can encourage them to talk to a parent or another adult they trust, like a school guidance counselor. Or if they would rather talk to someone anonymously, they can call SAMHSA's crisis helpline (1-800-273-TALK) or the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). Or you can use these resources yourself to get other tips on how to help. Mostly, though, your friend will appreciate it if you just continue to be a good friend to them -- be a good listener, and a trusted. When they're ready for help, you can give them these suggestions. Good luck and I hope that helps.

You could ask the teacher what to do if you think someone may be using drugs. Or you may feel more comfortable talking to another trusted adult who can provide some guidance. It is good that you would like to see a friend stop using drugs. It will also help to arm yourself with facts about drug abuse and addiction. check out our new book Drugs Shatter the Myths at http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/booklet.php.

You can talk to them about the damage being done and get them good information about the impact of smokeless tobacco on your health. If you want to really gross them out, refer them to pictures of people who have had their jaw removed due to oral cancers. We have more information about tobacco at http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Nicotine.html

Dealing with parents who use drugs or alcohol can be difficult and sometimes scary. It would be great if you want to try and get help for your mom--if she is ready to receive it. However, the thing you can do right away and have the most control over is protecting yourself. Maybe talk with your school guidance counselor or another trusted adult to get advice, and also try to keep yourself out of harm's way -- for example, you want to make sure you aren't riding in a car with your mom if she's been using marijuana. You can also participate in a local Al-Anon program for teens whose parents use drugs (called Alateen). They'll help you find additional support on how to deal with a parent's drug use from people who are having similar experiences. To find local treatment options, you can get confidential advice at 1-800-662-HELP or http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov, and you can look up Alateen at http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/alateen.html. Hope this helps.

People sometimes turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, that is, to make themselves feel better or to forget their problems. These substances can numb pain from life situations, daily stress, or mental illness. A person might find that they are a quick way to relax. However, over time they can develop addiction and no longer be able to feel pleasure at all without drugs and alcohol. In fact, some drugs permanently damage the brain chemistry that creates happiness. So using drugs to escape depression can actually end up making things worse in the end. NIDA has created a great website just for teens that answers these and other questions -- it will give you real facts and advice, without a bunch of lectures. Check it out at: http://teens.drugabuse.gov.

When someone has a drug problem, it's not always easy to know what to do. If your friend is using drugs, encourage them to talk to a parent or another trusted adult such as a favorite teacher or a school guidance counselor. If they don't feel comfortable doing that, they can use anonymous resources, such as SAMHSA's crisis line (1-800-273-TALK) -- they help people with lots of different problems. Or if they're ready to think about treatment, your friend can check SAMHSA's Treatment Facility Locator for programs in your area (http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov. -- there are programs out there just for adolescents. You can also contact these resources yourself and get advice on how to help your friend. Since you've asked this question, you probably already know that right now it's really important to be a good friend -- that means finding ways to offer advice without being judgmental, showing support by listening, and finding ways to offer help when they're ready to receive it. Thanks for your question. I hope this helps.

Thanks for the questions. Not all drugs are bad. Medications prescribed to you by your doctor and taken as instructed are generally not harmful. You need to steer clear of drugs that are illegal and prescription drugs when not prescribed specifically for you, or taken in a way that was not intended.

The most commonly used illegal drug in the United States is marijuana, and the same is true for New Jersey. In 2009, approximately 33% of 12th graders reported using marijuana in the past year. You'll find a lot of information about marijuana here: http://www.marijuana-info.org/

Some drugs like marijuana, heroin, cocaine originate from plants but others are synthetic like methamphetamine. These are drugs that are made in chemical laboratories.

Hi! Thanks for your question. There are several types of illegal drugs. For example, there are stimulants, depressants, drugs that produce euphoria, and drugs that can produce hallucinations. Here is a link to a list of several classes of drugs and some information on each of them: http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/

Thanks for your question! Actually, no; of course, medications prescribed by your physician are OK. But there really aren't any unprescribed drugs that are good for you.

Hey, that's a great question. Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer. Any drug of abuse (e.g. cocaine, heroin, marijuana, prescription drugs in some cases) can have serious negative consequences. It really depends on how much you use, how often, how it's taken, and other things. Learn more facts about drugs here: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/index.php

Good morning! That's a good question. In addition to having effects on your physical health, drugs can have other negative consequences, too--like on your grades in school, your ability to hold a job, your relations with friends and family, etc. Also, doing drugs could lead to involvement with the police and the criminal justice system. These consequences could follow you for years to come. For further information please go to www.teens.drugabuse.gov.

Great question! Not necessarily. Some drugs are synthetics made by man.

Interesting question! There's a difference between a hyperbaric oxygen chamber used in therapy to treat altitude sickness (when climbing extreme heights) and oxygen bars. An oxygen bar is a place where you can breathe oxygen through a tube for a fee. There have been health claims made for the use of oxygen, including increased immune function, stress reduction, increased energy, and others but little scientific evidence to support these claims.

Good question. In 2009, about 37% of 12th graders reported using an illegal drug in the past year. Marijuana is the most commonly used drug, with about 33% of 12th graders reporting using it in the past year. Studies show that teens often think more other teens use drugs than really do.

Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer. Any drug of abuse (e.g. cocaine, heroin, marijuana, prescription drugs in some cases) can have serious negative consequences. It really depends on how much you use, how often, how it's taken, and other things. Learn more facts about drugs here: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/index.php

Ahh, good question! There are really no drugs that are nonaddictive. We are not sure how any individual will respond to a drug, and that is what we are trying to find with research. I mean we are trying figure out what specific factors make someone vulnerable to the addictive properties of drugs. Some people are very vulnerable; others are not. When someone tries a drug, he or she can never be sure how the drug will affect them. You can learn more about different drugs and their addictive properties on our teen web site: www.teens.drugabuse.gov

Doctors prescribe stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall to treat the symptoms of ADHD. But for people who don't have ADHD, stimulants have the opposite effect, can have serious effects on the heart, and can be addictive.

That's a great question. If parents use drugs, children may come to believe it acceptable and "normal" behavior, which it's not. Another aspect of drug abuse and addiction involves genes, which you inherit from your parents. Did you know that changes in certain genes may make a person more vulnerable to using drugs? Understanding how genes can affect when or if people use drugs is very important to NIDA because if we understand this, we could prevent a lot of people from becoming addicted to drugs, like alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and more - but more research is needed. Take a look at www.teens.drugabuse.gov to get more information on teens and drug use, addiction and treatment. Thanks again for the question!

Great drug facts question! According to the 2009 Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, the most commonly used drug was alcohol. For additional information on MTF go to http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/MTF.html

No. Some people abuse prescription drugs like Vicodin or Ritalin and they often get them from friends and family, which is also illegal.

hopefully not. Different drugs -- whether legal or illegal -- can always be taken in too high of quantities and ultimate produce toxicity. There is always the possibility that any drug can be taken in dangerous quantities and produce serious adverse events such as death in some - hopefully very rare - instances. To raise visibility on issues of addiction and treatment among adolescents, NIDA has developed a number of useful teen-oriented sites, including: www.teens.drugabuse.gov, a Website for teens with information on the science behind drug abuse, facts on drugs, questions and answers, real stories and interactive activities.

Terrific question. Infectious diseases including HIV and hepatitis C are the most common diseases spread through sharing needles. Both these diseases are really serious and require long-term treatment. At the moment there is no cure for HIV and lifelong treatment is required. Check out: http://hiv.drugabuse.gov/english/learn/overview.html.

They have different negative effects. It's really hard to compare. For teenagers, using either one is associated with lower grades, and more problems at home and in school. Research suggests that both of them can cause long-term problems with thinking and memory.

Hey, that's a great question! It depends on the drug, how much you use, how often, and other things (e.g. your genes). Generally snorting, smoking (e.g., cocaine), or injecting a drug causes it to reach your brain more quickly than other routes of administration, causing more sudden and sometimes more toxic effects. Each time someone uses drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, inhalants, marijuana and others, it's like playing Russian roulette with your life. You can learn more facts about drugs here: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/index.php

Yes and no - depending on the type of drug, the type of animal, and the quantity of drug the animal consumed. Animals may not react to drugs in the same way that humans do b/c their brains are different from humans' brains in many ways. Because of these differences, they may not 'get high' at all or they may react even more severely where they end up with more severe behavioral reactions to the drug (such as seizures or maybe even death) depending on the type and quantity of drug the animal consumed...

No one knows for sure, but it might have been alcohol! People have been drinking alcohol for at least 9,000 years. An ancient wine bottle was discovered in an area of China several years ago. It was around 7,000 years old. People have only been writing for about 5,000 years. So people have been drinking alcohol since way before anyone could even write about it.

Thank you for your question. There are many signs of depression. Of course, feeling sad, anxious, or "empty" can be a sign of depression, yet there's actually a lot more to it. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness or pessimism are also often a part of it. When people feel this way, they may also experience a loss of interest in things that that they used to enjoy. Irritability and restlessness can also be signs. Often people can feel tired, and have less energy than they used to. Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping are common. And they can also have difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions, or have problems with overeating, or appetite loss. Sometimes there are thoughts of suicide, or even suicide attempts. There can also be persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment. The good news is that there are effective treatments for depression! You can help a loved one by letting them know that these treatments exist, and may include cognitive behavioral treatment, medications, and exercise. They can go to this website to learn how to find help: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/getting-help-locate-services/index.shtmlThe best thing for a loved one to do is to let the person know about how to get help, and to let them know that you care. Best of luck to you and to your loved one.

Naloxone and a similar compound naltrexone both block the effects of opiates and opioids (like heroin, morphine, OxyContin). They are called antagonists because they block the receptors (called opioid receptors) in the brain where these drugs would typically act. In fact, both Naloxone and naltrexone can be used as parts of opioid medications to prevent inappropriate use and consumption. You can find more about opiates like heroin here: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Heroin.html

Not necessarily. It will depend on a lot of issues including how much of a dose the person consumed, when they consumed it, how their bodies process (metabolize) each of the drugs (each person may not necessarily process the drug in the same way), and how each drug ultimately acts within the brain; many people respond very differently to each of these drugs. You can check out NIDA's Web site at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/

Thanks for the question...we get this one a lot! All drugs can harm the body in some way. For example, 'meth', or methamphetamine, is a stimulant drug that can serious effects on a person well after they stop using it. Meth can affect the release of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin -- two of the neurotransmitters that are needed to make your brain function correctly. It also has effects on your heart, making it race AND lead to hyperthermia (excess production of heat), which can be very bad for your body and your brain or even deadly (i.e., your brain and organs work too well if they get seriously overheated!). Cocaine can lead to risk heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, abdominal pain, and nausea. In rare cases, sudden death can occur on the first use of cocaine from cardiac arrest. Tobacco use can cause lung and other cancers. Need more information on the effects of drugs on the body??? See www.teens.drugabuse.gov. Here you'll find more facts on drugs and real stories from teens!

It depends on the individual situation, but drug use during pregnancy may affect the health of the baby. There are a number of the reasons why the child of addicted parents might have medical problems at birth or later on in development. For example, if a mom is addicted to opiate drugs (like heroin, morphine, or prescription painkillers like Vicodin or OxyContin) while pregnant, her baby could be born addicted to that drug and go through a period of withdrawal. Usually this can be managed medically, but it is not a pleasant experience for the newborn (or the mom). Researchers are also looking into whether or being exposed to other drugs before birth can make you more likely to get addicted to drugs when you are older. So far, one researcher has found that if a mother smokes cigarettes while she is pregnant, her child is more likely to use tobacco as a teenager, and to become addicted if they do use it. The child may also have a higher risk of other medical problems like asthma, and possibly behavioral problems too. For all these reasons, we recommend that pregnant women not use alcohol or drugs, including cigarettes, during pregnancy. It they having trouble stopping drug use, they should ask their doctor for help. If you need help with an addiction, you can find a substance abuse treatment facility by calling 1-800-662-HELP or go to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov anytime, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Great Chat Day question! Research shows that children with parents who abuse alcohol or drugs are more likely to try alcohol/drugs and develop alcoholism/drug addiction. This occurs for several interrelated reasons. First, children of parents who abuse alcohol and drugs have an increased risk for childhood behavioral problems, which in turn increases the risk of trying alcohol/drugs. Second, children of parents who abuse alcohol/drugs are exposed to more opportunities to try alcohol/drugs. Third, children of parents who abuse alcohol/drugs may inherit a genetic liability for alcoholism/addiction (from their parent(s)) which places them at increased risk of developing alcoholism/addiction. Of course, most children of parents who abuse alcohol/drugs do not develop alcoholism/addiction themselves, so neither genetics nor environment is 'destiny'. So, the short answer is .... there is an increased risk of developing drug and alcohol problems, but this can be avoided entirely by choosing not to use drugs or alcohol. And if drugs or alcohol have already been tried, then don't use either again. When someone has a drug problem, it's not always easy to know what to do. If someone you know is using drugs, encourage him or her to talk to a parent, school guidance counselor, or other trusted adult. There are also anonymous resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) is a crisis hotline that can help with a lot of issues, not just suicide. For example, anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal; family and friends who are concerned about a loved one; or anyone interested in mental health treatment referrals can call this Lifeline. Callers are connected with a professional nearby who will talk with them about what they're feeling or concerns for other family and friends. In addition, the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) - offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment - refers callers to treatment facilities, support groups, and other local organizations that can provide help for their specific need. You can also locate treatment centers in your state by going to www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

What a great question! Painkillers like Vicodin or Percocet or Oxycontin are opiates that interact with specific proteins in your brain called "opiate receptors." When these receptors are occupied, pain decreases. But repeated use of these very powerful opiate drugs makes them less effective over time, and you have to increase the dose to get the same effect. This is called "tolerance." When you become tolerant, you have significantly changed the way your brain works (it "expects" the drug) and it is very hard to quit. Most people don't realize that this is happening, and they become addicted. And some people think that if a doctor has prescribed it, it isn't addictive. That is not true. Did you know that in 2006, prescription pain medications, like Vicodin, were involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine COMBINED? For more facts about drugs, read NIDA 's new booklet made for teens, Drugs: Shatter the Myths. You can find it (and even order it for free) at http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/booklet.php.

It does seem puzzling why someone would start using again after they've stopped, but it happens all the time. Why? Because drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder, and treatment often cannot be done in one episode. Even after "rehabilitation," people may crave drugs, and they need to learn ways to cope with their craving. Also, after rehab, they may go back to their old living situation, and their old friends, and all of these people and places may be linked in some way to using drugs. So people need to learn ways to avoid the people, places, and things associated with drug use, or they are at high risk of using again. And even if they learn this, they need to learn ways to deal with these situations if they happen to be caught in them. People need to understand though, that even though all of these people seem to relapse after 'rehab', that there are, in fact, really good treatments for drug abuse, and that there is hope if they keep trying and stick with treatment! For more information about relapse, visit: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/tag/relapse/.

The blood is the 'highway' of the body. Like all food that is digested and metabolized, drugs/food are circulated to every living cell in your body and brain through the blood and circulatory system. Check out: www.teens.drugabuse.gov.

Yes, there are some weeds that are very hallucinogenic. For example, gypsum weed (common names -- jimson weed, devil's trumpet, devil's weed, thorn apple, tolguacha, Jamestown weed, stinkweed, locoweed, datura, pricklyburr, devil's cucumber, hell's bells, moonflower) can cause very severe hallucinations. That said, one has to be very careful with such hallucinogens as they can be extremely potent, like with gypsum weed. People have gone into comas, convulsions, and have died from very small amounts. Hope this helps.