It's hard to predict if doing drugs will lead to addiction, but one thing is certain: the teen brain is undergoing many critical changes and interfering with its development by smoking cigarettes, taking drugs or drinking, is potentially dangerous. This isn't just hype-it's science. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has done extensive studies on the impact of drugs on the teen brain, and the results show that brain chemistry changes under the influence of nicotine and drugs.

There are good reasons that teenagers need more sleep than younger kids or adults, that it's hard to concentrate sometimes, or you and your parents are just not on the same wavelength. Blame your brain and its transformation. But protect it, too. It's the only one you have.

What is addiction?
According to the experts at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and abuse and by long-lasting chemical changes in the brain.

How do you know if you've got a problem?
Experts say that there are several ways to determine if you have a drug problem. You should ask yourself questions about your drinking or drug use and assess how you feel when you are using. Are you losing control of your life? Are you giving up things you used to love because of drugs? Have family and friends become less important?

Can addiction be cured?
There is no cure for addiction, but users can get help. NIDA scientists tell us that "There is no cure for drug addiction, but it is a treatable disease; drug addicts can recover. Drug addiction therapy is a program of behavior change or modification that slowly retrains the brain. Like people with diabetes or heart disease, people in treatment for drug addiction learn behavioral changes and often take medications as part of their treatment regimen."

There are many treatment options available for young people. It's important to remember that over 60% of the young people currently in treatment are there for dependence on marijuana. When you are using illegal drugs, or abusing other substance such as inhalants, prescription drugs, or over the counter medications, there is a tremendous potential for danger, and treatment may be the only option.

What do you do if your friend is in trouble with drugs? It's a good idea to learn as much as you can about drugs so even if you don't use, you can recognize the signs of drug use in your friends or family members. Intervention can be a critical step in helping someone you care about confront the truth about his/her drug use There's lots of information on the types of drug treatment available to young people. Hotlines where teens can talk to drug counselors and peers about drug use are also available. And there are many, many stories about kids in treatment ---in their own words.