Facts on Drugs

You hear about drugs on TV and in the movies, on the radio, in books and magazines, on the Internet, and in daily conversation with friends and peers. Depending on where you live or who you’re talking to, you might hear the same drug called a few different things. Some of the information is accurate, but a lot of it is not.

Here are a few realities to consider:

• You can’t predict the effect that a drug can have on you—especially if it’s the first time you try it, and even if it’s a small amount or dose. Everyone's brain and body chemistry are different. Everyone's tolerance for drugs is different.
• Using drugs can lead to abuse, addiction, serious health problems, and even death.
• Drugs that are legal—prescription and over-the counter (OTC) medications—can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs.

Find out as much as you can about illegal and legal drugs and their effects on your body and brain. Not sure where to start? Even if all you have is a street name or slang term for a drug, you can start finding information in the drug glossary. The more informed you are, the more confidently you can make the right decision about drugs.

 
  Check out the Above the Influence website for a
   whole lot of information.

Anabolic Steroids—Buying "bulk" is never a good deal when it comes to these substances, which can cause guys to grow breasts and girls to grow beards along with more life-threatening effects.

Brain and Addiction—Discover what's in your head and how drugs of abuse cause changes in the brain.

Ecstasy (MDMA)—This club drug can cause confusion, depression, sleep problems, intense fear and anxiety that can last for days or weeks (in regular drug users) after taking it.

HIV, AIDS, and Drug Abuse—Behaviors associated with drug abuse now are one of the largest factors in the spread of HIV infection in the United States.

Inhalants—Chemicals in common household products can get you "high", but often at a high cost to your health.

Marijuana—Think everyone does it? And a bunch of leaves must be harmless, right? Check the facts.

Prescription Drug Abuse—Abusing prescription drugs is illegal and can be very dangerous.

Stimulants—This class of drugs can elevate mood and increase energy, but the are highly addictive.

Tobacco Addiction—It only takes eight seconds to reach the brain and start making changes.

Other Drugs—Looking for information on other drugs not listed here? NIDA has lots of other resources available-just look here.

Looking for drug treatment programs and alcohol abuse treatment programs?  

Find the right drug abuse treatment program or alcohol abuse treatment program with theSubstance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

 CLICK HERE to enter the drug abuse and alcoholism Treatment Facility Locator

This searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs shows the location of facilities around the country that treat alcoholism, alcohol abuse and drug abuse problems.

SAMHSA endeavors to keep the Locator current. All information in the Locator is completely updated each year, based on facility responses to SAMHSA's National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. The most recent complete update occurred on May 03, 2011 based on data collected as of March 31, 2010 in the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. New facilities are added monthly. Updates to facility names, addresses, telephone numbers and services are made weekly, if facilities inform SAMHSA of changes. The Locator includes more than 11,000 addiction treatment programs, including residential treatment centers, outpatient treatment programs, and hospital inpatient programs for drug addiction and alcoholism. Listings include treatment programs for marijuana, cocaine, and heroin addiction, as well as drug and alcohol treatment programs for adolescents, and adults.