Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drugs

Lots of teens are tempted to try alcohol or other drugs. Some people experiment for curiosity, kicks, peer pressure, to escape problems in their lives, or to have a good time. Alcohol and other drugs can gradually begin to control your daily life. Physical or psychological dependence can sneak up on you! It is important to talk to your parents or someone else you trust if you or someone you know has an alcohol or drug problem.

Know the risks of using alcohol or other drugs. You cannot be sure how you and your body will react. It will depend on what you use and how much. Permanent damage can happen even with the first use of some drugs. Some of the dangers of experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol are:

  • Physical illness
  • Mental Impairment
  • Accidents
  • AIDS (if needles are shared)
  • Overdose
  • Death
  • Problems with family, work, school
  • Trouble with the law

You have many choices to make in life, and sometimes it may be necessary to make a choice for yourself that is different from the choices others make. You — not others — are responsible for your choices.

ALCOHOL is a liquid drug. It impairs body functioning such as heart rate and breathing. It has adverse effects on the brain, changing your moods and feelings. For example, alcohol can make an angry person more angry or a sad person sadder. Alcohol is the most abused drug for all age groups. It is illegal to drink alcohol if you are under 21 years old.

Warning: Games that involve “chugging” - drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time– CAN KILL YOU!  This is also called “binge drinking”.

NICOTINE is found in cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, etc., and is one of the hardest substances to quit using. Using tobacco products is harmful to your health, causing lung cancer, smelly clothes, stinky breath, and yellowed teeth and fingers. The younger a person begins using nicotine the more rapid the addiction and the more difficult it is to quit.

MARIJUANA (pot, smoke, weed, joint, reefer, hooter, ditch weed, dope, grass, wacky tobaccy, Hawaiian Gold) impairs memory and interferes with thinking and coordination. It can cause you to feel depressed and anxious. It can also lead to “amotivational syndrome” which makes you not want to do anything. Marijuana is now more deadly/stronger than it has been in the past and therefore is more addictive.

INHALANTS are central nervous system depressants. Deliberately inhaling concentrated amounts of a dangerous liquid or gaseous chemical can be extremely deadly. Inhalants quickly enter the bloodstream and depress central nervous system functions such as heart and respiratory rates. Inhalants increase the probability of reckless behavior as well as feelings of fear and anxiety. Even a one time use of an inhalant can cause SSD or Sudden Sniffing Death.

CAFFEINE (found in coffee, cola drinks, energy drinks etc.), the world’s most popular drug, is also addictive. Overuse can contribute to health problems like high blood pressure and headaches.

CRACK, COCAINE, OR CRYSTAL are stimulants (kinds of speed). These drugs are especially dangerous because addiction and damage to the body can happen very fast. They can cause heart attacks and death.

LOOK-ALIKE DRUGS are available. The name says it all. You do not know what you are getting.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS are drugs ordered by a doctor to treat a specific condition. When taken properly under a doctor’s care, these drugs can be beneficial. Using another person’s medication or using prescription drugs incorrectly is dangerous.

Alcoholism and chemical dependency are diseases. Like many other diseases, some young people have a stronger biological risk. If someone in your family has or ever had a problem with alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, it is even more important that you carefully consider your choices. Saying no to alcohol and other drugs is the best choice for your own health.

Someone whose use of alcohol or other drugs creates problems for himself or herself may not be able to recognize the problem. By contacting the following agencies or organizations you can get help in determining if your use (or someone else’s use) of alcohol or other drugs is a problem. 

To get help or more information call:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous 1-866-678-0148
  • American Cancer Society (smoking cessation) 1-888-ACS-OHIO
  • American Lung Association (smoking cessation) 1-800-LUNG-USA
  • Ohio Quit Line 1-800-QUIT-NOW
  • St. Rita’s Addiction Services 1-800-232-3929 or 419-226-9828
  • Hopeline Crisis Hotline 1-800-567-HOPE(4673)

Sponsored by the Auglaize County Health Department