teens

What to Know About Drugs

Overview

What Are Drugs?

Drugs are chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies work. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe them. Many have no medical use or benefits.

It's not hard to find drugs, and sometimes it may seem like everyone's doing them — or wanting you to do them. But as with anything that seems too good to be true, there are downsides (and dangers) to taking drugs. Here are some facts about drugs.

What Do Drugs Do?

Although substances can feel good at first, they can do a lot of harm to the body and brain. Drinking alcohol, vaping, smoking or using tobacco, taking illegal drugs, and even sniffing glue all damage the human body.

How Do Drugs Work?

When taken (usually by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting), abused drugs find their way into the bloodstream. From there, they move to the brain and other parts of the body. In the brain, drugs may intensify or dull the senses, change how alert or sleepy people feel, and sometimes decrease physical pain.

Because of the way these drugs work on the brain, they affect a person's ability to make healthy choices and decisions. Even drinking makes people more likely to get involved in dangerous situations, like driving under the influence or having unprotected sex.

What Drugs Are Misused?

Commonly abused drugs include:

Getting Support

What Kind of Treatment Is Available?

Several kinds of treatment are available for drug addiction. The two main types are:

behavioral: helping a person change behaviors
pharmacological (far-muh-kuh-LA-ji-kul): treating a person by using medicine

Experts in drug treatment teach people how to live without drugs — dealing with cravings, avoiding situations that could lead to drug use, and preventing and handling relapses.

It can be hard to overcome drug addiction without professional help and treatment. It takes time and isn't something that can be done alone — everyone needs support. Experts who help people with addictions are trained to help, not judge.

Where Can I Find Help?

If you think you — or a friend — may be addicted to drugs, talk to a parent, your doctor, nurse, or school counselor. They can help you get the support you need.

To find a drug treatment center in your area, search online, check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Locator, or ask a doctor or counselor for advice.

You also can get more information and support from SAMHSA’s national helpline:

call 800-662-HELP (4357) or
go to the SAMHSA website

Medically reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts

Date reviewed: May 2023