For some people, just the thought of how drugs can change brain chemistry is enough to keep them far at bay. But some drugs have even more frightening effects than most of us realize.
- Alcohol and drugs are involved in over 50% of suicides and 50% of all violent crimes.
The troubling thought behind this statistic is that people make life ruining decisions when their brains are not in a properly functioning state—often to the harm and detriment of others.
- By 8th grade 1 in 5 teens has tried inhalants.
Young teens often don’t realize the harmful effects that inhalants have on their developing brains. Moreover, inhalants can have negative side effects from the first use.
- High concentration from inhalants can cause sudden death from heart failure or suffocation.
Because substances used for inhalants are easily accessible, they can seem less dangerous than other drugs. However, inhalants are just as deadly as any other abused substance.
- MDMA affects cognitive behavior after just one exposure.
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, has severe effects on brain function from the first use. Unfortunately, many users of MDMA believe that it is a safer drug choice because it is not habit-forming as other substances.
- After taking MDMA, the user can have trouble focusing for up to 6 weeks.
Even if MDMA is taken only once, it can continue to affect focus and concentration for weeks afterward. This just goes to show that these substances stay in the body’s system significantly after they are actually used.
- Heroin withdrawals can be fatal.
If a person manages to stop using heroin, they can continue to crave it for years after their last use. The withdrawals from heroin are incredibly painful both physically and emotionally. For those with poor health, withdrawals from heroin addiction can even be fatal.
- The United States is the largest importer of cocaine in the world.
Cocaine is produced primarily in South American countries and then imported into the US. Cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs. 75% of people who try cocaine become addicted after their first use.
- Silk Road had almost 1 million registered users.
Silk Road, a drug distribution website, was considered the Amazon or EBay of the online drug world. The FBI managed to shut down the site on October 2, 2013. However, before it was claimed by them, Silk Road had thousands of members around the world.
- Each day more than 2,000 teens begin abusing prescription drugs.
Prescription drug abuse is easy for teens because, like inhalants, prescription drugs are easily accessible. Often they can get the drugs from family or friends (with or without their knowledge). Sharing prescription drugs or taking them without a doctor’s supervision is illegal — a fact typicallyoverlooked by teenagers.
- 65% of teens who drink get drunk on a monthly basis.
Not only can alcohol seriously inhibit brain development in teenagers, but it also inhibits their decision making at a time of life when bad decisions are made when they’re sober. Add in the risks from drunk driving and unprotected sexual activity and this is a recipe for disaster.
Alcohol and substance abuse is very serious and should be treated as such. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, seek out help through support systems or addiction recovery centers. You shouldn’t have to work through addiction alone.
About the Author : Drew Kobb, in addition to studying civil law, loves long distance running and considers himself a health and fitness enthusiast. His interests range all over the medical field, and Drew highlights that range on his blog, Dr. Ouch.
