Drugs and Young People: MedlinePlus

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<h3>Basics</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Summary" href="#summary">Summary</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Start Here" href="#cat_51">Start Here</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Diagnosis and Tests" href="#cat_92">Diagnosis and Tests</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Prevention and Risk Factors" href="#cat_93">Prevention and Risk Factors</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Treatments and Therapies" href="#cat_78">Treatments and Therapies</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Learn More</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Related Issues" href="#cat_47">Related Issues</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Specifics" href="#cat_42">Specifics</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="evencols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>See, Play and Learn</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li class="noinfo-subcat">No links available</li> </ul> </div> <p class="threecols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Research</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Statistics and Research" href="#cat_79">Statistics and Research</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Clinical Trials" href="#cat_27">Clinical Trials</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Journal Articles" href="#cat_59">Journal Articles</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="evencols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Resources</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Find an Expert" href="#cat_83">Find an Expert</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>For You</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Children" href="#cat_8">Children</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Teenagers" href="#cat_24">Teenagers</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Patient Handouts" href="#cat_69">Patient Handouts</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="summary"></a> <section id="topsum_section"> <div class="summary-title syndicate"> <h2>Summary</h2> </div> <div id="topic-summary" class="syndicate"><h3>What is drug use?</h3> <p><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druguseandaddiction.html">Drug use</a>, or misuse, includes:</p><ul> <li>Using illegal substances, such as <ul> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/anabolicsteroids.html">Anabolic steroids</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/clubdrugs.html">Club drugs</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/cocaine.html">Cocaine</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/heroin.html">Heroin</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/inhalants.html">Inhalants</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/marijuana.html">Marijuana</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/methamphetamine.html">Methamphetamines</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Misusing <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/prescriptiondrugmisuse.html">prescription medicines</a>, including <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/opioidsandopioidusedisorderoud.html">opioids</a>. This means taking the medicines in a different way than the health care provider prescribed. This includes</li> <ul> <li>Taking a medicine that was prescribed for someone else</li> <li>Taking a larger dose than you are supposed to</li> <li>Using the medicine in a different way than you are supposed to. For example, instead of swallowing your tablets, you might crush and then snort or inject them.</li> <li>Using the medicine for another purpose, such as getting high</li> </ul> <li>Misusing <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/overthecountermedicines.html">over-the-counter medicines</a>, including using them for another purpose and using them in a different way than you are supposed to.</li> </ul> <h3>Why are drugs especially dangerous for young people?</h3> <p>Young people's brains are growing and developing until they are their mid-20's. This is especially true of the prefrontal cortex, which is used to make decisions. Taking drugs when young can interfere with developmental processes occurring in the brain. It can also affect their decision-making. They may be more likely to do risky things, such as unsafe sex and dangerous driving.</p> <p>The earlier young people start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and become addicted later in life.Taking drugs when you are young can contribute to the development of adult health problems, such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/heartdiseases.html">heart disease</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html">high blood pressure</a>, and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/sleepdisorders.html">sleep disorders</a>.</p> <h3>Which drugs most commonly used by young people?</h3> <p>The drugs that are most commonly used by young people are <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/underagedrinking.html">alcohol</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/smoking.html">tobacco</a>, and marijuana. Recently, more young people have started <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ecigarettes.html">vaping</a> tobacco and marijuana. There is still a lot we don't know about the dangers of vaping. Some people have unexpectedly gotten very ill or have even died after vaping. Because of this, young people should stay away from vaping.</p> <h3>Why do young people take drugs?</h3> <p>There are many different reasons why a young person may take drugs, including:</p><ul> <li><strong>To fit in.</strong> Young people may do drugs because they want to be accepted by friends or peers who are doing drugs.</li> <li><strong>To feel good.</strong> Abused drugs can produce feelings of pleasure.</li> <li><strong>To feel better.</strong> Some young people suffer from <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html">depression</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html">anxiety</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html">stress</a>-related disorders, and physical pain. They may do drugs to try to get some relief.</li> <li><strong>To do better in academics or sports.</strong> Some young people may take stimulants for studying or anabolic steroids to improve their athletic performance.</li> <li><strong>To experiment.</strong> Young people often want to try new experiences, especially ones that they think are thrilling or daring.</li> </ul> <h3>Which young people are at risk for drug use?</h3> <p>Different factors may raise a young person's risk for drug use, including:</p><ul> <li>Stressful early life experiences, such <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/childabuse.html">child abuse</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/childsexualabuse.html">child sexual abuse</a>, and other forms of trauma</li> <li>Genetics</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancyandsubstanceuse.html">Prenatal exposure</a> to alcohol or other drugs</li> <li>Lack of parental supervision or monitoring</li> <li>Having peers and/or friends who use drugs</li> </ul> <h3>What are the signs that a young person has a drug problem?</h3> <ul> <li>Changing friends a lot</li> <li>Spending a lot of time alone</li> <li>Losing interest in favorite things</li> <li>Not taking care of themselves - for example, not taking showers, changing clothes, or brushing their teeth</li> <li>Being really tired and sad</li> <li>Eating more or eating less than usual</li> <li>Being very energetic, talking fast, or saying things that don't make sense</li> <li>Being in a bad mood</li> <li>Quickly changing between feeling bad and feeling good</li> <li>Missing important appointments</li> <li>Having problems at school - missing class, getting bad grades</li> <li>Having problems in personal or family relationships</li> <li>Lying and stealing</li> <li>Memory lapses, poor concentration, lack of coordination, slurred speech, etc.</li> </ul> <h3>Can drug use in young people be prevented?</h3> <p>Drug use and addiction are preventable. Prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media may prevent or reduce drug use and addiction. These programs include education and outreach to help people understand the risks of drug use.</p> <p>You can help prevent your children from using drugs through:</p><ul> <li>Good communication with your children</li> <li>Encouragement, so your children can build confidence and a strong sense of self. It also helps parents promote cooperation and reduce conflict.</li> <li>Teaching your children problem-solving skills</li> <li>Setting limits, to teach your children self-control and responsibility, provide safe boundaries, and show them that you care</li> <li>Supervision, which helps parents recognize developing problems, promote safety, and stay involved</li> <li>Knowing your children's friends</li> </ul> <p class="attribution">NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse</p></div> </section> <a name="cat_51"></a> <section id="cat_51_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header expanded"> <div class="section-title syndicate"> <h2>Start Here </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section51" class="section-body expanded syndicate" aria-expanded="true"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/college-age-young-adults" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="118836" data-org="NIDA">College-Age and Young Adults</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute on Drug Abuse)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/addictions.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="6809" >Dealing with Addiction (For Teens)</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://kidshealth.org/es/teens/addictions.html" data-sid="159868">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/know-about-drugs.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="47057" >Drugs: What to Know (For Teens)</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://kidshealth.org/es/teens/know-about-drugs.html" data-sid="36879">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_92"></a> <section id="cat_92_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Diagnosis and Tests </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section92" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/drug-testing/" data-sid="129599" data-org="NLM">Drug Testing</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/pruebas-de-drogas/" data-sid="129672">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://drugfree.org/article/should-you-drug-test-your-child/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="159881" >Should You Drug Test Your Child?</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Partnership to End Addiction)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_93"></a> <section id="cat_93_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Prevention and Risk Factors </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section93" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/pages/Drug-Abuse-Prevention-Starts-with-Parents.aspx" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="66140" >Drug Abuse Prevention Starts with Parents</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American Academy of Pediatrics)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drug-abuse/art-20045921?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="159875" >Teen Drug Abuse: Help Your Teen Avoid Drugs</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_78"></a> <section id="cat_78_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Treatments and Therapies </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section78" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Substance-Abuse-Treatment-For-Children-And-Adolescents-Questions-To-Ask-041.aspx" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="4967" >Substance Abuse Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Questions to Ask</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4126.pdf" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="52945" >What Is Substance Abuse Treatment? A Booklet for Families</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)</span> - <span class="desccode">PDF</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_47"></a> <section id="cat_47_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Related Issues </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section47" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/how-identify-drug-paraphernalia" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="76254" >How to Identify Drug Paraphernalia</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Drug Enforcement Administration)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/es/content/how-identify-drug-paraphernalia" data-sid="159847">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_42"></a> <section id="cat_42_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Specifics </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section42" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/youth-behavior/risk-behaviors/youth-high-risk-drug-use.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="159872" >Youth High-Risk Drug Use</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_79"></a> <section id="cat_79_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Statistics and Research </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section79" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="119484" data-org="NIDA">Monitoring the Future</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute on Drug Abuse)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/unintentional-drug-overdose-death-rates-among-us-youth-aged-15-19" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="159869" data-org="NIDA">Unintentional Drug Overdose Death Rates Among US Youth Aged 15-19</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <img width="70" height="14" alt="Infographic" title="Infographic" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/Infographic.gif" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute on Drug Abuse)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://nida.nih.gov/es/research-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/tasas-de-mortalidad-por-sobredosis-no-intencionada-entre-los-jovenes-estadounidenses-de-15-19-anos" data-sid="159870">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_27"></a> <section id="cat_27_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Clinical Trials </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section27" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22substance+use%22&aggFilters=ages:child,status:not%20rec" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="101800" data-org="NIH">ClinicalTrials.gov: Drugs and Young People</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institutes of Health)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_59"></a> <section id="cat_59_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Journal Articles <span class="subheading">References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)</span> </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section59" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39331334" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="76711" >Article: Familias con Orgullo: Pilot Study of a Family Intervention for Latinx...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39259241" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="76711" >Article: Soccer and Vocational Training are Ineffective Delivery Strategies to Prevent HIV...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39075465" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="76711" >Article: Acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of the culturally adapted version of Unplugged...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Substance-Related+Disorders%22%5Bmajr%3Anoexp%5D+AND+adolescence+%5Bmh%3Anoexp%5D+AND+humans%5Bmh%5D+AND+english%5Bla%5D+AND+%22last+1+Year%22+%5Bedat%5D+AND+%28patient+education+handout%5Bpt%5D+OR+guideline%5Bpt%5D+OR+clinical+trial%5Bpt%5D%29++NOT+%28letter%5Bpt%5D+OR+case+reports%5Bpt%5D+OR+editorial%5Bpt%5D+OR+comment%5Bpt%5D%29+AND+free+full+text%5Bsb%5D+" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="76711" >Drugs and Young People -- see more articles</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_83"></a> <section id="cat_83_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Find an Expert </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section83" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.dea.gov/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="14036" >Drug Enforcement Administration</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://findtreatment.gov/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="149406" >FindTreatment.gov</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://findtreatment.gov/es" data-sid="161746">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="8932" data-org="NIDA">National Institute on Drug Abuse</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://nida.nih.gov/es" data-sid="106143">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://drugfree.org/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="34098" >Partnership to End Addiction</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="6659" >Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_8"></a> <section id="cat_8_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Children </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section8" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/know-drugs.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="47049" >What You Need to Know about Drugs (For Kids)</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_24"></a> <section id="cat_24_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Teenagers </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section24" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/mind-matter-series" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="159871" data-org="NIDA">Mind Matters Series</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute on Drug Abuse)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://nida.nih.gov/es/publicaciones/mind-matters-espanol" data-sid="116896">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_69"></a> <section id="cat_69_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Patient Handouts </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section69" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003578.htm" data-sid="83524" >Toxicology screen</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/003578.htm" data-sid="86133">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div class="side"> <aside> <section id="ht-img-section"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header hide-offscreen"> <h2>Topic Image</h2> </div> <div class="section-body no-header"> <img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/DrugsandYoungPeople.jpg" title="Drugs and Young People" alt="Drugs and Young People" /> </div> </div> </section> <section id="encyclopedia-box"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header red"> <h2>MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA</h2> </div> <div id="more_encyclopedia" class="section-body"> <ul> <li><a data-sid="82398" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001975.htm">Teenagers and drugs</a></li> <li><a data-sid="83524" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003578.htm">Toxicology screen</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <section id="related-topics"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>Related Health Topics</h2> </div> <div class="section-body"> <ul id="related"> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/clubdrugs.html">Club Drugs</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/cocaine.html">Cocaine</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/coldandcoughmedicines.html">Cold and Cough Medicines</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/inhalants.html">Inhalants</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/marijuana.html">Marijuana</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/opioidsandopioidusedisorderoud.html">Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/prescriptiondrugmisuse.html">Prescription Drug Misuse</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/smokingandyouth.html">Smoking and Youth</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/underagedrinking.html">Underage Drinking</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <section id="primary-institute-section"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>National Institutes of Health</h2> </div> <div class="section-body"> The primary NIH organization for research on <span class="italic">Drugs and Young People</span> is the <a href="https://www.drugabuse.gov/" target="TheNewWin">National Institute on Drug Abuse</a> </div> </div> </section> <section id="magazine-box"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>NIH MedlinePlus Magazine</h2> </div> <div id="more_magazine" class="section-body"> <ul> <li><a data-sid="161718" href="https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/8-tips-for-talking-and-listening-to-your-teens-about-drugs-and-alcohol" target="_blank">8 Tips for Talking (and Listening) to Your Teens About Drugs and Alcohol</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <section> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header hide-offscreen"> <h2>Disclaimers</h2> </div> <div class="section-body no-header"> MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. 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Drug use can interfere with developmental processes in the brain, and lead to other health problems.", "mainContentOfPage": "What is drug use?\u000ADrug use, or misuse, includes:\u000AUsing illegal substances, such as\u000A\u0009\u000A\u0009\u0009Anabolic steroids\u000A\u0009\u0009Club drugs\u000A\u0009\u0009Cocaine\u000A\u0009\u0009Heroin\u000A\u0009\u0009Inhalants\u000A\u0009\u0009Marijuana\u000A\u0009\u0009Methamphetamines\u000A\u0009\u000A\u000AMisusing prescription medicines, including opioids. This means taking the medicines in a different way than the health care provider prescribed. This includes\u000A\u0009\u000A\u0009\u0009Taking a medicine that was prescribed for someone else\u000A\u0009\u0009Taking a larger dose than you are supposed to\u000A\u0009\u0009Using the medicine in a different way than you are supposed to. For example, instead of swallowing your tablets, you might crush and then snort or inject them.\u000A\u0009\u0009Using the medicine for another purpose, such as getting high\u000A\u0009\u000A\u000AMisusing over\u002Dthe\u002Dcounter medicines, including using them for another purpose and using them in a different way than you are supposed to.\u000A\u000A\u000AWhy are drugs especially dangerous for young people?\u000AYoung people\u0027s brains are growing and developing until they are their mid\u002D20\u0027s. This is especially true of the prefrontal cortex, which is used to make decisions. Taking drugs when young can interfere with developmental processes occurring in the brain. It can also affect their decision\u002Dmaking. They may be more likely to do risky things, such as unsafe sex and dangerous driving.\u000A\u000AThe earlier young people start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and become addicted later in life.Taking drugs when you are young can contribute to the development of adult health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.\u000A\u000AWhich drugs most commonly used by young people?\u000AThe drugs that are most commonly used by young people are alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Recently, more young people have started vaping tobacco and marijuana. There is still a lot we don\u0027t know about the dangers of vaping. Some people have unexpectedly gotten very ill or have even died after vaping. Because of this, young people should stay away from vaping.\u000A\u000AWhy do young people take drugs?\u000AThere are many different reasons why a young person may take drugs, including:\u000ATo fit in. Young people may do drugs because they want to be accepted by friends or peers who are doing drugs.\u000ATo feel good. Abused drugs can produce feelings of pleasure. \u000ATo feel better. Some young people suffer from depression, anxiety, stress\u002Drelated disorders, and physical pain. They may do drugs to try to get some relief.\u000ATo do better in academics or sports. Some young people may take stimulants for studying or anabolic steroids to improve their athletic performance.\u000ATo experiment. Young people often want to try new experiences, especially ones that they think are thrilling or daring.\u000A\u000A\u000AWhich young people are at risk for drug use?\u000ADifferent factors may raise a young person\u0027s risk for drug use, including:\u000AStressful early life experiences, such child abuse, child sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma\u000AGenetics\u000APrenatal exposure to alcohol or other drugs\u000ALack of parental supervision or monitoring\u000AHaving peers and/or friends who use drugs\u000A\u000A\u000AWhat are the signs that a young person has a drug problem?\u000A\u000AChanging friends a lot\u000ASpending a lot of time alone\u000ALosing interest in favorite things\u000ANot taking care of themselves \u002D for example, not taking showers, changing clothes, or brushing their teeth\u000ABeing really tired and sad\u000AEating more or eating less than usual\u000ABeing very energetic, talking fast, or saying things that don\u0027t make sense\u000ABeing in a bad mood\u000AQuickly changing between feeling bad and feeling good\u000AMissing important appointments\u000AHaving problems at school \u002D missing class, getting bad grades\u000AHaving problems in personal or family relationships\u000ALying and stealing\u000AMemory lapses, poor concentration, lack of coordination, slurred speech, etc.\u000A\u000A\u000ACan drug use in young people be prevented?\u000ADrug use and addiction are preventable. Prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media may prevent or reduce drug use and addiction. These programs include education and outreach to help people understand the risks of drug use.\u000A\u000AYou can help prevent your children from using drugs through:\u000AGood communication with your children\u000AEncouragement, so your children can build confidence and a strong sense of self. It also helps parents promote cooperation and reduce conflict.\u000ATeaching your children problem\u002Dsolving skills\u000ASetting limits, to teach your children self\u002Dcontrol and responsibility, provide safe boundaries, and show them that you care\u000ASupervision, which helps parents recognize developing problems, promote safety, and stay involved\u000AKnowing your children\u0027s friends\u000A\u000A\u000ANIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse", "primaryImageOfPage": { "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "https://medlineplus.gov/images/DrugsandYoungPeople.jpg" }, "url": "https://medlineplus.gov/drugsandyoungpeople.html" } ] </script> </body> </html>

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Drugs and Young People: MedlinePlus