MYTHS

There may be a variety of reasons that teens use drugs.

You think that everyone uses drugs as a young person.

Doing drugs is harmless! I want get addicted!

This is absolutely untrue. Drug use is NOT common among teenage children. Those that do drugs make up the MINORITY of drug users.

Let’s take a look to see just how UNCOMMON drug use is among Memphis City School students. You may be hanging with the wrong crowd.

Among MCS high school students 43.1% have NEVER had a drink of alcohol. In the last

thirty days, 75.8% have NOT drank alcohol.

65% of MCS high school students have NEVER tried cigarette smoking…not

even one or two puffs.

In 2009, 60.5% of MCS high school kids reported NEVER using marijuana.

77.9% reported NOT using marijuana in the last 30 days.

98% of MCS high school students have NEVER used cocaine, heroin, or

methamphetamines.

WHY?

MCS students know that… Drug use is illegal and they can get into trouble

with the law. They can become addicted. Their brains are still developing and they may

damage them. Drug use kills thousands of teens each year. Using drugs interferes with school work and they

may not graduate from high school. They can be robbed, raped, or assaulted if under

the influence of drugs.

DISCUSSION Name other reasons why you wouldn’t start

using drugs. How would you feel about yourself if you

allow drugs to put a hold on your dreams? How do you think drugs will affect your

relationships with others? How do you resist drugs without fear of being

not being “cool” or “square”?

Addiction means a person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks.

The earlier a teen starts to use drugs, the more likely it is that he will become addicted.

A lot of people think they can kick the problem on their own, but that doesn't work for most people.

It's not a sign of weakness if you need professional help from a trained drug counselor or therapist.

MENTAL EFFECTS Alcohol…

is a depressant, which means it slows the function of the central nervous system.

blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain.

alters a person's perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing.

decreases teens' ability to pay attention. can cause or mask other emotional problems, like

anxiety or depression.

MENTAL EFFECTS Marijuana users…

Are less satisfied with their lives than those who do not use marijuana.

May develop psychosis (a mental condition that is characterized by hallucinations).

Have trouble remembering things that they just learned. This has a direct relationship with academic

performance and study habits. Have poor judgment and motor coordination that can

slow reaction time.

MENTAL EFFECTS Cocaine, heroin, and

methamphetamine… Can cause you to forget things more and have poor

motor skills for activities (e.g. sports, dancing). Can make you depressed and paranoid. Is linked to the development of Parkinson’s Disease

(a disease that affects your motor skills, speech, movement). May be a cause of a student’s low performance in

school.

HEALTH

Teens who do not drink… are less likely to get fat or have health

problems, too. Have normally functioning organs, such as the

liver, heart, and brain. Are less likely to engage in sexual activity, have

unprotected sex, or have sex with a stranger. Are less likely to be involved in deadly

accidents.

HEALTH

Teens who don’t use tobacco…

Have more money to spend on shopping and school activities.

Look and smell better than those who do use tobacco.

Know that tobacco companies specifically target kids to use their products.

Have more energy and will live a better quality of life than smokers.

Visit the doctor less.

HEALTH

Teens who choose not to use marijuana… Are more satisfied with their lives. Secure better jobs than users. Have better relationships with others. Are less likely to have mental problems in the

future. Are more focused and attentive.

HEALTH

Teens who avoid using cocaine, heroin, and meth… Are able to focus on more important things instead

of worrying about their next fix. Have healthy immune systems and do not get sick

as often. Are more likely to be in a better mood. Are less likely to contract HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Decrease risks of dying from a heart attack or

stroke.

THE RESULT OF DRUGGING AND DRIVING…

DON’T AGE BEFORE IT’S TIME!

*Effects of methamphetamine use after 5 years.

SMART TEENS MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE TO… Communicate with their parents about drugs

and know the consequences of their use. Participate in extracurricular activities to

avoid risky behavior. Talk to their parents and trusted adults about

stress or other personal issues. Hang with other teens who don’t use drugs! BE DRUG FREE!

DRUG-FREE TEENS IN MEMPHIS CITY SCHOOLS …

Are goal oriented. Perform better in school. Are more likely to succeed. Have positive relationships with others. Are overall happier in their lives.

BE IN THE MAJORITY. BE DRUG FREE.

REFERENCES www.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts www.webmd.com www.detoxland.com/drug-facts www.antidrug.com Shelby County Health Department, Tobacco

Risk Reduction Program