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A young person’s body cannot cope with alcohol the same way an adult’s can. Drinking is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing throughout adolescence and well into young adulthood. Drinking during this critical growth period can lead to lifelong damage in brain function, particularly as it relates to memory, motor skills (ability to move) and coordination. According to research, young people who begin drinking before age 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream via small blood vessels in the walls of the stomach and small intestine. Within minutes of drinking alcohol, it travels from the stomach to the brain, where it quickly produces its effects, slowing the action of nerve cells. Approximately 20% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach. Most of the remaining 80% is absorbed through the small intestine. Alcohol is also carried by the bloodstream to the liver, which eliminates the alcohol from the blood through a process called “metabolizing,” where it is converted to a non‑toxic substance. The liver can only metabolize a certain amount at a time, leaving the excess circulating throughout the body. Thus the intensity of the effect on the body is directly related to the amount consumed. When the amount of alcohol in the blood exceeds a certain level, the respiratory (breathing) system slows down markedly, and can cause a coma or death, because oxygen no longer reaches the brain. Understanding how alcohol affects the body What's the difference? Young people versus adults.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT DRUGS BOOKLET SET Available in 22 languages, this series of thirteen illustrated publications is easy to understand, each booklet carrying factual information and real stories from former users that strike a chord with people of all ages. As a boxed set, The Truth About Drugs series serves primarily as an educational aid for use by educators implementing The Truth About Drugs lessons in their classes or learning sessions. The booklet set is thus not a general handout. Individuals and organizations wishing to broadly spread the drug-free message in their community are encouraged to request bulk quantities of the overall Truth About Drugs booklet, which in 32 pages provides an overview of the subject and key facts about the most abused substances.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CRYSTAL METH AND METHAMPHETAMINE BOOKLET

Crystal meth is short for crystal methamphetamine. It is just one form of the drug methamphetamine, a white crystalline drug that people take by snorting, smoking or injecting. Users develop a strong desire to continue using meth because it creates a false sense of happiness and well-being—a rush of confidence, hyperactiveness and energy. The first experience might involve some pleasure, but from the start, methamphetamine begins to destroy the user’s life. Popular street names include beannies, brown, chalk, crank, batu, blade, cristy, crystal, hot ice, ice, quartz, shabu, stove top, Tina and ventana. Find out the havoc meth can create on the body and mind—virtually overnight. Get the facts. Request your FREE copy of the booklet, The Truth About Crystal Meth.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA BOOKLET

Marijuana is the word used to describe the dried flowers, seeds and leaves of the Indian hemp plant. On the street, it is called by many other names, such as astro turf, bhang, dagga, dope, ganja, grass, hemp, home grown, J, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, roach, Texas tea and weed. Hashish is a related form of the drug, made from the resins of the Indian hemp plant. Also called chocolate, hash, or shit, it is on average six times stronger than marijuana. “Cannabis” describes any of the different drugs that come from Indian hemp, including marijuana and hashish. Regardless of the name, this drug is a hallucinogen—a substance which distorts how the mind perceives the world you live in. Find out what the marijuana pushers would hate for you to learn. Get the facts.

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Cocaine is one of the most dangerous drugs known to man. Once a person begins taking the drug, it has proven almost impossible to become free of its grip physically and mentally. Physically it stimulates key receptors (nerve endings that sense changes in the body) within the brain that, in turn, create a euphoria to which users quickly develop a tolerance. Only higher dosages and more frequent use can bring about the same effect. Today, cocaine is a worldwide, multibillion‑dollar enterprise. Users encompass all ages, occupations and economic levels, even schoolchildren as young as eight years old. Cocaine use can lead to death from respiratory (breathing) failure, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) or heart attack. Children of cocaine‑addicted mothers come into the world as addicts themselves. Many suffer birth defects and many other problems. Despite its dangers, cocaine use continues to increase —likely because users find it so difficult to escape from the first steps taken down the long dark road that leads to addiction.

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