What everyone should know about teenagers and drugs People, particularly the young, take drugs because they enjoy the effects they have on their moods. But for every high there is a low. For every trip, a return journey. All children entering adolescence need to know that there is no short cut to happiness through chemistry. There is only a short circuiting of the brain wiring that makes them, them. Today we know so much more about how the brain works and, importantly, how it matures. Through MRI scanning scientists have discovered that the brain is not fully matured until a person reaches about 25 years of age. The effect of drugs, including alcohol and nicotine, on the maturing brain can be devastating and is always harmful. The most effective way to deal with drug problems is within the family. With so many drugs on the market it is vital for everyone to keep informed and up-to-date. The authors openly explain the seemingly difficult scientific concepts behind drugs; not just their history and sources but also how they affect the brain and the acute and chronic side effects they have on the body. They write without over-simplifying the subject or exaggerating it. The result is a book that is accessible, clear and straightforward, as well as sobering - the facts and figures speak for themselves. Every human brain is a miraculous tapestry, utterly unique to the weaver. When we tear this fragile tapestry we are damaging a one-off that can't easily be repaired.

Table of Contents

IntroductionPart 1 - The ChallengePuberty BluesIs my child on drugs?A mother's storyHow the brain worksVandalism in the refineryYou must remember thisWhat is marijuana?The story of two usersSo who'd be a parent?What can we do?Kids, this is for youA sister's storyGetting off drugsA counsellor's storyConclusionPart 2 - The Danger ListAlcoholAmphetaminesBarbituratesCaffeineCocaineDesigner drugsHallucinogensInhalantsMarijuanaNicotineOpiates/NarcoticsSteroidsPart 3 - The Hard ScienceBibliographyGlossary