What are drugs?

     Drugs can be helpful when they're used to help, but some are just harmful. Drugs are substances, or chemicals that can change the ways our bodies work. 

• There are many ways to put them into your body like inhaling, swallowing, or injecting them. Drugs go into your bloodstream and go many parts of your body, just like the brain. In the brain, drugs can either dull your senses, change your sense of alertness, and sometimes decrease physical pain.
• The effects of drugs depend on the kind of drug you use, how much of it is taken, how many times you use it, and how quickly it goes to the brain. Sometimes the effects can be based on the differences in the body size, shape, and chemistry.
• Even though some substances feel good at first, they can do harm to the body and brain. Sniffing glue, drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, and taking illegal drugs can cause damage to the body. Some drugs impair a persons ability to make healthy decisions and choices. Teenagers that drink or do drugs are more likely to get involved in dangerous and risky situations.