Teens and drugs

Teens and drugs
When it comes to drugs, myths abound. Misconceptions such as the harmlessness of marijuana or the importance of steroids in athletics are taken as the gospel, despite facts to the contrary. To find out the real deal on how drugs affect the body, check out the National Institute on Drug Abuse's Web site NIDA For Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse (http://www.teens.drugabuse.gov/index.asp).
In its presentation, NIDA For Teens is arranged in an easy-to-follow Q-and-A format, and addresses many concerns teens may have about drugs. Questions such as "What happens if someone keeps using drugs?" and "What are the common effects of anabolic steroids?" help you find the information you're seeking quickly. The articles even include footnotes so you can verify the facts for yourself.
In NIDA for Teens' "Real Stories" section, you can read about teens who succumbed to drug addiction and its disastrous effects. In many of the cases, drugs were used recreationally and then escalated into full-fledged addiction. Also, many times the drug use masked deeper psychological problems that through rehab and counseling the teens finally were able to face.
Additionally, NIDA for Teens features games that educate as they entertain. In "Dr. NIDA's Challenge" you are quizzed on how drugs affect anatomy. Your character grows more complete for every correct answer you give.
Believing the myths regarding drug use can cost you your life. With the latest scientific research on their side, NIDA For Teens sets the record straight.
XEric Goodwin writes Hotlink for Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. You can send e-mail to egoodwin@krtinfo.com.