THE TRUTH ABOUT POPULAR DRUGS

If you're like most people, you've heard a lot about drugs. If you're
like most parents, you're concerned about the dangers they could
present for your kids, but you're not completely sure what those
dangers are. Here is a brief look at some drugs that you may know of
or have heard of in the media.

Legal drugs are the most commonly used and abused drugs are the legal
drugs, which most people don't even think of as drugs. More deaths,
illnesses and injuries are caused by alcohol and tobacco than by all
of the other legal and illegal drugs combined.

- - Tobacco - besides causing cancer, tobacco has been linked to
causing lung disease, heart disease and many other health problems.

- - Alcohol - drinking heavily over a long period of time can lead to
serious health problems such as stomach ulcers, liver disease and
many kinds of cancer.

- - Caffeine - excessive coffee, cola and energy drink consumption can
lead to insomnia, anxiety attacks, headaches and irregular heartbeat.

- - Over-the-counter drugs (OTCs) and prescription medications can also
cause problems, and can even be addictive, if they are not used for
their intended purpose or if the person using them takes more than
what is prescribed or recommended.

Illegal drugs are the drugs you hear most about in the media. The
good news is that use of these drugs is low; unfortunately, the
consequences for the small percentage of people who do use them can
be devastating.

- - Cannabis, also known as marijuana and hash, is the most used
illegal drug in Canada, among both adults and kids. Marijuana smoke
causes many of the same problems as tobacco smoke.

- - Crack is a form of cocaine that can be smoked or inhaled; in any
form cocaine is highly addictive both physically and psychologically.

- - Ecstasy can lead to death from dehydration, overdose or from a
potent drug or toxin being sold as ecstasy.

- - Uppers, stimulant drugs that were originally introduced for weight
loss or to stay awake, deplete energy and can lead users to
experience anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia or psychosis.

- - Methamphetamine can be smoked or snorted (known as crystal meth) or
swallowed (known as 'speed') and is highly addictive and destructive.

The best thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge about drugs,
so that you can openly discuss them with your children and be
prepared if they ask you questions or start showing signs of drug use.

For more information, contact your local AADAC office or call the
AADAC Help Line at 1-866-33AADAC. We are available to give you
information and support.

Permission to reproduce granted by AADAC. This is an abbreviated
version of an article in AADAC's Parent Information Series.

The complete article, in addition to many other useful articles about
drugs and addictions, can be found at aadac.com.