FIND ALTERNATIVES TO DRUGS

MARIJUANA, hallucinogens, steroids, crack, tobacco, alcohol,
depressants, and lots more drugs are a problem for teens in our
community. Most who take these drugs are aware of the consequences to
the body, behavior, and of getting caught.

Marijuana fills your lungs with tar, slows and clogs brain cells,
causes liver problems, and can block nutrients from getting through to
brain cells. Steroids can make women's voices low and make them grow
facial hair while in men they can trigger the development of breasts
and alter the growth of facial hair. Alcohol affects reaction time,
coordination, the brain, and balance. Hallucinogens cause bizarre
mental reactions, faster heartbeats, memory problems, shaking, and
brain damage. They make people confused, dizzy, aggressive and moody.

Even through many are aware of all these terrible consequences to
themselves, they still take drugs. Some might take them to look cool
or because friends are doing it. Others are curious or are reacting to
peer pressure or maybe just because the drugs are available. Luckily
there are people and programs that can help. Lots of after-school
activities are available for children, and that is a very good way to
keep kids away from drugs.

To ensure that kids do not do drugs, parents should be aware of what
their kids do after school and on the weekends. Authorities in
popular, public places should be on the lookout for drug dealers and
drug abusers.

Melanie Nimori, 13,
Bret Harte Middle School,
San Jose