The adolescents of today grow up in an environment that surrounds them with mixed messages about sex, drug use, alcohol, adolescent pregnancy, etc. On the one hand, parents and teachers warn about the dangers of early and promiscuous sex, adolescent pregnancy, STDs/HIV/AIDS, drugs and alcohol and on the other hand, messages and behaviour from entertainers and sports figures and peer pressure contradict their messages, even promoting these opposite behaviours.

The onset of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use generally occurs during adolescence. Many teenagers experiment with these substances and then use them to the point that their behaviour interferes with school/college, family, social relationships and general productivity. Tobacco and alcohol are the most common drugs used by young people and invariable the drugs first used. 

What is a DRUG??

A drug is a chemical substance that changes the way our body works. When a pharmaceutical preparation or a naturally occurring substance is used primarily to bring about a change in some existing process or state, it can be called a drug.

Substance Use, Misuse and Abuse

Substance Use: Drug use could be as simple as someone taking an aspirin to relieve the pain of a headache.

Substance Misuse: Drug misuse might be someone who takes a drug, or more of a drug than is necessary, in order to alter their perception or thought process.

Substance Abuse: Drug abuse is using a substance habitually, to a point that it becomes a major part of your life.