Drugs

Exploring the effects

Effect on the body and the people around
the user, ways to prevent or avoid drug
misuse and abuse
 What are
01
drugs?
Drugs are substances that alter a person's mental or physical
state, affecting their brain function, feelings, behavior,
understanding, and senses. They can be unpredictable and
dangerous, especially for young people. The effects of drugs
vary for each person and drug. Common methods of drug
intake include swallowing tablets or drinking liquids,
breathing them into the lungs, snorting into the nose, injecting
directly into the bloodstream, using skin creams or patches, or
suppositorying them directly into the bowel or vaginal lining.
Regardless of the method, the drug will end up in the
bloodstream and affect different parts of the body.
 How do they
02
affect us?
Abused drugs enter the bloodstream and can affect the
brain, intensifying or dulling the senses, changing alertness
or sleepiness, and decreasing physical pain. These effects
affect healthy decision-making and can lead to dangerous
situations like underage driving or simply harming other
individuals. Substances like alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs can
cause significant harm to the body and brain.
 HOW DO THEY AFFECT
03
OUR SURROUNDINGS
Drug trafficking and cartel wars have cost 269 million people worldwide in 2018, with
cocaine production at record levels, opium increasing, and the market for synthetic
drugs growing in the Netherlands. However, there has been little focus on the
environmental impact of producing drugs, whether or not they are legal to use. The
increasing legalization of cannabis has drawn attention to environmental issues in its
production, with large-scale drug production operations having serious
environmental implications. The environmental impacts of illicit drug economies
differ depending on the substance being produced, such as the cocaine supply chain,
which often occurs in fragile ecosystems and forests, causing deforestation and loss
of habitats. The revenue generated by the illicit trade also contributes to
environmental destruction through cattle ranching and land grabbing. The Federal
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has promoted
sustainable income alternatives in drug crop-growing regions for decades, and the
Global Partnership for Drug Policy Development (GPDPD) has implemented green
development measures in Colombia to sustainably counter the cultivation of illegal
crops.
 Ways to prevent
04
drug use
Seek for professional help Be a part of the community
We’re always surrounded by people and being a part of
It is always better to get a professional’s opinion
the community around you makes you realize that there
especially because they’re truly the ones educated
are people around you that genuinely care about you.
about drug use. If possible we should be open to
Being a part of your community doesn’t just make you
seeking professional help to help aid drug addictions
appreciate people but it can also help you appreciate
quicker.
yourself by reflecting on other people’s lives

Find new ways to cope such as a new hobby
Hobbies such as sports, drawing, music, or even
studying can help us keep our minds off unhealthy
addictions, including drugs. Hobbies also help to
nourish our minds with better thoughts helping us
become better people.
Remind yourself of your goals
In order to stay sober you must first have
a goal, set a goal for yourself, it doesn’t
have to be a big one just enough so you
can have motivation to keep going.
 ways to avoid
05
drug misuse
Peer pressure is the coercion exerted by friends or acquaintances to do certain things or act a
certain way, which plays a significant role in adolescents' emotional and social development. It
can also initiate drug abuse. Teens should resist dangerous or illegal peer pressure, and if
overwhelming, find a different group of friends.

Abstaining from drug use is a personal choice for teenagers, requiring support from parents and
guardians. If not feasible, therapy or rehabilitation programs can be considered. It involves
eliminating drugs and alcohol from daily life, avoiding tempting situations, and distancing from
friends who encourage drug use.

Being educated about drugs itself is the most effective way to avoid misusing drugs. As an
individual before we put ourselves into something we must first be educated with the activities
we’re about to commit. We all know by now that drugs can greatly affect us, that’s why we must
be cautious about our actions and the people we get influenced by.
 Ways to avoid
06
drug abuse

If you suspect drug addiction, consult a doctor, parent, or school counselor for help. Treatment options
include behavioral and pharmacological methods. Experts teach individuals how to live without drugs,
dealing with cravings, avoiding drug-related situations, and preventing relapses. Overcoming drug
addiction requires professional help and support, as it takes time and isn't something that can be done
alone. Experts are trained to help, not judge.
 Consume Responsibly

07 Resources
KidsHealth Medical Experts. (2023, May). Drugs: What to Know. Nemours TeensHealth.
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/know-about-drugs.html
What are drugs? (2019b, July 17). Australian Government Department of Health and Aged
Care. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/drugs/about-drugs/what-are-
drugs#:~:text=Drugs%20are%20substances%20that%20change,for%20each%20person%20a
nd%20drug.

Thank You
Gateway Foundation. (2023, September 6). The environmental impact of growing drugs.
https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/addiction-blog/environmental-impact-growing-drugs/
Schauenberg, T. (2020, October 19). 5 ways that drugs damage the environment. dw.com.
https://www.dw.com/en/drugs-environment-impacts-cannabis-cocaine-opium-ecstasy/a-

For Listening!
55177638
Drugs and the environment. (n.d.). https://www.gpdpd.org/en/drug-policy/drugs-and-the-
environment
ean Leonard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. (2023, December 27). What are healthy
alternatives to drug use? | Healthy Life Recovery. Healthy Life Recovery.
https://healthyliferecovery.com/healthy-alternatives-to-drug-use/
Zayed, A., MD. (2023, June 14). 10 ways to prevent drug abuse among teenagers - The Diamond
Rehab Thailand. The Diamond Rehab Thailand. https://diamondrehabthailand.com/ways-to-
prevent-drug-abuse/

Consume Responsibly