Education

“Drug addiction is a brain disease that can be treated”
                                                                                          Dr. Nora D. Volkow

Why do people take Drugs?

• To feel good- Most abused drugs produce intense feelings of pleasure
• To feel better– People who suffer from social anxiety , stress related disorders and depression begin using in an attempt to self medicate and lessen the feelings associated with mental health disorders
• To do better- in an effort to perform better in a certain area, individuals feel the need or pressure to chemically enhance their athletic or cognitive performance
• Curiosity and because others are doing it– peer pressure

 Physical Signs of Drug Abuse

• Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Irregular heart beat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cold, sweaty palms
• Slowed irregular walk, poor physical coordination
• Pupil dilation or constriction

Behavioral Signs of drug abuse

• Change in personality
• Change in friends, new hang-outs
• Change in interest
• Drop in grades or work performance
• Moodiness
• Paranoia
• Change in grooming habits