Here are the facts.
90% of Americans with a drug problem started smoking, drinking, or using other drugs before the age of 18.
The younger someone chooses to start using drugs, the more likely it is for that person to develop a lifelong problem with drug use.
Did you know?
The brain is still growing and developing until about the age of 25.
Check out this video on brain development to learn more.
When drugs enter the brain, they change the way the brain normally works.
These changes can lead to issues with how well the brain works.
The brain is much more likely to become addicted to drugs during the teen years.
Addiction is a brain disease when someone can’t stop using drugs even when they really want to, and even after it causes terrible consequences to their health and other parts of their lives.
Heavy marijuana use starting in your teens or younger can lower your IQ by as many as eight points.
Interested in learning more? Visit these websites for more information:
Let’s Talk Cannabis LA County – LetsTalkCannabisLACounty.com
Above the Influence – www.abovetheinfluence.com
Marijuana Factcheck – www.mjfactcheck.org
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens – teens.drugabuse.gov
Still Blowing Smoke – www.stillblowingsmoke.org
Flavors Hook Kids – www.flavorshookkids.org
Check out the links and videos below to learn more.
Test your drug knowledge!
Take the 2019 Drug IQ Challenge from the National Institute on Drug Abuse here: https://teens.drugabuse.gov/quiz/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week/take-iq-challenge/2019
Brain development
Check out this video on why drugs are so hard to quit:
There are #BiggerChoices than weed.
Why are teens using?
Check out this video about how anyone can be addicted to drugs:
