A drug is any substance that enters the body and changes the way your body and/or mind works. The effects of drugs on your body depends on the user, the expectation of the user, the drug being taken, and the setting in which the drug is taken. Some drugs are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe them. Some drugs have no medical use or benefits.   

In this activity, you will explore how drugs work and why people take them.

 Drugs are substances or chemicals that change the way your body works.

When taken (by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting), drugs enter a person's bloodstream. From there, drugs move to the brain and other parts of the body. In the brain, drugs may intensify or dull the senses, change how alert or sleepy people feel, and sometimes decrease physical pain.

Because of the way drugs work on the brain, they can affect the ability to make healthy choices and decisions.

How drugs affect people depends on lots of things:

• the kind of drug taken

• how much is taken

• how often someone uses the drug
  

• how quickly the drug gets to the brain

• what other drugs, food, or substances are taken at the same time

• the person's body size and shape

Although substances can feel good at first, they can do a lot of harm to the body and brain. You have already learned that smoking and alcohol can cause damage to your body. Taking too much medication or ingesting illegal drugs, even sniffing glue, all damage the human body as well.

The image above on the left shows a normal brain and the image on the right shows a brain affected by methamphetamine (commonly known as meth) use.

Why People Take Drugs

There are many reasons people have for trying or using drugs. People take drugs for the pleasure they believe they can bring. Some people think they will have a better time if they take drugs.

Some people believe drugs will help them to think better or become better artists or athletes.

Others are curious. Some people use drugs because they're depressed or think drugs will help them escape their problems. And some people take drugs because of peer pressure.

 Prescription Drug Abuse

Painkillers and other medications prescribed by a doctor help many people live more productive lives, freeing them from the symptoms of medical conditions. But that's only when they're prescribed for a particular individual to treat a specific condition.

Taking prescription drugs in a way that hasn't been recommended by a doctor can be more dangerous than people think. Some people experiment with prescription drugs because they think they will lose weight, fit in, or even study more effectively. Prescription drugs can be easier to get than street drugs. They might be obtained from family members, or friends may have them. They are also sometimes sold on the street like other illegal drugs.

Prescription drug abuse continues to rise. Some people think that prescription drugs are safer and less addictive than street drugs. But prescription drugs are safe for only those people who actually have prescriptions for them. That's because their doctor has examined them and prescribed the right dose of medication for a specific medical condition. The doctor has also told them exactly how they should take the medicine, including things to avoid while taking the drug — such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking other medications. Doctors are also aware of potentially dangerous side effects and can monitor patients closely for these.

(adapted from www.kidshealth.org)