95495 from 11/1/07
Moderator - Welcome to the chat. We are receiving your questions and we will be answering them as fast as we can.

Amanda - Cooper High School - How long do drugs stay in your body?

Joe Frascella - Good question! It really depends on which drug you are talking about. Some stay in the body relatively short times while others can stay around for many days. Did you have any specific drugs in mind?

pyro8818 - Ephrata - Can doing drugs at a young age screw up your life?

Eve Reider - There is a lot we still don't know about who becomes addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different, so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html.

Tim - Magruder High School - How long do you think the average person can live if they smoke cigarettes?

Ivan Montoya - The lifetime of a person depends on many factors but what is known is that a person who smokes cigarettes has a lower life expectancy. That is, because of all the medical complications associated with smoking, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, etc., a person who smokes has a chance of a shorter life. For more information about smoking go to: www.smoking.drugabuse.gov

anniexlovesxuux - Sterling - what is a drug

Nancy Pilotte - That's a great question. A drug is a substance that you put into your body to have a certain effect. For example, some drugs are medicines and you would take them to improve your health. Other kinds of drugs are taken because the person thinks they will change their behavior or make them feel better. Some of these are legal, like alcohol and tobacco, and others, like cocaine and marijuana, are not. The drugs in the last two categories can have seriously bad effects on people who use them. You can find out more about that at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/

Monica - JIS - What drug is most dangerous?

Joe Frascella - That's a good question. All drugs can be potentially dangerous. It depends on lots of factors, especially since there is still a lot that we don't know about who becomes addicted and why. We do know that each individual is different, so it is really difficult to determine why one person may have one reaction, and another may have a more severe reaction. Here is a source of free information about the latest science-based drug abuse facts, publications, and teaching materials for parents, teachers and students. http://www.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov/

MORGANRAPH92 - Eastern High School - Which drug is most commonly used?

Joe Frascella - Interesting question! Most people use the licit or legal drugs -- nicotine and alcohol. In terms of illicit/illegal drugs, we are seeing an increase in prescription drug abuse, and marijuana is also commonly used. For more information, please visit: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/DrugsofAbuse.html

burt_a11 - Marlington high school - why is smoking so bad for people?

Ivan Montoya - It is well established in the medical literature that smoking can produce many health consequences. For example, it is known that smoking is associated with cancer, in particular some types of cancer like lung cancer. Smoking is also associated with respiratory problems like bronchitis and emphysema. In addition, smoking stains the teeth even within just a few years of smoking, and may harm the gums that house them. For more information you may want to visit www.smoking.drugabuse.gov

ericvon - sleepyhollow - does marijuana cause lung cancer?

Joe Frascella - Good question! There are some indications that continued marijuana smoking could contribute to lung cancer in the same ways as smoking cigarettes. It really depends on how much is used, how long it is used, and whether you might be vulnerable to a disease such as cancer. For additional information, on this topic and other related issues,please visit: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj2.asp

findling_d11 - marlinton - How many kids die from drugs?

Liz Robertson - That is a complicated question because not all drug deaths are identified as drug deaths. Intentional misuse of hazardous materials for example results in a lot of poisoning deaths and they may not be recognized. In general about 17,000 deaths a year are from use of illicit drugs, however this is not broken down by age. In addition, 440,000 die from tobacco related illnesses and 50,00 from alcohol every year.

bader_s11 - Marlington - If someone threatened you to take a drug, but you say no what should you do?

Eve Reider - That is a difficult situation. It is good that you say no to taking drugs and care about your health. No one wants to be threatened in anyway, and think talking to an adult that you trust would be helpful.

cobnra - Msjffg - If you take anabolic steroids at a young age can this mess you up mentally and physically, as your body develops?

Nancy Pilotte - That's is a really good question, because we know that anabolic steroids and substances that people think will improve their performance are a big part of the sports culture and they are a temptation to many young athletes as well. Anabolic steroids are very powerful and some are naturally occurring in your body (like testosterone and hormones like it), and they normally help regulate growth. But this function requires very small amounts of the hormone, and people who use steroids tend to use much greater amounts and this can lead to some side effects that can be permanent. For example, if a young girl who has not stopped growing were to take steroids to improve her athletic performance or as a diet aid, and she took them regularly, these powerful hormones could stop her growth and deepen her voice. These two effects would not reverse when she stopped taking them. We know that steroids can also cause a decrease in breast size in girls, a deepening of the voice and growth and excessive growth of body hair but a loss of scalp hair. Some of these effects can be permanent. Steroids can also cause heart disease and strokes, even in very young people. They have also been found to cause liver tumors, acne, and oily hair and skin. If you want to know more about steroid abuse, go to: http://www.steroidabuse.gov/

Health Class - EHS - what drug do you feel is most addictive physically

Joe Frascella - This question is hard to answer precisely. There is a lot we still don't know about who becomes addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different with different vulnerabilities to drugs, so it'shard to predict a drug's effects on an individual. It's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" -- if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html. Hope this helps, and thanks for the good question.

grumpybearluver18 - jacksonville high - what is one drug most teenagers get high off of and why that one?

Liz Robertson - The number one drug of abuse for teens is alcohol. For illicit drugs it would be marijuana. If you want to see the data for 8th, 10th and 12th graders click on the link below. That will give you info on 30 day use and lifetime by grade for all of the illicit drugs plus tobacco and alcohol. http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/MTF.html

M.R - ephrata highschool - when smoking when ur pregnet how bad is it?

Ivan Montoya - Good question! It is well established in the medical literature that when a pregnant woman smokes, she has an increased risk of having a a premature baby with low birth weight. When the mother smokes, nicotine (the active ingredient of tobacco) can enter the brain of the fetus (the unborn baby)or can pass to the baby in the. Nicotine may cause constrictions in the blood vessels of the umbilical cord and uterus, thereby decreasing the amount of oxygen available to the fetus. Nicotine also may reduce the amount of blood in the fetal cardiovascular system. For more information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/. Thanks for your question!

Ryan - Ephrata High School - is caffine a drug

Nancy Pilotte - That's a really interesting question, because a lot of people do not think of caffeine in that way. Yet we know that many people depend on caffeine to help them wake up in the morning (like your parents and maybe yourself!) and they are also present in many energy drinks and other sodas that are available to everyone. Caffeine is a drug in that it is taken to provide a certain effect (wakefulness and focusing attention), but is not an illegal substance.

Moderator - Dr. Elizabeth Robertson has just stepped in to answer your questions. Dr. Robertson's research expertise is in the causes and prevention of problem behaviors such as drug abuse and drug-related HIV infection. She is particularly interested in understanding the underlying biological, social, psychological and environmental processes and factors that contribute to problem behaviors. She has a 22-year-old daughter, a 16-pound cat (as well as a smaller one), and enjoys doing crafts and renovating houses. When Dr. Robertson is not at work, she does a lot of volunteer work to raise money for programs for the homeless.

Wiz - Bishop leonard - if you take drugs will you get addictid

Liz Robertson - How can you tell who will become addicted?There is a lot we still don't know about who becomes addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different, so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html.

multipule sports and people - Noblesville High School - How many people end up in hospitals because of drugs?

Liz Robertson - A lot:, these date are from the Drug Abuse Warning Network -- this is the emergency room data from across the USA. You can access the entire data set at the Dawn Website http://dawninfo.samhsa.gov/ Illicit drugs in ED visits For 2005, DAWN estimates that 816,696 (CI: 666,947 to 966,446) ED visits involved an illicit drug. Thus, over half (56%) of all the drug misuse/abuse ED visits during the year involved an illicit drug either alone or in combination with another drug type. DAWN estimates that: Cocaine was involved in 448,481 ED visits (CI: 327,639 to 569,322), Marijuana was involved in 242,200 ED visits (CI: 203,395 to 281,006), Heroin was involved in 164,572 ED visits (CI: 123,613 to 205,531), Stimulants, including amphetamines and methamphetamine, were involved in 138,950 ED visits (CI: 86,163 to 191,737), and Other illicit drugs, such as PCP, Ecstasy, and GHB, were much less frequent than any of the above. Taking the margin of error into account, the stimulants (amphetamines and methamphetamine) may be as frequent as heroin in drug-related ED visits, but the stimulants are less frequent than cocaine or marijuana. After taking population size and the margin of error into account: The rates of ED visits involving cocaine, marijuana, and heroin were higher for males than females, but the rates for stimulants did not differ by gender, For cocaine, the rates for patients aged 18 to 54 were similar,2 with lower rates for younger and older patients, For heroin, the rates were highest for patients aged 21 to 44, For marijuana, the rates were highest for patients aged 18 to 24, and For stimulants, the rates were highest for patients aged 18 to 44.

bmdahmen - West High - What are the possitive effects of steriods on a young devolping adolscent male

Nancy Pilotte - That is an interesting question. You probably already know that your body produces a variety of steroids that help to regulate your growth, and help to maintain balance in your body (water regulation, stress control, suppression of the immune system). Adolescent males need a certain amount of testosterone to help them achieve their full adult height and the right proportion of fat and muscle, but a little goes a long way, and adding more does not add to those normal physiological functions. Adding more, as athletes tend to do, in large amounts has a number of harmful effects, such as possibly stunting your growth because of the hormone's actions on the growth plates in your legs, and suppression of your own natural production of testosterone. Many of the effects of steroids are not reversible. For example, the effect of steroids on growth is not reversible. If you want to know more about steroid abuse, go to: http://www.steroidabuse.gov/

Pi0trek K4hn - Westhill - what are the effects of crack and cocaine on the human body?

Joe Frascella - Good question. Crack and cocaine are stimulants, so they have particular effects on the body and brain. Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted blood vessels and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Users may also experience feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. Evidence suggests that users who smoke or inject cocaine may be at even greater risk of causing harm to themselves than those who snort the substance. For example, cocaine smokers also suffer from acute respiratory problems including coughing, shortness of breath, and severe chest pains with lung trauma and bleeding. A user who injects cocaine is at risk of transmitting or acquiring diseases if needles or other injection equipment are shared. Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug and compulsive cocaine use seems to develop more rapidly when the substance is smoked rather than snorted. A tolerance to the cocaine high may be developed and many addicts report that they fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their first cocaine exposure. Smoking crack delivers large quantities of the drug to the lungs, producing effects comparable to intravenous injection. These effects are felt almost immediately after smoking, are very intense, but do not last long. For example, the high from smoking cocaine may last from 5 to 10 minutes. The high from snorting can last for 15 to 20 minutes. For more information, please visit: http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Cocaine/Cocaine.html.

starsk8er91 - Lower Merion High School - is marijuanna bad for you?

Liz Robertson - Marijuana use has been associated with a number of mental conditions, including schizophrenia (psychosis), depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. Still, scientists do not yet know whether using marijuana causes mental illness. Evidence does show that frequent use is linked to psychosis (disturbed perceptions and thoughts) in some people, and can make these symptoms worse in patients who already have schizophrenia. Young users and those who are dependent on marijuana may be especially vulnerable. Research also shows greater rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking in people who smoke a lot. For more, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/MarijBroch/parentpg15-16N.html. Also there is a question of whether marijuana use leads to use of other drugs. Scientifically, the jury is still out. But when we look at people who abuse illegal drugs, they tend to have also used marijuana and nicotine and alcohol. Still, it is not true that most marijuana users go on to use other drugs, In and of itself, though, marijuana can pose significant health risks, including the risk of addiction. Check out http://www.marijuana-info.org for more information. In addition, there are health effects associated with chronic marijuana use such as respiratory diseases.

thompson_t11 - marlington - Is smoking cigarettes worse then chewing tobacco?

Ivan Montoya - Interesting question! The ingredient of tobacco that causes addiction is nicotine and whether someone smokes, chews, or sniffs tobacco, he or she is delivering nicotine to the brain. Therefore, the tobacco addiction is the same and the medical consequences associated with nicotine will be the same. The only difference is that a person who smokes is also delivering carbon monoxide and tar to his or her lungs in large amounts which can cause direct damage to the lung. In addition, the person who chews tobacco can have great damage to his or her teeth and be at high risk of getting oral cancer. You can find more information at: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_nicotine1.asp

anniexlovesxuux - sterling high school - what is the least harmful drug?

Joe Frascella - This question is hard to answer precisely. There is a lot we still don't know about which drugs are more harmful than others. We do know that each person is different with different vulnerabilities to drugs, so it'shard to predict a drug's effects on an individual. It's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" -- if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html. Hope this helps, and thanks for the good question.

Moderator - We're pleased to have Dr. Nancy Pilotte on the Chat. She is a psychologist whose expertise is in the neuroendocrine aspects of drug abuse (how hormones influence the activity of the brain) and how to identify long-term changes that occur in the brain as a result of repeated exposure to cocaine and its withdrawal. When Dr. Pilotte is not at work, she enjoys making homemade ice cream, sailing, and making colorful quilts.

JEtgrl - Lower Merion - Could LSD kill you? Could ecstasy kill you?

Nancy Pilotte - These are kind of scary questions, but I know the answers are important to you. LSD itself is not likely to kill you. However, it alters your perceptions and your abilities to make good decisions, and when you are under its influence, you may do something that will lead to your own harm. Ecstasy, which is methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA),is another powerful chemical that affects your brain, and, like LSD, can affect your decision-making. In addition, MDMA can also lead to severe dehydration because it has effects on the the part of your brain that regulates temperature and you may not recognize that you need to keep yourself hydrated (drinking water). This can have serious consequences for you. MDMA can also cause nausea, chills, sweating, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. MDMA overdose can also occur - the symptoms can include high blood pressure, faintness, panic attacks, and in severe cases, a loss of consciousness and seizures. Here is a source of free information about the latest science-based drug abuse facts, publications, and teaching materials for parents, teachers and students. http://www.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov/

Sarah - New Dorp High School - Why are drugs so accessible to young people?

Eve Reider - As you know, some drugs are legal and available for young adults, such as tobacco and alcohol, and under-aged young people are often able to get drugs through older friends. Youth also have easy access to marijuana and prescription drugs. The good news is that teens are taking better care of themselves: illicit drug use declined by 23.2% from 2001 to 2006. It is our hope at NIDA that through continued education and greater awareness, teens will make positive choices for their lives.

Moderator - The teen brain is a work in progress: It undergoes dramatic changes during adolescence and into adulthood.

Moderator - Dr. Eve Reider has been answering your questions. Dr. Reider is a psychologist who joined NIDA in February 2000. Her program areas at NIDA include HIV prevention and interventions for at-risk populations, including children born to drug abusing parents or living in substance abusing environments, children with multiple problem behaviors, child welfare and juvenile justice populations, children with mental health problems who are at risk for drug abuse later in life and street youth. She enjoys doing arts and crafts activities and gardening in her spare time.

Fergalicious - Institute of Notre Dame - How do you know if you're an alcoholic?

Ivan Montoya - Hi good question! A person is considered an alcoholic when they cannot control the amount and frequency of alcohol use. That is, the person uses alcohol in situations that can put him or her at risk or in danger, for example, while driving a car. A person is also considered an alcoholic if they use larger amounts than what they intended to use, when alcohol affects his or her social, family, work, or emotional life, or continues to use alcohol in spite of knowing that it causes them medical or psychiatric (mental) consequences. The American Psychiatric Association publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) which has the diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. You can look at them at http://www.dsmivtr.org/ For more information on alcohol and resisting peer pressure go to http://www.thecoolspot.gov/ Thanks for your question! Keep them coming!

hukaluk - canada - how is weed harmful?

Joe Frascella - Thanks for the question. We have found that marijuana abuse is associated with many detrimental health effects. These effects can include frequent respiratory infections, impaired memory and learning, increased heart rate, anxiety, panic attacks and tolerance. Marijuana meets the criteria for an addictive drug and animal studies suggest marijuana causes physical dependence and some people report withdrawal symptoms. Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illnesses, a heightened risk of lung infections, and a greater tendency toward obstructed airways. You may also want to know that cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs may also be promoted by marijuana smoke. Marijuana has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because marijuana smoke contains 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke. Marijuana also has been shown to negatively affect short-term memory, and that seems to occur because THC alters the way in which information is processed . For more information about marijuana, go to http://www.marijuana-info.org

swood - Union Springs High School - how do drugs have certian affects

Nancy Pilotte - Great question! Drugs can have many effects on your brain and body. Drugs act on different parts of your brain, and your brain controls your thoughts and your body. All drugs affect affect the dopamine system. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain (also called a neurotransmitter) that has a role in lots of functions. Drugs can also have additional effects on many other parts of your brain. For example, cocaine and marijuana both affect your ability to reason and to remember, but by activating different parts of your brain. So cocaine would directly affect your frontal cortex (the area primarily responsible for decision-making)and marijuana affects an area called the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. You can find out more at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/

Moderator - Wow! What great questions! Our scientists are working as fast as they can to answer everyone. If you don't see an answer to your question soon, in a few days you can search our archive by username or topic. The archive should be posted within a week.

zac - westhill - Can marijuana stunt growth?

Nancy Pilotte - Interesting question, but no, marijuana does not stunt your growth. Growth is controlled by hormones your body normally produces (growth hormone and steroids), and marijuana does not interact with your bodies receptors for those hormones. Marijuana is still harmful, however. It can impair a person's ability to remember things as well as coordination and balance. It can also cause car accidents when a marijuana user drives while under the influence.For more information about marijuana, go to http://www.marijuana-info.org/

west3141 - west - Describe the immediate effects of GHB in both the physical and mental areas of one's wellness

Joe Frascella - Thanks for the interesting question! Coma and seizures can occur following use of GHB. Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and breathing difficulties. GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating. GHB and two of its precursors, gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4 butanediol (BD), have been involved in poisonings, overdoses, date rapes, and deaths. If you are interested in more science-based information on MDMA and other club drugs, visit www.ClubDrugs.gov, www.Teens.drugabuse.gov, and www.BacktoSchool.drugabuse.gov; or call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686.

0002577 - Westhill High School - 1.How many people under 14 are addicted to drugs?

Liz Robertson - We don't know exactly. There is a data set that tells how many kids are treatment but the problem with those data is that they only capture the kids in treatment and who may or may not be addicted. In addition there are no doubt teens who are addicted but are not in treatment. The link for that data set is: http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/information.htm . We know that, in 2006, of kids aged 12, 34,000 were diagnosed with substance dependence or abuse. For age 13 it was 67,000and 14 years 153,000.

toodaloo310 - lower merion - how do you know when you've drank too much alcohol?

Nancy Pilotte - That is a great question. One of the problems with drinking alcohol is that it affects your judgement as you drink it, so you are less able to tell how it is affecting you. But you might notice that you more sociable at first, and with continued drinking, you may find yourself talking more loudly or behaving in an inappropriate manner. Some people become sleepy or argumentative or aggressive when they continue to drink, and your ability to make reasonable decisions deteriorates. You can find more information at www.niaaa.nih.gov.

kmor - Eastern High School - Why don't some users try and stop and seek help

Ivan Montoya - This is a very good question! In answering your question there is a growing amount of research showing the effects of addictive drugs on the brain. It is known that addictive drugs can affect the brain in ways that causes a person to change their priorities. Drugs can take over the life of an individual and things that were important such as school, family, work, or sports become secondary while seeking drugs, and using or getting over the effects of drugs become their priority. Therefore, the effect of the drug doesn't allow the individual to even consider the possibility of stopping or reducing its use or seeking help. For more information about how drugs change the brain and can produce effects such as addiction, craving, withdrawal syndrome etc, you can visit: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_brain1.asp Thanks for your question!

ljordan - westhill - what is the most commenly drug used in the U.S?

Liz Robertson - The most commonly abused drug is alcohol. For the illegal drugs it is Marijuana. To see the statistics on all of the illicit (illegal) drugs go to the link below:http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/MTF.html

anniexlovesxuux - sterling high school - what is the least harmful drug

Joe Frascella - This is a great question, but it is hard to answer. There is a lot we still don't know about how drugs will affect individuals specifically because everyone responds differently to them. For example, it is not predictable as to who can become addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different, so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html.

dg - Eastern Regional High School - What prompts drug addicts to start using drugs?

Eve Reider - Good question. There are many reasons why people may choose to use drugs. A major reason for young people is peer pressure, or feeling the need to fit in when those around them who are doing drugs. Most people start using drugs during the teen years. Unfortunately, this is the time when the brain is still developing, and drugs can alter this development, making the person more vulnerable to becoming addicted. Addiction is hard to recover from, because it is a chronic brain disease. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self control and ability to make sound decisions--and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. So, while we are still learning about the many ways that drugs affect our brains, the best advice is to never start.

Sandman93 - Eastern High School - how is marijuana addictive?

Joe Frascella - Thanks for the interesting question! Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction for some people; that is, some people abuse the drug compulsively even though it interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities. Drug craving and withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for long-term marijuana smokers to stop abusing the drug. We have found that when people try to quit, they report irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety. They also display increased aggression on psychological tests, peaking approximately one week after the last use of the drug. You might be interested in learning more by visiting: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html.

ABC1234 - lower merion - How come some people are greatly affected by doing drugs when others arent?

Nancy Pilotte - That is a really great question. You probably already know that individuals have different skills and abilities in other aspects of life, so it is natural to expect that different people respond to drugs differently. The ability of drugs to affect different people in different ways is called vulnerability, and we do not really understand what makes one person more or less vulnerable to drugs than others. We believe that genetics most likely influences how people respond to drugs, but there are other factors, like the social setting and effects of your peers and your expectations that can alter your perceptions of what a drug is doing to you. We are very interesting in learning more about vulnerabilities because that knowledge can help us devise treatment and prevention strategies to reduce drug use. To learn more, check out "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/

johnny appleseed - lower merion high school - Is pot bad for you?

Eve Reider - Yes. Marijuana affects memory, judgment and perception. It can make you mess up in school, in sports or clubs, or with your friends. If you're high on marijuana, you are more likely to make mistakes that could embarrass or even hurt you. If you use marijuana a lot, you could start to lose interest in how you look and how you're getting along at school or work. Athletes could find their performance is off; timing, movements, and coordination are all affected by marijuana. Also,marijuana can affect judgment and decisionmaking,leaving people more vulnerable to risky sexual behavior. People who start using marijuana are also at risk of addiction. Check out www.marijuana-info.org for more information.

dkzjfghjrtr - Eastern - can u die from weed

Nancy Pilotte - That's a really great question. It is not very likely marijuana (weed) use will kill you directly , but its use can affect your decision-making ability which can lead to harm to yourself and others. For example,marijuana makes your reaction time to stimuli longer (it seems like you have a lot more time than you do to do something) . This can lead you to make a poor decision, like driving while under its influence. These two things together may prevent you from responding appropriately while driving and can lead to a traffic accident. You, or someone else, may die as a result of the accident, but not directly from the pharmacological activity of the drug. For more information about marijuana, go to http://www.marijuana-info.org/

chelsea - eastern - If someone has done them for abut 2 to 3 years and still does them how do I help them?

Ivan Montoya - This is a very interesting question. There is a lot you can do to help a person who is becoming addicted to drugs. The advice from a good friend is very important and sometimes can have better results than coming from parents or therapists. You can help that person by listening to his/her problems, provide support, invite them to participate in activities that help them stay away from drugs, and, if necessary, encourage the person to seek professional help. There is a lot of information about the medical and psychiatric consequences of drugs that you can offer to the person to see if that helps them to consider seeking help. For more information on how drugs affect your brain and treatment go tohttp://teens.drugabuse.gov/drnida/drnida_brain2.asp Thanks for your question!

nicci13 - eastern - How do you prevent people from smoking and what should that person do to stop smoking?

Liz Robertson - Well there are a lot of approaches to prevent tobacco use. We know that kids who have good social and academic skills and supportive non-smoking home environments are less likely to start smoking. So a lot of prevention programs work with kids and families to develop these skills. Many tobacco interventions are what we call policy interventions. These are things like training clerks in stores to card kids to prevent them from purchasing, and raising taxes on cigarettes so much that they become unaffordable for kids. There are also many approaches for quitting smoking, unfortunately smoking is a very difficult addiction to break. At this point a combination of social support through quit phone lines, quitting clinics and family support in combination with nicotine replacement therapy seems to be the most effective approaches. The best approach of course is to never start smoking.

katelynn - Ephrata High School - does marajuana affect your driving?

Joe Frascella - Great question! We are actually studying that specific question right now using driving simulators. Studies say that drugs are used by 10 to 22 percent of drivers involved in vehicle crashes, often in combination with alcohol. We also know that in a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a moderate dose of marijuana alone was shown to impair driving performance; however, the effects of even a low dose of marijuana combined with alcohol were markedly greater than for either drug alone. Driving indices measured included reaction time, visual search frequency (driver checking side streets), and the ability to perceive and/or respond to changes in the relative velocity of other vehicles. Marijuana users who have taken high doses of the drug may experience acute toxic psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and depersonalization - a loss of the sense of personal identity, or self-recognition. You might find some interesting information on this very issue at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/driving.html

Bl4CkJ4cK70 - jawn70 - can u get easily addicted if u smoke weed once?

Joe Frascella - It is not likely, yet it is important for you to know that we really don't enough yet about individual vulnerabilities to different drugs. That is, some drugs can be so reinforcing to some people after a single use that they are "driven" to go back and use again. So - scientifically, the jury is still out. But when we look at people who abuse illegal drugs, they tend to have also used marijuana and nicotine and alcohol. Still, it is not true that most marijuana users go on to use other drugs. In and of itself, though, marijuana can pose significant health risks, including the risk of addiction. If you are interested in more information about marijuana, go to http://www.marijuana-info.org/

Moderator - Did you know that abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol contributes to the death of more than 100,000 Americans every year?

bianca - Westhill - what happens when you do two different drugs on the same day?

Nancy Pilotte - That is a great question. The answer depends on which drugs you combine. So for example, a physician may prescribe two medications to help you with a health problem. Then it can be helpful. But when taking illegal drugs, it is almost always harmful when you take more than one drug. One drug often adds to the effect of other drugs so that taking more than one drug may increase the harmful effects of a drug. The precise effects depend on the two drugs that are combined. For information on about the latest science-based drug abuse facts, publications, and teaching materials for parents, teachers and students for to http://www.backtoschool.drugabuse.gov/

kp - Eastern - Why do you think most people start taking drugs?

Eve Reider - This is a popular question. People take drugs for a variety of reasons: to feel better, to feel good, and because others are doing it are just some of the reasons. The important thing to realize is that the younger a person begins to use drugs, the more likely he or she will progress to more serious drug abuse. It is also important to know that the earlier you stop using drugs, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html

weviston - union - what does crack do to you?

Joe Frascella - Great question. Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. Regardless of how cocaine is used or how frequently, a user can experience acute cardiovascular (heart) or cerebrovascular (brain) emergencies, such as a heart attack or stroke, which could result in sudden death. Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizure followed by respiratory arrest. Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The duration of cocaine's immediate euphoric effects, which include hyperstimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental alertness, depends on the route of administration. The faster the absorption, the more intense the high. On the other hand, the faster the absorption, the shorter the duration of action. The high from snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes, while that from smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes. Increased use can reduce the period of time a user feels high and increases the risk of addiction. Some users of cocaine report feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. A tolerance to the "high" may develop many addicts report that they seek but fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their first exposure. Some users will increase their doses to intensify and prolong the euphoric effects. While tolerance to the high can occur, users can also become more sensitive to cocaine's anesthetic and convulsant effects without increasing the dose taken. This increased sensitivity may explain some deaths occurring after apparently low doses of cocaine. You might find it interesting to know that the use of cocaine in a binge, during which the drug is taken repeatedly and at increasingly high doses, may lead to a state of increasing irritability, restlessness, and paranoia. This can result in a period of full-blown paranoid psychosis, in which the user loses touch with reality and experiences auditory hallucinations. Other complications associated with cocaine use include disturbances in heart rhythm and heart attacks, chest pain and respiratory failure, strokes, seizures and headaches, and gastrointestinal complications such as abdominal pain and nausea. Because cocaine has a tendency to decrease appetite, many chronic users can become malnourished. Different means of taking cocaine can produce different adverse effects. Regularly snorting cocaine, for example, can lead to loss of the sense of smell, nosebleeds, problems with swallowing, hoarseness, and a chronically runny nose. Ingesting cocaine can cause severe bowel gangrene due to reduced blood flow. People who inject cocaine can experience severe allergic reactions and, as with all injecting drug users, are at increased risk for contracting HIV and other blood-borne diseases. I hope this helps. If you would like more information, check outhttp://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/cocaine.html

swood - Uion Springs High - why does ex dehydrate your body

Nancy Pilotte - That is a really great question. Ecstasy, which is the chemical methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), acts in different parts of the brain to help produce dehydration. It affects centers in the brain that help to regulate body temperature, other areas that affect your ability to make good judgments, and parts of the brain that normally tell you when you are thirsty and to drink more water. When all of these brain areas are impaired by use of MDMA, you may not realize you are thirsty and thus become dehydrated. Additionally, this drug is often taken in club settings where there are lots of people and vigorous activity like dancing, which makes you even warmer and thirstier and presents fewer opportunities for rehydration. You can find out more about that at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/

Moderator - We are receiving many of the same questions from different kids. Since we want to be sure we can get to as many new questions as possible, we might not answer all questions on the same topics. If you don't see an answer to your question, search our Chat Archive by username or topic. The archive should be posted within a week.

Moderator - Why do people take drugs?

1. To feel better
2. To feel good
3. To do better
4. Because others are doing it
5. All of the above

Moderator - Did you know that tobacco is linked to an estimated 440,000 deaths per year?

hotdog - black neos - is medical marajuana bad for you or just to relieve pain

Joe Frascella - Thanks for the interesting question. The Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for ensuring the safety of everything from cosmetics to human and animal medications to our nation's food supply has not approved marijuana to treat any medical illness. That is because smoking marijuana can cause serious health and social problems, including the risk of addiction. However, the FDA has approved certain medications that contain ingredients found in marijuana. These medications are usually prescribed to relieve symptoms in seriously ill patients, such as those with cancer or AIDS to help patients eat more or to reduce nausea. See http://www.nida.nih.gov/MarijBroch/Marijteens.html for more information. Also, there is some new and exciting research looking at the class of drugs that marijuana belongs to (cannabinoids) that is being studied in the use of pain.

cookiesrus - lower merion high school - Tell me everything I should know about nicatine...what are the long term effeccts?

Ivan Montoya - Wow!I can sit here all day answering your question! That's a very good one!There is a lot known about the long-term effects of nicotine. Since 1964, 28 Surgeon General reports on smoking and health have concluded that tobacco use is the single most avoidable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. Most smokers use tobacco regularly because they are addicted to nicotine. Research has shown how nicotine acts on the brain to produce a number of effects. Nicotine activates reward pathways the brain circuitry that regulates feelings of pleasure. Cigarette smoking produces a rapid distribution of nicotine to the brain, with drug levels peaking within 10 seconds of inhalation. However, the acute effects of nicotine dissipate in a few minutes, as do the associated feelings of reward, which causes the smoker to continue smoking in order to maintain the drug's pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal. You can find more information at http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ and http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRTobacco.pdf

Mike - Ephrata Area High School - do drugs affect you sexually

Liz Robertson - Drugs definitely influence your judgment and inhibitions around sex, putting you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases as well as sexual violence. Please go to the following link to learn more about the relationship between drug use and HIV infection: http://www.hiv.drugabuse.gov

Juila - Briarcliff High School - What is the deffinition of being addicted to a drug?

Joe Frascella - Thanks for the great question! Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual that is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. If you would like more information on the topic, you might check out: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/understand.html.

Miss Klein - St. Matthias School - What are the side effects of heroin

Nancy Pilotte - Great question. Heroin is chemically much like morphine and other opiates, like vicodin, which are used to relieve pain but heroin is much stronger. Heroin can cause many problems, including death when a person takes to much. Because heroin abusers do not know the actual strength of the drug or its true contents, they are always at risk of overdose or death. But even if heroin doesn't cause death, it can cause a variety of other problems. For example, it can cause changes in the brain that cause a person to become addicted to heroin - they then need the drug to avoid going through a difficult withdrawal. Most people who use heroin reach a point where they will do anything to get heroin and their interest in other things, such as school, sports etc., disappears. Interestingly, one of the side effects of opiates is that they can cause intense itching. To learn more, check out "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/

lalalalalalalala - Briarcliff Manor - What are the signs and symptoms of drug abuse?

Eve Reider - Very good question. If a person is compulsively seeking and using a drug despite harmful consequences, such as not doing well at school or at work, having physical or mental problems brought on by drug abuse, or problems getting along with family and/or friends, then he or she is probably addicted. We don't have a perfect screening tool quite yet, but health care professionals who screen for drug use often ask questions like these to detect substance abuse in their young patients: Have you ever ridden in a car driven by someone (including yourself) who had been using alcohol or drugs? Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to relax, feel better about yourself, or fit in? Do you ever use alcohol or drugs when you are alone? Do you ever forget things you did while using alcohol or drugs? Do your family or friends ever tell you to cut down on your drinking or drug use? Have you ever gotten into trouble while you were using alcohol or drugs? Visit our NIDA for Teens website at http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drnida/drnida_brain1.aspfor more information

tcates - union - do drugs affect your memory?

Joe Frascella - Great question! Several drugs have been shown to affect memory. For example, marijuana has been shown to affect some aspects of memory, as well as methamphetamine, cocaine, alcohol, ecstasy. You might find additional information at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/MedAdv/01/NR5-1.html. Also, prescription drug abuse can impair memory and this website provides an overview of this symptom as well as other symptoms: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/PrescripDrugsChart.html.

afireinside - Eastern Regional Highschool - Can drugs used once kill you?

Nancy Pilotte - That is an interesting question. Did you know that abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol contributes to the death of more than 100,000 Americans every year? People can die from their first use of Illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin because they affect parts of your brain that control your ability to breathe and maintain your beating heart. Here's NIDA's Website for teens with information on the science behind drug abuse, facts on drugs, questions and answers, real stories and interactive activities. http://www.teens.drugabuse.gov/

dg - Eastern Regional High School - Are any drugs okay in moderation?

Liz Robertson - It is very hard to say for several reasons. First, it depends on your individual body. Everyone is different and we don't know who will become addicted at what level of drug use. We do know that the brain is not fully developed until the mid-20's so any drug use is assumed to have the potential to affect your brain development. In adulthood light and moderate alcohol use is assumed to be harmless, but this again depends on the particular person and their life situation -for example, someone who has a very stressful life and starts out drinking occasionally can move on to higher levels of use as a way to self medicate.

ryan - brentwood middleschool - what is crestal meth

Joe Frascella - Crystal meth is also known as methamphetamine hydrochloride. It is a drug that has clear, chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking. It is referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass," and "tina." Meth abuse can lead to medical and psychological problems, including memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior, heart damage, malnutrition, and severe dental problems. For more information on this drug, you could check out: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/methamphetamine.html.

jmac - Britton Macon - What is pcp

Nancy Pilotte - PCP is shorthand for phencyclidine and is also called angel dust or dust. This is a drug that was initially developed as an anesthetic but was never used for humans because of its harmful effects. PCP can cause dangerous changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration, often with nausea, blurred vision, and dizziness. It can also cause uncoordinated movements and bizarre postures. When severe, the muscle contractions can result in bone fracture or in kidney damage or failure. At high doses, PCP can cause convulsions, coma, hyperthermia, and death. For more about club drugs go to: http://www.clubdrugs.gov/

lmgs07 - lower merion highschool - is marijuana worse then ciggerettes?

Ivan Montoya - Good question. Both marijuana and cigarettes have health consequences. It is known that when either one of them is smoked, many chemicals including tar, enters the lung. Both substance have active ingredients that enter the brain and produce changes to make the person addicted. So, I would prefer not having to choose between one or the other because either one of them has its own bad effects. If you want more information about the findings from research done with each one of those drugs you can visit for cigarettes: http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRTobacco.pdf and marijuana: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.asp#teen_usage Thanks for your great question!

pyro8818 - Ephrata - if you use drugs at a young age, does it screw up your life?

Eve Reider - We know from scientific research that the earlier you start, the more likely you are to become addicted and have other problems, such as in school or with your family. Because there's a lot we still don't know about how drugs affect our brains, the best advice is to never start. We do know that drug use affects each person differently, so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html.

Lozier_s11 - Marlington High School - Is smoking cigarettes worse for you than marijuana is?

Ivan Montoya - Good question. Both marijuana and cigarettes have health consequences. It is known that when either one of them is smoked, many chemicals including tar, enters the lung. Both substance have active ingredients that enter the brain and produce changes to make the person addicted. So, I would prefer not having to choose between one or the other because either one of them has its own bad effects. If you want more information about the findings from research done with each one of those drugs you can visit for cigarettes: http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRTobacco.pdf and marijuana: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.asp#teen_usage

0002577 - Westhill High School - Why has there been less marijuana abuse for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders?

Liz Robertson - Rates of drug use fluctuate over time and there are trends in which drugs are popular and available at any given time. Fluctuations are due to a number of things, including the perception of harm from a drug, the social norms of the particular school, community or nation, media, fashion, etc. When an important cultural icon dies of a drug overdose, this can spark a reduction in drug use. However it depends on who that person is. When Len Bias, a famous college basketball player, died as the result of cocaine use, there was a big drop in drug use probably because he was young, in great health, and was not an addict. Look at the following link to see how perception of harm and use relate to one another and also trends over time: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/MTF.html

Sara - Briarcliff - does marijuana cause lung cancer?

Nancy Pilotte - Great question. Although we know that smoking tobacco is a major cause of lung cancer, we do not have as definitive an answer for marijuana. When you smoke cigarettes, you get a lot of nicotine, but you also ingest a lot of other chemicals that are responsible for the damage to the delicate lining of your lungs. Similarly, when you smoke marijuana, you ingest a lot of other chemicals that you don't think about that can similarly irritate your lungs. It normally takes a long time to develop lung cancer from cigarettes; we do not have the long-term data from smoking marijuana yet, but we think it is reasonable to expect that it will have similar effects. For more information about marijuana, go to http://www.marijuana-info.org/

chelsea - eastern - If someone did drugs for about 2 to 3 years and still does them how do I help them?

Ivan Montoya - This is a very interesting question. There is a lot you can do to help a person who is becoming addicted to drugs. The advice from a good friend is very important and sometimes can have better results than coming from parents or therapists. You can help that person by listening to his/her problems, provide support, invite them to participate in activities that help them stay away from drugs, and, if necessary, encourage the person to seek professional help. There is a lot of information about the medical and psychiatric consequences of drugs that you can offer to the person to see if that helps them to consider seeking help. For more information on how drugs affect your brain and treatment go tohttp://teens.drugabuse.gov/drnida/drnida_brain2.asp Thanks for your question!

blake - briarcliff high school - is using a drug once called an addiction?

Eve Reider - Good question. I would say using drug once is not called an addiction. However,some drugs are highly addictive and using them one once can lead to addiction and to brain changes that prompt continued drug use and make it really hard to stop.Cigarettes are a good example. It is also important to know that the younger a person begins to use drugs, the more likely he or she will progress to more serious drug abuse.To learn more, check out "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/.

juan - westhill - what are the nick names of marijuana

Eve Reider - Pot, ganja, weed, grass, and many others. For more information about marijuana, go to http://www.marijuana-info.org/

FreIdzIe - Lower Merion High School - Does marajuana have any bad side affects?

Joe Frascella - Thanks for the fantastic question! Scientists have learned a great deal about how one of the key components of marijuana,known as THC, acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain. In the brain, THC connects to specific areas called "cannabinoid receptors" and changes the activity of those cells. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. The short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana abuse indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. One study has indicated that an abuser's risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. The researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana's effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Even infrequent abuse can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, often accompanied by a heavy cough. Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, a heightened risk of lung infections, and a greater tendency to obstructed airways. Smoking marijuana possibly increases the likelihood of developing cancer of the head or neck. You might find it interesting that a recent study compared 173 cancer patients to 176 healthy individuals - and the results produced evidence that marijuana smoking doubled or tripled the risk of these cancers, Marijuana abuse also has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because it contains irritants and carcinogens, In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke. It also induces high levels of an enzyme that converts certain hydrocarbons into their carcinogenic form levels that may accelerate the changes that ultimately produce malignant cells. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke. These facts suggest that, puff for puff, smoking marijuana may be more harmful to the lungs than smoking tobacco. Some of marijuana's adverse health effects may occur because THC impairs the immune system's ability to fight disease. In laboratory experiments that exposed animal and human cells to THC or other marijuana ingredients, the normal disease-preventing reactions of many of the key types of immune cells were inhibited. In other studies, mice exposed to THC or related substances were more likely than unexposed mice to develop bacterial infections and tumors. If you would like more information, you might want to check out: http://www.marijuana-info.org/. I hope this information helps!

Moderator - Did you know that risk of drug abuse increases during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving, or divorce?

Moderator - Why do so many people seem to relapse after rehab? Sometimes it takes time to learn how to live without drugs. As with other chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes, relapses can occur, and signal a need for treatment to be reinstated or adjusted.

aniah - westhill - what are the other names for cocaine?

Eve Reider - Coke, snow, flake, blow, and many others. If you want to know more about cocaine, go to: http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/cocaine.html

Moderator - Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 20.

kfoster - sterling - what is the reason a person loses their teeth when they use meth

Nancy Pilotte - Great question. Methamphetamine lasts a relatively long time in the body and has direct effects on the vascular (blood) system. It is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it makes the blood vessels get smaller while the drug is on board. Your mouth is especially rich in blood vessels, which normally works to keep your teeth healthy. When you restrict the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to your teeth by taking methamphetamine, you increase the risk of loosing your teeth because they aren't getting what they need to remain healthy. You can find out more about that at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/

peta2 - brentwood middle school - does doing drugs affect your sleeping habits?

Joe Frascella - Great question! Many drugs do, in fact, affect sleeping habits, sleep patterns, and your ability to get a restful sleep. For example, the stimulants (including caffeine) affect sleep, and even the drugs that people often take to help them sleep, such as marijuana or alcohol, actually negatively affect sleep. We also know that one of the leading reasons that people relapse (start using drugs after trying to quit) is because they experience difficulty in getting a restful sleep. For more information on drugs that negatively impact sleep, check out: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/DrugsofAbuse.html

sonia - eastern high school - how do u feel when you don't have your drugs for a long period of time?

Ivan Montoya - Interesting question! What you feel depends on the type of drug. When a person does'nt have addictive drugs for a long time they can experience what is called a Withdrawal Syndrome. The syndrome is often characterized by overactivity of the bodily functions that are suppressed by the drug and/or depression of the functions that are stimulated by the drug. Usually, this syndrome is characterized by signs and symptoms that make the person look like he/she is really sick and sometimes the person has no choice other than to use the addictive drug seeking relief of the syndrome and that way he/she relapses. For more information please go to http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_brain2.asp #someone_keeps_using_drugs Thanks for your question!

McLovin - Briarcliff High School - Do is it easier for a teenage kid to get addicted to a drug then an adult

Nancy Pilotte - Great question! Our latest science shows that the younger a person begins to use drugs, the more likely he or she will progress to more serious drug abuse. This is partly because the teen brain is a work in progress: It undergoes dramatic changes during adolescence and into adulthood. Drugs interfere with this developmental process and can cause permanent changes in the brain.To learn more, check out "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/

sm - briarcliff high school - what are some common types of remedies for drug addiction?

Eve Reider - Drug abuse treatment is the most common and effective remedy for drug addiction. For more information on treatment and where you can find it, visit the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at 1-800-662-HELP or go to their website at http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

Boris - Briarcliff High School - Is there more drug abuse issues in teens or in adults over 21?

Liz Robertson - Well, good question. But complicated, if you look at lifetime use of drugs, adults will have higher rates of abuse, dependence and treatment. This is because they have had a longer time to be identified and to potentially become drug abusers. However young people are particularly vulnerable to drug abuse for social and physical reasons. If a young person is in a group that is experimenting with drugs there is a huge social pressure pull to use as well. Saying "no" is difficult and kids often feel that they have to use to be accepted by their friends. At the same time different body systems develop at different rates. For example sexual maturation occurs in early to mid adolescence for most kids whereas the brain is not fully developed until the mid 20's. We are not sure of the extent of damage that drug use can have on the brain and whether that damage will self-correct over time. Moreover, being impaired on drugs makes one less inhibited and often results in poor judgment around sexual issues, driving under the influence, expression of aggression and so forth. All in all would say that the period of drug initiation for youth is one that is very complicated because of the social, emotional, sexual, family and academic pressures of adolescence.

kp - Eastern - Are there any drugs that you can't get addicted to?

Joe Frascella - Terrific question! Most, if not all,drugs of abuse have been shown to be addictive. If you would like to read more about addiction, you might want to check out: "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/

anthony - brentwood - wat u think about coke

Moderator - I prefer Mountain Dew!

pseudonym28657 - Lower Merion High School - What are the long term effects of alcohol?

Nancy Pilotte - Thanks for asking. Long-term drinking of alcohol can lead to persistent memory problems and poor decision-making. Additionally, it can have bad effects on other systems within your body, like the liver. For more information on alcohol abuse, go to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

jaccaboo - briarcliff high school - is it true that the only drug you can die from withdrawl is alcohol?

Nancy Pilotte - Yes

magou - jhs - Why do people do drugs?

Liz Robertson - There are many reasons. Below, the answer is "all of the above," and the answer varies from one person to another. Personality, social influences, family influences, and physical make-up can all influence the use and abuse of drugs.Why do people take drugs?a. To feel betterb. To feel goodc. To do betterd. Because others are doing ite. All of the above e. ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Boris - Briarcliff High School - How can you get off a dependancy?

Eve Reider - Good question. I would say that it is definitely possible to stop being dependent on drugs, but it is a very difficult process that requires help from others.Drug abuse treatment is highly recommended to help with this process.For more on treatment and where you can find it, you can call the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at 1-800-662-HELP or go to their website at http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

rae - newfane highschool - If someone i know is using cocaine and she says that she can go with or with out it does that make her an addict?

Ivan Montoya - Good question! Well... it sounds like the person is showing one of the signs of becoming addicted. When a person can't stay without using a drug for a long time it's possible that their brain is being affected by the drugs and is unable to stop using. Researchers are discovering the mechanisms in the brain that may explain how a person becomes addicted.You can find more information at http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/ facts_brain2.asp#someone_keeps_using_drugs. Thanks for your question!

Ryan - Ephrata High School - Is it okay to still be a light drinker.

Nancy Pilotte - Great question. Alcohol, like other drugs, has profound effects on the brain.They work in the brain by tapping into the brain's communication system and interfering with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of drugs, including alcohol. Scientists estimate that genetic factors account for between 40 and 60 percent of a person's vulnerability to addiction. And we do not know ahead of time who is more or less vulnerable to anyone else. In other words, it is an individual matter, and some people are able to be a light drinker and others are not. But because the brain of an adolescent is still developing, you should not drink until you are 21. For more information on alcohol abuse, go to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Moderator - Wow! What great questions! Our scientists are working as fast as they can to answer everyone. If you don't see an answer to your question soon, in a few days you can search our archive by username or topic. The archive should be posted within a week.

chellzee - eastern - If someone did drugs for about 2 to 3 years and still does them how do I help them?

Eve Reider - Routine use can lead to drug abuse and addiction. You can help someone you know by recommending they get help for this problem. Drug abuse treatment is the most effective way to help someone deal with their addiction.For more information on treatment and where you can find it, you can call the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at 1-800-662-HELP or go to their website at http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

nicolllet - jacksonville high school!!!! - what is the difference between cocaine and crack???????

Nancy Pilotte - Great question. The major difference between cocaine and crack is how they are taken. But both drugs are a form of cocaine. Cocaine is the powdered form, usually the hydrochloride salt, of the drug.Crack is the free base form (and you thought that chemistry class was useless!).

kelly - briarcliff - I know that LCD can have serious psychological effects on a user, including "flashbacks". I've also heard of a similar phenomenon with the use of mushrooms. What would these "flashbacks" be like? When do they occur? Are they a symptom of the use of any other drugs?

Joe Frascella - Thanks for your question. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is one of the major drugs making up the "hallucinogen class" of drugs. Hallucinogens cause hallucinations which are profound distortions in a person's perception of reality. Hallucinogens cause their effects by disrupting the interaction of nerve cells and the neurotransmitter known as serotonin. Distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord, the serotonin system is involved in the control of behavioral, perceptual, and regulatory systems, including mood, hunger, body temperature, sexual behavior, muscle control, and sensory perception.You might be interested in knowing that many LSD users experience flashbacks, recurrence of certain aspects of a person's experience, without the user having taken the drug again. A flashback occurs suddenly, often without warning, and may occur within a few days or more than a year after LSD use. Flashbacks usually occur in people who use hallucinogens over a long period of time or if they have an underlying personality problem; however, otherwise healthy people who use LSD occasionally may also experience flashbacks. Bad trips and flashbacks are only part of the risks of LSD use. LSD users may experience relatively long-lasting psychoses, such as schizophrenia or severe depression.At this point in time,it is difficult to determine the extent and mechanism of the LSD involvement in these illnesses. Flashbacks most generally occur with the drug class of hallucinogens. If you would like more information on LSD and Hallucinogens, you could check out:: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/lsd.html

SuperDude! - ParkRidge High School - are you a computer?

Moderator - No, we are not computers....we are a room full of very fun people, who happen to also be scientists!

mgard - union - does marijuana kill braincells

Nancy Pilotte - Great question. Although we do not have evidence that marijuana can kill brain cells, we do know that it makes brain cells work less efficiently. For more information about marijuana, go to http://www.marijuana-info.org/

0002577 - Westhill High School - How many people under 14 are addicted to drugs?

Marsha Lopez - Well, statistics on drug abuse generally begin at age 12. What we can tell you is that in 2006, 254,000 teens from ages 12 through 14 met the criteria for "substance dependence or abuse." That is, 34,000 12-yr olds, 67,000 13-yr olds, and 153,000 14-yr olds. [From www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh)

spinds00 - julius west middle school - What is the most frequently abused drug?

Marsha Lopez - Among the general population age 12 and older, the most frequently used "drug" is alcohol and the most frequently abused illegal drug is marijuana. More info can be found at www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh.

stephanie - Westhill highSchool - What is the most common used drug with teens?

Marsha Lopez - The most commonly abused "drug" among teens is alcohol. The most commonly abused illegal drug is marijuana. You can find more info about drug trends at www.monitoringthefuture.org and www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduhLatest.htm.

laura - newfane high school - How can you tell if someone is doing and kind of drug?

Ivan Montoya - Good question!A person may show different signs of using drugs depending on the type of drug, for example, people under the effect of marijuana have red eyes, move slowly and tend to eat a lot. in contrast, people under the effect of cocaine are moving fast, show face movements, have difficulty falling asleep, etc. When people are getting addicted to drugs they usually show changes in their behaviors like lower grades, less care of their appearance, lower interest in things that used to get them excited. For more information on how to tell if someone is using drugs you can visit http://www.drugabuse.gov/students.html

jbert - Eastern - How many people die a year from drugs?

Marsha Lopez - That is a complicated question because not all drug deaths are identified as drug deaths. Intentional misuse of hazardous materials, for example, results in a lot of poisoning deaths and they may not be recognized. In general about 17,000 deaths a year are from use of illicit drugs. In addition, 440,000 die from tobacco related illnesses and 50,000 from alcohol every year.

Sal - Ephrata - Does chew or smoking affect your body more

Ivan Montoya - This is a really good question! Both chewing and smoking affect your body. Nicotine is the drug in tobacco leaves. Whether someone smokes, chews, or sniffs tobacco, he or she is delivering nicotine to the brain. Chewing tobacco can cause damage to gum tissue and even loss of teeth. It also reduces a person's ability to taste and smell. Most importantly, smokeless tobacco contains cancer causing-chemicals that can cause cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. This can even happen in very young users of chewing tobacco. In fact, most people who develop these cancers were users of chewing tobacco. While inhaling a cigarette, smokers are pulling more than nicotine into their lungs. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Besides nicotine, the most dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke are tar and carbon monoxide. Tar causes lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial diseases. Carbon monoxide causes heart problems; smokers are at high risk for heart disease. For more information on smoking or tobacco please go to: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_nicotine1.asp#what_is_it

jbert - Eastern high - How many people die a year from drugs?

Marsha Lopez - That is a complicated question because not all drug deaths are specifically identified as such. Intentional misuse of hazardous materials, for example, results in a lot of poisoning deaths and they may not be recognized. In general about 17,000 deaths a year are from use of illicit drugs. In addition, 440,000 die from tobacco related illnesses and 50,000 from alcohol every year.

Moderator - You can find out more about that at: http://www.drugabuse.gov

Moderator - There's no question too tough for Dr. Frank Vocci, who has just entered the Chat. Dr. Vocci directs NIDA's research into medications for the treatment of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and opiate dependence. He travels extensively and over the years has ridden in a rickshaw, Jeepjap, helicopter and a camel. Dr. Vocci has also met many interesting people in his travels, including the President of Iceland, the Princess of Thailand, members of the Australian Parliament, movie stars and professional wresters. He has two sons a lawyer and a chef, and two dogs - pugs.

Moderator - New to the Chat is Dr. Marsha Lopez whose experience runs the gamut from preclinical behavioral pharmacology (giving cocaine to rats) to military medical surveillance, but her current focus is drug epidemiology (the incidence, distribution, or control of a disease within a population) with a specific interest in co-occurring psychiatric conditions as they relate to drug use. She has two kids under the age of three (Marco and Gigi), and a nine-year-old yellow lab (Zachy), although most of her extended family lives in Argentina. When not at work, she enjoys baking and cooking.

acman1030 - Lower Merion High School - What are some problems with heroine?

Nancy Pilotte - Great question. Heroin is a powerful opiate, used to help control pain. Compounds similar to heroin are morphine, oxycodone, and vicodin. The biggest problem is that repeated use can lead to dependence. That means that you find it very hard to function normally without it. Like most abused drugs, it alters your ability to make good decisions, and if you have developed patterns of compulsive use, can take over many aspects of your life such that things that used to make you feel happy no longer do. This can also make you change your priorities, so that the drug becomes more important to your than your family, your friends, or your job.You can find out more about that at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/

readyset44 - Lower Merion High School - is ANYONE there!!!!!!!!

Moderator - Yes, as a matter of fact, there is an entire room full of people here to answer your questions....and wow are there a lot of questions!

wild wild west - voorhees middle school - How addictive are prescription drugs?

Joe Frascella - Great question! It turns out that prescription drugs, when not taken as prescribed, can be very highly addictive. We have found that long-term use also can lead to physical dependence, a condition where the body adapts to the presence of the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. This can also include tolerance, which means that higher doses of a medication must be taken to obtain the same initial effects. You might be interested to know that physical dependence is not the same as addiction, physical dependence can occur even with appropriate long-term use of opioid and other medications. Addiction is defined as compulsive, often uncontrollable drug use in spite of negative consequences. And, prescription drugs can become very addictive when not used properly.For more information specifically on prescription drugs, you might want to check out: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/PainMed.html. Also, to learn more about addiction in general, check out "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/

5423352433helo - lower merion - can you get addicted to marijuana

Joe Frascella - This question is hard to answer precisely, especially since there is a lot we still don't know about who becomes addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different with different vulnerabilities to drugs, so it'shard to predict a drug's effects on an individual.You might find it interesting to know that marijuana use has been associated with a number of mental conditions, including schizophrenia, depression and anxiety and in some people, marijuana use can make these symptoms worse. Research also shows greater rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking in people who smoke a lot. For more, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/MarijBroch/parentpg15-16N.html. I hope you find this information helpful.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa - Marlington local - Can you get high off of secondhand smoking?

Ivan Montoya - Good question. You can have effects due to secondhand smoking. It has been reported that secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and can irritate and damage the lining of the airways. Even brief exposure can result in upper airway changes in healthy persons and can lead to more frequent and more asthma attacks in children who already have asthma. You can find more information about secondhand smoke at: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/ library/secondhandsmoke/factsheets/factsheet6.html

Lozier_s11 - Marlington High School - How come people get so addicted to drugs when started?

Frank Vocci - Drugs affect the brain directly. The effects are as powerful as other types of experiences we enjoy and often much more powerful. All drugs of abuse affect the brain's reward system, causing changes that can disrupt a person's ability to enjoy natural rewards(like good food and music).Once affected by drugs, this system leads a person to repeat the behavior and to go after the drug in place of normal healthy activities they used to enjoy.In some people, such repeated drug use leads to habitual use and addiction. Some people are more likely to become addicted than others. Addiction can run in families. For example, if your parents smoke, you're more than twice a s likely to smoke as someone who does not have smoking parents.

Moderator - Did you know that repeated drug abuse can reduce the pleasure we get from natural "highs?"

stlouisv - south high school - will drugs make you crazy?

Frank Vocci - Methamphetamine and PCP can produce severe mental disturbances that doctors call a psychosis. Marijuana smoking has also been linked to schizophrenia, a serious and often life-long mental disorder. Schizophrenia occurs in 1 % of the population. Young users and those who are dependent on marijuana may be especially vulnerable. Research also shows greater rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thinking in people who smoke a lot. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/MarijBroch/parentpg15-16N.html.

Moderator - We'd like to introduce Jennifer Elcano to the Chat. Jennifer has been a professional writer for about 20 years, specializing in making highly technical or scientific jargon accessible by general lay audiences. She began her career as a magazine writer, worked several years with a small communications firm, and in 1994 started her own successful business, Elcano Communications. She joined NIDA in 2005 as a science writer, lending her skills to the variety of publications NIDA develops for different audiences. She has 4 kids, ages 1125, and enjoys playing in a band with her husband and son, and doing triathlons in the summer.

Tim - Ephrata High School - How do drugs effect your body?

David Shurtleff - Drugs of abuse affect your body in many ways. They can affect organs such as the heart but most importantly, they act on the brain where they interact with brain circuits known as neurons. With repeated drug use, these neurons can lead to brain changes that can result in addiction. Also, some drugs of abuse such as "ecstasy" are "neurotoxic," meaning that they can damage or kill nerve cells.

Janine - Briarcliff Highschool - At what point does drug use become drug abuse?

Ivan Montoya - Although initial drug use might be voluntary, drugs of abuse have been shown to alter the brain, which in turn affect human behavior. Addiction develops when these brain changes interfere with an individual's ability to make voluntary decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving, seeking and use. More information can be found at http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/understand.html

Trackstar - Jacksonville - Wat actually is huffing

David Shurtleff - Huffing involves the use of inhalants which involves an inhalant-soaked rag stuffed in the mouth and inhaling from balloons (sometimes filled with nitrous oxide). Inhalants are rapidly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and quickly distributed to the brain and other organs. Within seconds of inhalation, you can experience intoxication along with other effects similar to those produced by alcohol including slurred speech, an inability to coordinate movements, euphoria, and dizziness.Huffing, however, can cause irregular and rapid heart rhythms and lead to heart failure and death within minutes of a prolonged session of sniffing. This syndrome is known as "sudden sniffing death." For more information on inhalants, go to: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Inhalants.html. Because intoxication lasts only a few minutes, abusers frequently seek to prolong the high by continuing to inhale repeatedly over the course of several hours, a very dangerous practice. With successive inhalations, abusers can suffer loss of consciousness and death. At the least, they will feel less inhibited and less in control. After heavy use of inhalants, abusers may feel drowsy for several hours and experience a lingering headache.

George - Eastern High School - Is it illegal to kill someone while under the influence of a drug?

Moderator - It would be illegal to kill someone anytime. That is not a very funny question.....

vanessa - Sterling - Is it true that when you are addicted, then get help, then start back up again, will you get addicted faster than the first time?

Frank Vocci - Good question, yes, The best predictor of a full-blown relapse following treatment and abstinence is to re-use the drug soon after treatment. When this happens, the drug user goes back to their previous use pattern more quickly than when they first became addicted.

cait - strling - what chemicals are in shrooms? how is it harmful and what are the long term effects?

Joe Frascella - Great question! The potent hallucinogenic chemical in "shrooms" is psilocybin. It's a hallucinogenic substance obtained from certain types of mushrooms that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. You might find it interesting to know that the use of psilocybin is associated with negative physical and psychological consequences. The physical effects, which appear within 20 minutes of ingestion and last approximately 6 hours, include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychological side effects of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to tell fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis also may occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose. Another risk associated with ingestion of psilocybin, individuals who abuse psilocybin mushrooms also risk poisoning if one of the many varieties of poisonous mushrooms is incorrectly identified as a psilocybin mushroom. While there is no evidence that users may become physically dependent on psilocybin, tolerance for the drug does develop when it is taken continuously over a short period of time. Please check out this website for additional information: http://www.drugabuse.gov/about/welcome/messagepsilocybin706.html. Hope this information helps!

britnimichne - sterling high school - what does crystal meth do to you?

David Shurtleff - Crystal meth is another name for methamphetamine. It is a drug that increases wakefulness and physical activity, and decreases appetite. Chronic, long-term use can lead to psychotic behavior, hallucinations, and stroke. Like other drugs of abuse, methamphetamine produces a sense of euphoria by increasing the release of dopamine in the brain's reward centers, which leads to addiction and need for the drug.

XoLEXiSXo - Westhill - What happens when you overdose on heroin ?

Frank Vocci - It causes you to stop breathing.Death can occur within minutes after you stop breathing. It is important to call 911 and get emergency medical help as quickly as possible.

lalalalalalalala - Briarcliff Manor - How many teens are drug abusers?

Marsha Lopez - There are a couple different ways we figure out how many teens are using drugs in the US. One of the national surveys we use to come up with this number is the Monitoring the Future study, which reported about 15% of teens were current drug users in 2006, meaning they had used in the past month. To read more about the patterns of drug use go to http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Stats.html.

Moderator - In 2006, one in ten high school seniors reported the non-medical use of the prescription pain reliever Vicodin.

sara - briarcliff high school - how many times do you have to use a drug to abuse it?

Ivan Montoya - Good question! There isn't a set cutoff in the number of times. In fact, it takes one use to run the risk of abusing a drug. Some drugs, for example heroin, can cause addiction in users very quickly. There is still a lot we do not know about who becomes addicted and why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. If you do, the earlier you stop the more likely you will avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information on addiction please go to: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drnida/drnida_brain1.asp

Moderator - We welcome Anna Staton, M.P.A. to the Chat. Anna is a public health analyst with the Office of Science Policy and Communications. She is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data relating to NIDA's research programs. She earned her masters in public administration at the George Washington University School of Business and Public Management in 2002 and during her free time enjoys teaching yoga to babies and toddlers.

royorb - Epping - Hello, and Thanks - Has drug use risen among teens in the last five years or declined?

Marsha Lopez - Over the past five years, the studies we use to monitor drug use in this country have shown a decline among overall drug use in teens. Some individual drugs show a decline while others do not over a five year period, but most have declined over this time. For the most part, teens are are taking better care of themselves: drug use declined by 23.2% from 2001 to 2006.You can see more about trends and statistics about drugs at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Stats.html

scott - Eastern High School - How many people die from drugs ever year?

Marsha Lopez - That is a complicated question because not all drug deaths are specifically identified as such. Intentional misuse of hazardous materials, for example, results in a lot of poisoning deaths and they may not be recognized. In general about 17,000 deaths a year are from use of illicit drugs. In addition, 440,000 die from tobacco related illnesses and 50,000 from alcohol every year.

gator bit my ass of....ouch - westhill high school - What affects do drugs have on your brain?

David Shurtleff - Drugs of abuse increase the release of neurotransmitter known as dopamine in the brain's reward centers. With continued use and release of dopamine, individuals can become addicted to this effect and start to take the drug "compulsively." With continued use, drugs of abuse can affect decision making and affect your ability to learn new things.

mATHLETE996 - Lower Merion High School - Does marijuana cause cancer and lung problems?

Ivan Montoya - Yes! There is a growing body of research showing that smoking marijuana introduces multiple chemicals into the body and can be a risk factor for both cancer and lung problems. You can find a lot of information about the effects of marijuana at http://www.marijuana-info.org/

lilmama - jacksonville high school - how do you know if someone is addicted to alcohol?

Frank Vocci - There are signs. Maybe the easiest one to spot is the person's pattern of use--how much they drink. Most people who are addicted to alcohol drink more than 29 drinks per week, or 4+ drinks a day. A doctor diagnoses alcohol addiction using several criteria, such as tremor (shaking), withdrawal symptoms (such as sweating), assessing whether the person is using more than intended, or spending more time recovering than intended.

john - pilgrim high school - does smoking weed lead to other drugs?

Frank Vocci - Not necessarily. However, marijuana is itself addictive. One out of ten people who smoke marijuana develop an addiction to it. When we look at people who abuse illegal drugs, they tend to have also used marijuana--and nicotine and alcohol. Marijuana can pose other significant health risks. Check out www.marijuana-info.org for more information.

klynch - Knox - is crystal meth more addicting than heroin?

Frank Vocci - Both are highly addictive. We don't have detailed answers yet, but we think that 1 in 4people who try heroin become addicted, whereas about half that number who try meth become addicted. Rates of addiction depend upon many different factors, such as individual biology and background,how the drug is taken, and in what amounts. So it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html.

Kristin - Sterling - Why do drugs make you feel high?

Joe Frascella - That's a great question!The main reason drugs make you feel high is because they affect particular parts of our brain. Most abused drugs produce intense feelings of pleasure. We know that the high and rush result from the direct effects that drugs of abuse have on the "reward system" in the brain. Drugs cause a quick release of the brain chemical called dopamine. This initial sensation of euphoria is followed by other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For example, with stimulants such as cocaine, the "high" is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased energy, yet it is important to know that users often report negative side effects, such as respiratory difficulties, heart problems,strokes, and sometimes seizures. In contrast, the euphoria caused by other drugs, such as heroin (aka opioids) is followed by feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. For some more specific information on the topic, you might want to check out: http://www.drugabuse.gov/or "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/.

George - Eastern High School - Is there a prescription for cocaine?

Ivan Montoya - Great question! Cocaine is a local anesthetic and can be administered by physicians to patients who are undergoing certain surgeries.

Zou - Briarcliff High School - How many young people are addicted to drugs?

Marsha Lopez - There are a couple different ways we figure out how many teens are using drugs in the US. One of the national surveys we use to come up with this number is the Monitoring the Future study, which reported about 15% of teens were current drug users in 2006, meaning they had used in the past month. There is a lot we still don't know about who becomes addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different, so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html. To read more about the patterns of drug use go to http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Stats.html.

Greg - Briarcliff Manor High School - what are 3 long term effects of marijuana

David Shurtleff - Long terms effects of marijuana can lead to respiratory problems beacause marijuana is smoked.Marijuana has been shown to cause cancer of the head or neck, and can also lead to addiction where individuals have a "compulsion" to use the drug at the expense of doing other daily activities. For more information, see: http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Marijuana/default.html

xoxo shivani xoxo - Eastern High School - where in the body does drugs affect the most?

Joe Frascella - Thanks for this question. The simple answer is that drugs of abuse have their main effects on the brain. Since drugs are chemicals, they work in the brain by tapping into the brain's communication system and interfering with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. This interaction between drug and brain is what sets up the potential for abuse and addiction. If you would like to learn more on the topic of addiction, please check out "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/.

T - Britton Macon Area School - Why is marijuana so bad?

David Shurtleff - Marijuana can lead to several health problems including addiction and respiratory problems. Marijuana can also affect your memory and your ability to learn .A study has shown that individuals who smoke marijuana as teenagers are at risk for developing "schizophrenia-Like" symptoms by the time they reach their 20s.For more information on marijuana, see: http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Marijuana/default.html.

iMsOPRiisSY - Westhill - Is it true marijuana can help people with their eyesight and other illnesses?

Frank Vocci - Marijuana has been shown to reduce pressure within the eyeball of people with a disease called glaucoma. This has been shown in a few studies. Still, the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring the safety of everything from cosmetics to human and animal medications to our nation's food supply has not approved marijuana to treat any medical illness. That is because smoking marijuana can cause serious health and social problems, including the risk of addiction. However, the FDA has approved certain medications that contain ingredients found in marijuana. These medications are usually prescribed to relieve symptoms in seriously ill patients, such as those with cancer or AIDS to help patients eat more or to reduce nausea. See http://www.nida.nih.gov/MarijBroch/Marijteens.html for more information.

a - asd - Have most teens used marijuana in their life?

Marsha Lopez - Although it may seem that everyone is doing it, it is probably way fewer that you guess. In a national school survey last year, about 15% of 8th graders, 32% of 10th graders, and 42% of 12th graders reported having used marijuana in their lifetime.

rae - newfane - can i do heroin and not get addicted?

Frank Vocci - Not everyone who uses heroin becomes addicted. However, a single use can and sometimes does result in a fatal overdose. I had a friend who used heroin one time and OD'ed.

wild wild west - voorhees middle school - What are the side effects of Darvon?

Ivan Montoya - Interesting question! The active ingredient of Darvon (R) is propoxyphene, which is an analgesic that can be prescribed by doctors. Some of the side-effects include somnolence, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, constipation, mood changes and headache.One of the biggest concerns with this medication is that it can produce addiction. You can find more information about this medication at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682325.html

apollo 13 - watkinson - if you have an addictive personality, should you stay away from alcohol?

Frank Vocci - If you feel you have an addictive personality , you should definitely stay away from alcohol and other drugs. To learn more, check out "The Science of Addiction" at http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/

Nicole - Brentwood Middle School - Does a drug affect differently to different people?

Joe Frascella - This is a great question! Drugs, such as stimulants, tend to affect people the same in general ways. That is, they result in specific brain changes resulting in the high and rewarding effects of drugs. However, different people respond differently to these specific brain changes. For some, the resulting feeling can be so intense and positive, that the individual is "driven" to take the drug again and again, which can lead to addiction. For others, these brain changes may not be as intense and thus the potential to abuse the drug would be much less.There is a lot we still don't know about who becomes addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different, so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. For more information, see http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html.

jaccaboo - briarcliff high school - How many time do you have to use a drug in one day to abuse it?

Marsha Lopez - There is a lot we still don't know about who becomes addicted, why, and after how much drug exposure. We do know that each person is different, so it's a little like playing "Russian Roulette" if you choose to use drugs. But, if you do, the earlier you stop, the more likely you will be to avoid addiction and the harmful brain changes that lead to it. The teen brain is a work in progress: It undergoes dramatic changes during adolescence and into adulthood, so the younger a person begins to use drugs, the more likely he or she will progress to more serious drug abuse. For more information, see ht