Butler County Drug Coalition

Sun, 02/19/2023 - 8:33pm — Diane Dyer

MARIJUANA

The chemical in marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), affects brain cells including the cells that control coordination, addiction, learning, and memory. This response in turn affects self-control. Long-term use can affect intelligence. There are four times more tar and cancer-causing substances deposited in lungs from marijuana smoke than tobacco smoke. Marijuana is not always what it seems. Marijuana can be laced with other substances without your knowledge which could lead to sudden death. Keep in mind that everyone is not doing it. Only 6.5% of youth between 12-17 reported using marijuana recently.

“Tips for Teens: The Truth about Marijuana.” Tips for Teens: The Truth About Marijuana | SAMHSA Publications and Digital Products, Mar. 2019, https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Teens-The-Truth-About-Marijuan...

Meth

Meth changes how the brain works. Meth releases high amounts of dopamine, a chemical, to the brain which causes the urge to use again. It speeds up the body’s systems to dangerous, sometimes deadly, levels. People that repeatedly use meth have anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia. The likely short-term effects of using meth include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, and erratic/violent behavior. The likely long-term effects of using meth are permanent damage to the heart, lungs, liver, kidney, psychologically, bone, and teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, among people that use meth the fatal overdoses are increasing.

“Tips for Teens: The Truth about Methamphetamine.” Tips for Teens: The Truth About Methamphetamine | SAMHSA Publications and Digital Products, 19 Aug. 2022, https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Teens-The-Truth-About-Methamph...

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