Marijuana harms in many ways, and kids are the most vulnerable to its damaging effects. Use of the drug can lead to significant health, safety, social, and learning or behavioral problems, especially for young users. Making matters worse is the fact that the marijuana available today is more potent than ever. Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that increases brain activity. Short term effects, lasting up to 12 hours, include increased alertness, insomnia, hyperactivity, headache, decreased appetite, irritability, aggression, anxiety, nervousness, teeth grinding, convulsions and heart attack. Chronic abuse can lead to tooth decay, acne and skin sores (speed bumps), psychotic behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, rage, extreme violence, depression, fatal kidney and lung disorders and brain damage. Babies born to meth-using moms can be born addicted to meth and suffer birth defects, low birth weight, tremors and behavior disorders. In the 17th century, many people in Europe were treated for a variety of health problems with opium. In 1729, opium smoking was made illegal in China and soon the importation of opium was banned. This ban upset the British who were in charge of trading this valuable product. Opium was still smuggled into China and this caused the "Opium Wars" (1839-1842 and 1856-1860) between the British and the Chinese. Drug Intervention is a great and effective process in that it is able to reach a particular level of success no matter what the addicted person decides to do. If the addict ultimately chooses not to accept any help yet their family and friends obtain new coping skills, then it is still a small success. |
