Drugs? Is it Really They Wanted?

Drug abuse includes the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of legal prescription and nonprescription drugs. What is the illegal drugs? There such as marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, or other "street drugs". And why some people use drugs? They use drugs to get a "high" or to relieve stress and emotional problems.


Teens and young adults may be at risk for becoming victims of sexual assault or violent behavior in situations where these drugs are used. Drugs come in different forms and can be used in different ways. They can be smoked, snorted, inhaled, taken as pills, put in liquids or food, put in the rectum or the vagina, or injected with a needle.

Drugs like ecstasy (MDMA), ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, and LSD, which are known as "club drugs," may be found at all-night dances, raves, trances, or clubs. Club drug use accounts for increasing numbers of drug overdoses and emergency room visits. Inhalants like nitrous oxide may also be used at these clubs.
Some nonprescription medicines, such as cold medicines that have dextromethorphan as an ingredient, are being abused by teens and young adults as a way to get a "high." Glue, shoe polish, cleaning fluids, and aerosols, are common household products with ingredients that can also be used to get a "high."

Approximately 40% of adults will use an illegal drug at some time during their lives. This does not include the use of alcohol or prescription medicines. Many people abuse more than one illegal substance at a time.