310 Chapter 12 Health and Fitness
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Another health problem related to alcohol is alcoholism—an addiction
to alcohol. It is a disease that affects teenagers as well as adults. Alcoholics
lose control of their drinking. They become dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism
interferes with health, personal relationships, and ability to function.
Once alcohol has entered the body, it will continue to circulate until
it is processed in the liver. This occurs at the rate of about 0.25 to 0.50
ounces every hour.
Alcohol has legal risks as well as health risks. It is illegal for teens to
buy alcohol. It is illegal for anyone to drive under the infl uence of alcohol.
You can protect your health and your legal status by avoiding alcohol.
You can also protect yourself by refusing to ride in a car with a driver
who has been drinking.
Other Drugs
Alcohol is not the only drug that poses a health risk to teens. A variety
of other drugs—both legal and illegal—can be hazardous to health.
Drug abuse is the use of a drug for a purpose other than it was
intended. Even legal drugs purchased over the counter or with a prescription
can be abused. These drugs should be used only according to package
directions or as directed by a doctor. Also, never use someone else’s
prescription drugs.
Drug abuse can damage your health, interfere with your ability to
function, and affect your mind. Some drugs cause addiction, which is a
dependence of the body on a continuing supply of the drug. After an
addiction has developed, taking the drug away will cause agonizing
withdrawal symptoms.
Even experimenting with drugs
can be dangerous. Experimenting
often leads to more frequent drug
use. If an addiction develops,
serious health and legal problems
may result.
Sexually
Transmitted
Infections
As a health risk, sexually
transmitted infections (STIs)
are a major concern in the United
States. This concern is especially
great for young adults. STIs are
spread mainly through sexual
contact. They can also be passed
Healthy Living
Long-Term Health Risks of Drugs
Caffeine: headaches, nervousness,
stomach disorders
Depressants such as PCP, tranquilizers, and barbiturates:
fatigue, confusion, paranoia, addiction
Hallucinogens such as LSD: hallucinations
Inhalants: damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and blood
Marijuana: learning diffi culties, lung damage, possible damage
to reproductive organs, psychological addiction, possible
link to use of other illegal drugs
Narcotics such as heroin and other opiates: addiction,
malnutrition, risk of overdose and hepatitis, severe
withdrawal symptoms
Steroids: acne, stunted growth, sterility
Stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines (speed):
nervousness, severe depression, nose damage, hallucinations,
damage to the heart and brain