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, including opiates—drugs derived from opium, such as codeine—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 difficulties, 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