Apart from the physical, mental, social and emotional damage of drugs and alcohol, consumption reduces a person’s self-control which can result in serious vulnerability.
Loss of self control can result in unwanted sex and rape which often lead to pregnancy and infection by dangerous diseases. Drug and alcohol addiction can radically destroy a young life, and often result in severe permanent damage; rehabilitation can be costly, long and sometimes only partial; rehab puts life on ‘hold’ at critical times in young folks’ lives when they should be preparing for a successful future life. Addictive drugs and alcohol act in the brain to produce their euphoric effects. However, some can also cause damage due to seizures, stroke and direct toxic effects on brain cells.
See info in several websites eg. www.drugabuse.gov /publications
