What everyone should know about teenagers and drugs. People, particularly the
young, take drugs because they enjoy the effects they have on their moods. But
for every high there is a low. For every trip, a return journey.
All children entering adolescence need to know that there is no short cut to
happiness through chemistry. There is only a short circuiting of the brain
wiring that makes them, them.
Today we know so much more about how the brain works and, importantly, how it
matures. Through MRI scanning scientists have discovered that the brain is not
fully matured until a person reaches about 25 years of age. The effect of
drugs, including alcohol and nicotine, on the maturing brain can be devastating
and is always harmful.The most effective way to deal with drug problems is
within the family. With so many drugs on the market it is vital for everyone to
keep informed and up-to-date. The authors openly explain the seemingly difficult
scientific concepts behind drugs; not just their history and sources but also
how they affect the brain and the acute and chronic side effects they have on
the body. They write without over-simplifying the subject or exaggerating it.The
result is a book that is accessible, clear and straightforward, as well as
sobering – the facts and figures speak for themselves. Every human brain is a
miraculous tapestry, utterly unique to the weaver. When we tear this fragile
tapestry we are damaging a one-off that can't easily be repaired.