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The Dangers of Drug Abuse

Did You Know?

Dopamine neurons make up less than one percent of the brain. These are called the “pleasure chemical.” All mammals have them, as well as turtles and other more “simple” animals! Taking drugs like opiates produces a higher level of reward in the brain than natural rewards, such as eating a meal or participating in a fun activity.

willpower or something that happens only to people who are “weak.” Addiction is a chronic disease, and the urge to abuse drugs is a symptom. This urge persists even though the drug addict faces negative consequences to their drug use. These negative consequences may include health problems, difficul- ties at school or at work, and legal problems like getting arrest- ed or being imprisoned. Most people who become addicted to drugs believe that they can stop using whenever they want to, at least when they start using. They may not know about the dangers of drug abuse. They may think that they are stronger or smarter than the drugs they are taking and will be able to do something to rise above their effects. Since drug addiction is a brain disease, this is rarely the case. Most people who become addicted to drugs need professional help to stop. How Addiction Develops Over Time Each drug produces a specific type of effect when a person takes it, including alcohol. Some of them make the person feel