Dangers of Drugs, Alcohol, and Smoking

Prescription drugs seem completely safe to many people. After all, trained medical professionals prescribe them to help us. However, prescription drugs can be unsafe if used improperly. Some interact with other medicines and can cause problems. Others can be addictive. Some people may take drugs that aren't prescribed to them because the drugs make them feel good. The age-appropriate language, informative fact boxes, and photographs in this book will help readers understand the dangers associated with prescription drugs. Readers will learn about the short- and long-term effects of some prescription drugs and some of the signs of prescription drug abuse.

Not all drugs are prescribed by a doctor. Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and meth are illegal and dangerous substances that have the potential to ruin lives. This book explains the different types of illegal drugs, their effects, and the damage they can do to people who use them. Manageable text, full-color photographs, and real-life examples help readers make meaningful connections about the dangers of illegal drugs and learn how to avoid peer pressure related to them.

Many opioids are pain relievers, some of which are often prescribed by doctors. Prescribed opioids may be safe when taken for a short time. However, they can be dangerous because, in addition to relieving pain, they can also give the user an enjoyable high. People who use opioids can become dependent and addicted, and they may even overdose or die. With this book, readers will learn about the effects of opioid use and the damage they can cause. Manageable text, full-color photographs, and informative fact boxes help readers understand the dangers of opioid use and how to spot the signs of opioid abuse.

Most cigarette smokers try tobacco for the first time before they turn 18, and hundreds of young people become smokers every day. The age-appropriate text in this volume explains the immediate physical changes and future health risks of tobacco use. Young readers will learn about the history of tobacco use in our country and the dangers of this highly addictive drug. Photographs are paired with the helpful narrative to show children how to make good decisions when faced with situations involving tobacco products.

Vaping is the act of smoking an e-cigarette or a similar device. These devices don't produce smoke, but they're still dangerous. The vapor that e-cigarette users inhale and exhale includes fine particles with toxic chemicals. Many of these chemicals are carcinogens that are also linked to respiratory and heart disease. Many e-cigarettes use a liquid that contains nicotine. Other people use e-cigarettes to vape other drugs. Readers will learn the truth about vaping and how to address peer pressure to try it. Informative fact boxes provide readers with statistics regarding the dangers of this popular activity.

Alcohol is one of the most common and socially acceptable drugs in the country. Young people are often exposed to different forms of alcohol long before they reach the legal age for drinking. Through photographs and easy-to-understand text, this book provides young readers with more information about alcohol in its many forms. Readers will learn about what alcohol is, the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol on the body and mind, and how to resist peer pressure about drinking. They'll also learn how to seek help if they or someone they love has a problem.

With the legalization of marijuana in many states making headlines today, many parents and teachers are trying to find ways to discuss the harmful effects of this drug with children and teenagers. It's important for young people to understand the risks associated with marijuana. This book presents the history and use of the drug, summarizing information about the problems surrounding it. Easy-to-understand language, fact boxes, and photographs share this information in an accessible way for elementary students, ensuring they have the tools needed to understand this controversial topic.