Myth Busters

Drug myths continue to survive in our popular culture, often presented as facts. While it’s impossible to list every myth associated with drugs and alcohol, here are some common misconceptions.

Alcohol

Myth

Adults drink so kids should be able to drink too.

Fact

Your brain is still growing and drinking can cause learning problems and lead to adult alcoholism.

Myth

Beer and wine are safer than liquor.

Fact

Alcohol is alcohol; it can cause you problems no matter how you consume it.

Myth

Alcohol is not as harmful as other drugs.

Fact

Alcohol is just as harmful and can cause long term health issues. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.

Alcohol

Myth

Adults drink so kids should be able to drink too.

Fact

Your brain is still growing and drinking can cause learning problems and lead to adult alcoholism.

Myth

Beer and wine are safer than liquor.

Fact

Alcohol is alcohol; it can cause you problems no matter how you consume it.

Myth

Alcohol is not as harmful as other drugs.

Fact

Alcohol is just as harmful and can cause long term health issues. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.

Prescription Drugs

Myth

Prescription medications are safer to abuse than other illicit substances.

Fact

When you take a medication that is not prescribed to you or don’t take it as the doctor intended it can be just as harmful as drugs bought off the street.

Myth

Using and sharing prescription medications is legal.

Fact

Sharing your prescription drugs with someone or taking someone else prescription drugs is illegal.

Myth

Everyone is doing it.

Fact

Only 1 and 5 teens report to misusing prescription drugs, so don’t fall subject to peer pressure. Most teens are not using.

Prescription Drugs

Myth

Prescription medications are safer to abuse than other illicit substances.

Fact

When you take a medication that is not prescribed to you or don’t take it as the doctor intended it can be just as harmful as drugs bought off the street.

Myth

Using and sharing prescription medications is legal.

Fact

Sharing your prescription drugs with someone or taking someone else prescription drugs is illegal.

Myth

Everyone is doing it.

Fact

Only 1 and 5 teens report to misusing prescription drugs, so don’t fall subject to peer pressure. Most teens are not using.

Marijuana

Myth

Marijuana is not addictive.

Fact

Recent research shows that heavy use can cause dependency and even withdrawal symptoms upon stopping. There are more teens entering treatment each year for marijuana dependency.

Myth

Marijuana is not as harmful as using Tobacco.

Fact

Marijuana actually has many of the same cancer causing agents as tobacco.

Myth

Marijuana is harmless.

Fact

Marijuana has been linked to many harmful effects such has cognitive impairments, mental health issues, and long-term dependence. Marijuana has been shown to cause some of the same changes in the brain as cocaine, heroin, and alcohol.

Marijuana

Myth

Marijuana is not addictive.

Fact

Recent research shows that heavy use can cause dependency and even withdrawal symptoms upon stopping. There are more teens entering treatment each year for marijuana dependency.

Myth

Marijuana is not as harmful as using Tobacco.

Fact

Marijuana actually has many of the same cancer causing agents as tobacco.

Myth

Marijuana is harmless.

Fact

Marijuana has been linked to many harmful effects such has cognitive impairments, mental health issues, and long-term dependence. Marijuana has been shown to cause some of the same changes in the brain as cocaine, heroin, and alcohol.

Methamphetamines

Myth

There are no immediate negative effects from taking methamphetamines.

Fact

Meth can cause instant mood changes such as anxiety and depression. There can also be a huge crash from using meth.

Myth

Meth is just like taking diet pills.

Fact

Meth can cause brain damage, paranoia, confusion, and aggression. Meth has more extreme symptoms than diet pills. However, neither one are healthy.

Myth

Methamphetamine is less harmful than crack, cocaine or heroin.

Fact

Meth is just as harmful. Methamphetamines can be made from things like battery acid, drain cleaner, and antifreeze. It can cause people to become addicted on the first use.

Methamphetamines

Myth

There are no immediate negative effects from taking methamphetamines.

Fact

Meth can cause instant mood changes such as anxiety and depression. There can also be a huge crash from using meth.

Myth

Meth is just like taking diet pills.

Fact

Meth can cause brain damage, paranoia, confusion, and aggression. Meth has more extreme symptoms than diet pills. However, neither one are healthy.

Myth

Methamphetamine is less harmful than crack, cocaine or heroin.

Fact

Meth is just as harmful. Methamphetamines can be made from things like battery acid, drain cleaner, and antifreeze. It can cause people to become addicted on the first use.

CoAPT

Blanco Coalition of Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of Substance Abuse.

© 2017 Blanco CoAPT

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