A drug is a chemical which affects the way the body works. As a result they may cause harm or damage. There are many different types of drugs.

Some drugs are termed "legal" because our government has laws which allow people to use them under certain conditions. If they are used outside of those conditions they became "illegal" drugs. Under age smoking or drinking is therefore illegal.

Some of the legal drugs are:

Nicotine (in tobacco) (over 18 years of age)

Alcohol (over 18 years of age)

Caffeine (in coffee) Check out how spiders respond to caffeine!

"Over the Counter" Drugs- These are available at a chemist or from a supermarket and include drugs like panadol and aspirin. These drugs should be used as directed. It is drug abuse to use them otherwise.

Prescription Drugs - These require medical supervision and a doctor's prescription. They should only be used as directed by the person for whom they are intended. Any use other than as directed or by someone other than who it is prescribed for is drug abuse.

Other drugs are termed "illegal" or "illicit". This means that the wrong use of them is against the law. Some of the illegal drugs include:

Marijuana

Inhalants

Amphetamines

Cocaine

Ecstasy

Barbiturates

Heroin

Methamphetamines (Ice & Speed)

GHB

Steroids

Use the drop down list at the top of the page to discover more about these drugs and the effects they can have.

Here are just some of the side effects most drugs can give you.

• Kills brain cells - destroying the ability of your brain to function well!
• Cancer
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low blood calcium
• Kidney disease
• Skin rashes
• Loss of taste
• Aggressiveness
• Changes in weight
• Blurred and double vision
• Pins and needles 

It is important to remember that drugs can KILL!

Be WISE - Stay alive!