What is heroin? Also known as: Black tar, Brown sugar, China white, H, Horse, Junk, Ska, Skunk, Smack, and White Horse. Heroin is a very addictive drug made from morphine, a psychoactive (mind-altering) substance taken from the resin of the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. Heroin’s color and look depend on how it is […]
The NIDA Blog Team A lot of things can increase the risk that a teen will have a problem with drugs. These risk factors include difficulties in school, problems making friends, even the person’s biology. Another risk factor is living with a parent who uses drugs. A recent study offers a reminder that avoiding drug […]
The marijuana plant has chemicals that can help with some health problems. More states are making it legal to use the plant as medicine for certain illnesses. But there isn’t enough research to show that the whole plant works to treat or cure these conditions. Also, the U.S. government still doesn’t think of marijuana as […]
Guided by the principle that community engagement is critical for addressing complex public health issues, the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington has been testing Communities That Care (CTC), a community-mobilizing initiative for preventing those risky behaviors. Substance abuse among adolescents negatively impacts their still-developing brains, and can lead to risky behavior, […]
What is the link between drug use and viral infections like HIV and hepatitis? Drug use increases a person’s risk for getting a viral infection, like HIV or hepatitis, in two ways: When people inject drugs and share needles or other drug equipment. This can transfer viruses from one person to another, because bodily fluids […]
