Illicit Drugs
Illicit drugs are illegal substances sold by drug dealers or prescription drugs or household chemicals used for the purpose of getting high. The variety of illicit drugs include inhalants, pain medications, sedatives, cocaine, steroids, GHB, hallucinogens, heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine, and synthetic drugs. Most young people do not use illicit drugs, but those who do are at higher risk for lifetime addiction, risky sexual behavior, and overdose.
Grade K-2
Grade 3-5
Grade 6-12
classroom tools
The National Institute on Drug Abuse Mind Matters series invites young teens to take a scientific journey to learn about the brain’s complex responses to specific drugs, including cocaine, inhalants, K2/Spice and Bath Salts, marijuana, methamphetamine, nicotine, opioids, and prescription stimulants.
take a quiz
Assess you confidence level in eight different situations that could tempt someone to engage in substance use or compulsive behavior.
Be cautious when using words heavily stigmatized and learn a language about substance use disorders that's unified in the Addictionary by the Recovery Research Institute.
Resources
Get Tip for Teens fact sheets from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Find out the latest research on specific drugs the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Organizations
Contact Us
If you need help and are under the age of 18, reach out to a trusted adult, such as a counselor, a parent, a teacher, or a coach. Finding assistance and the best-fit resources in your community is priority. To book Dr. Crystal Collier to present at your school, parent organization, or in your community, please contact us!
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