Myths and Facts About Drug and Substance Abuse


1. Myth: “Taking drugs just once can’t hurt.”

1. Fact: Even one use can cause dangerous reactions, accidents, or trigger addiction especially in young people whose brains are still developing.


2. Myth: “Only street drugs like cocaine or marijuana are dangerous.”

2. Fact: Prescription medicines, cough syrups, and painkillers can also be harmful when misused or taken without medical advice.


3. Myth: “Drug abuse only affects bad or irresponsible people.”

3. Fact: Addiction can affect anyone students, professionals, or parents. It’s a health issue, not a moral failure.


4. Myth: “You can stop using drugs anytime you want.”

4. Fact: Drugs can change how your brain works, making it extremely hard to quit without help and support.


5. Myth: “Alcohol and cigarettes are not drugs.”

5. Fact: They are legal but still psychoactive drugs they alter the brain, cause addiction, and lead to health problems like liver and lung disease.


6. Myth: “Herbal mixtures or local brews are natural, so they are safe.”

6. Fact: “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe  many local drinks or herbs can contain dangerous or addictive substances.

 


7. Myth: “Using drugs helps you study better or stay awake.”

7. Fact: Some drugs may make you feel alert briefly, but they damage memory, focus, and sleep leading to poor performance in the long run.


8. Myth: “Peer pressure is impossible to resist.”

8. Fact: You can say no confidently, walk away, or find friends who respect your choices. True friends never force you to use drugs.


9. Myth: “Drug abuse is only a problem in cities.”

9. Fact:












Substance abuse affects both urban and rural areas schools, communities, and families everywhere.


10. Myth: “Addicts are hopeless; they can’t change.”

10. Fact: Recovery is possible. With counseling, medical care, and support, many people overcome addiction and live healthy lives.


11. Myth: “Sharing drugs with friends is a sign of love or belonging.”

11, Fact: Sharing harmful substances can destroy friendships and lead to health or legal problems real care means protecting your friends.


12. Myth: “Sniffing or inhaling substances is safer than swallowing or injecting.”

12. Fact: Inhaling or sniffing glue, fuel, or chemicals can damage the brain, lungs, and heart and can even cause sudden death.


13. Myth: “Drug abuse only harms the user.”

13, Fact: It affects families, schools, and entire communities causing violence, accidents, and broken relationships.


14. Myth: “Traditional drinks like palm wine can’t cause addiction.”

14. Fact: Alcohol in palm wine can lead to dependence and harm your liver if taken excessively or too early in life.


15. Myth: “If a drug is sold in a pharmacy, it’s always safe.”

15. Fact: Some pharmacy drugs are safe only under medical supervision misuse can lead to serious side effects or addiction.


16. Myth: “People who look healthy can’t be using drugs.”

16. Fact: Many users hide their drug habits well outward appearance doesn’t always show the inner struggle.


17. Myth: “If you pray or fast, you don’t need professional help to stop drugs.”

17. Fact: Prayer helps spiritually, but addiction also needs medical and psychological care both can work together for healing.


18. Myth: “All young people experiment with drugs it’s normal.”

18. Fact: Not true. Most young people choose to stay drug-free, and you can too.


19. Myth: “Using drugs makes you confident or creative.”

19. Fact: Drugs may give false courage, but they lower self-control and destroy real talent, creativity, and decision-making.


20. Myth: “Talking about drugs will make young people want to try them.”

20. Fact: Honest education prevents abuse. Learning the truth helps students make better choices and protect themselves.

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