McGraw-Hill Health 2005

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Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Health Grade 8
Grade 8
e-Journal

Health Online
Drug Free

Step 1. Questions

Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines: Using these or other illegal drugs is a serious risk to health. Drugs might create good feelings for a short period of time. However the side effects and long-term consequences are dangerous and damaging!
  • How do illegal drugs affect the brain and body?
  • What are some of the long-term effects and consequences of using illegal drugs?
  • What regrets do people who use drugs express? Why can’t they easily stop their drug habits?
  • How do illegal drugs affect the friends, family, and community of drug users?
As you visit the Web sites listed in Step 2, take notes in the note-taking boxes. You may also use search engines to find other Web sites to visit or you may research drug use at the library. You may also want to interview a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional.

When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.


Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!

Heads Up: Real News About Drugs and Your Body
Visit this Web site for facts and personal stories. Click “Drug Facts” to learn the truth about different illegal drugs and the harm they cause.
Take Notes:



What You Need to Know About Drugs
Learn the truth about illegal drugs and drug use from this well-written article. When you are finished, check out the links for related topics. From Kids Health, part of the Nemours Foundation Web site.
Take Notes:



Mind Over Matter
From the National Institute on Drug Abuse comes this Web site that explains the effects of several dangerous drugs. Your brain will thank you for reading this important information!
Take Notes:



Additional Sites

Drug Abuse: Altered States
PBS Television produced an award-winning program about drugs and drug addiction. Here is the Web site for this program. Learn about the dangers of drugs through facts, pictures, and personal stories.
Take Notes:



Go to Step 3 or Save My Notes


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