NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse
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Sara Bellum Blog

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to go for the facts about drugs. At NIDA, we learn from science—not from rumors or gossip. Ask the questions, look for the facts, and think hard about what you find out and what it means for you.

Brain neuron

Shedding Light on New Techniques for Treating Addiction


Sara Bellum
May 23, 2013

When our brains are healthy, we barely notice this marvel of engineering that controls our every thought, feeling, and move. But the many people suffering from brain disorders, including addiction, know that malfunctions in the brain can change who we are and how we manage our lives. Read More »

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boy and girl hugging

How To Help a Friend in Need

Sara Bellum
September 24, 2009

Figuring out what to do when a friend or someone you know is having trouble with drugs or alcohol can be tricky. You want to help, but you might not know how to bring it up. Here are some tips. Read More »

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How Does Cocaine Work? It's Partly In Your Genes

Sara Bellum
September 21, 2009

You probably know that your genes help make you who you are. Except for identical twins, everyone has a slightly different set of genes, and when our genes interact with our environment, that’s what makes us unique individuals. Read More »

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A girl and a boy sitting on a couch. The girl is holding a red cup.

Real Teens Ask: Can drugs give you viruses?

Sara Bellum
September 17, 2009

At NIDA's last Drug Facts Chat Day, Razorfang asked this question: "can you get viruses from drugs?" Read More »

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Dr. Nora Volkow Shakes Up Harlem

Sara Bellum
September 15, 2009

What do you want first, the good news or the bad news? Whenever a conversation starts this way, you know things are going to get interesting. Read More »

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a green number four sign

Four Reasons Not To Smoke

Sara Bellum
September 10, 2009

Have you noticed that a lot of restaurants don't have indoor smoking sections anymore? More and more cities, counties, and entire states are banning indoor smoking. People everywhere are getting the message: smoking causes disease and death. Read More »

26 Comments

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