About drugs - info for teens about drugs and health
A drug is any chemical that is not food and that affects your body.
- Some drugs, like medicines and painkillers are prescribed by a doctor to help you be healthy, or they are available in pharmacies without a prescription. Some drugs are available in health food shops or supermarkets.
- Other drugs like alcohol and nicotine (in cigarettes) can be bought in lots of places if you are over 18 years old.
- Caffeine is also a drug, - it is in tea, coffee or some soft drinks - and there are no restrictions on where you can get it.
- Some drugs are illegal and can not be grown, sold, bought or supplied without breaking laws in nearly every country. These are drugs that affect the mind.