Parents hope their teens will steer clear of taking drugs. For some teens, however, steering clear is not an option any longer because they’re hooked.

If you’re concerned about the possibility of your teens taking them, here are the most common drugs explained, so you know what you’re up against should your child or teen choose to use drugs.

Marijuana

Marijuana, from the cannabis plant, is the most frequently used drug among teens and some adults. Some users consider it to be the perfect drug because it has similar effects to depressants, hallucinogens, and stimulants. Because marijuana is fairly easy to obtain, most law enforcement people consider it to be a gateway into more serious drugs.

Use of marijuana by pregnant teens will harm a developing fetus. In the short term, marijuana increases heart rate, body temperature, and appetite. It can also cause drowsiness. Long-term abuse, however, can result in respiratory problems, lung damage, and cancer as well as memory loss and an inability to concentrate.

Methamphetamines

The second most common drug used by teens is methamphetamines which can be smoked, inhaled, eaten, or injected by users. It is easily available across the country, relatively cheap, and produces a high which teen users find desirable.

Methamphetamines speed up the central nervous system, increase metabolism, and make the user more alert so they require less sleep. Those abusing methamphetamines will lose weight, experience shortness of breath, develop severe depression, paranoid delusions, and may become suicidal. They may also develop hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer of the liver as well as respiratory and cardiac arrest.

Ecstasy

This drug is used mostly by those at dance clubs; now it’s being marketed to children by applying the drug to cartoon character stamps and selling them cheaply. It is a stimulant along the lines of methamphetamines. Those using this drug risk brain damage even after they come down from the high. The drug stimulates the brain, increases activity, and makes the user more alert. You may notice them grinding the jaws together, developing hallucinations, and sweating profusely. Because it is possible to develop a tolerance for it, it is very possible to overdose on this drug.

LSD

You may not think LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) is as popular among teens as it was in the 60s and 70s. However, that isn’t true. It is a derivative of ergot, a fungus that grows on grains such as rye. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless; it is often sold on postage stamps, capsules, or on sugar cubes. Those using LSD will have higher body temperature, increased heart and blood pressure, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness. They may also develop hallucinations based on real or unreal images. LSD is highly addictive but tolerance develops with continued use. When stopping LSD, it is possible for the user to have flashbacks up to a year or more after their last hit. LSD users risk convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, and possibly death.

These four common drugs are by no means the only ones your teen may be introduced to. While these common drugs have been explained for you, you’ll want to take a proactive stance with your teens. Tell them you don’t want them to take drugs and explain the health risks of using drugs. Remember, your teen is influenced by you as well as their peers. It’s time to learn all you can and then discuss with your teen the seriousness of taking or abusing these or any other drugs.