Young adults have many choices to make as they move from high school into the workforce or on to college. There is no one standing over your shoulder to tell you what to do or not do. You are now responsible for your own decisions and their consequences! Using illegal drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, or crystal meth may seem okay to try just once just to see what it's like, or because your new friend urges you to try it! But, do you REALLY know what you're putting into your body and what it can do to you? Ecstasy can kill brain cells permanently. Everybody is different and reacts to these drugs in different ways. Is it worth the risk of changing your life to experience that one high?

Alcohol is readily available and seems to be a part of college life, especially if you're new. However, the consequences of alcohol and other drug use in young adults can be life changing, not only for you, but your friends. Binge drinking may sound like fun... until you realize that it can cost you hours of forgetting where you are and what you did. One night of heavy drinking can affect your abstract thought processes for up to 30 days. More frighteningly, 90% of all campus rapes occur when the victim or assailant has consumed alcohol and/or drugs.

Take a moment to learn more about the drugs you think are no big deal. The links below will lead you to the facts about alcohol and drug abuse, and how you can lead a productive and fun college life.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
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Join Together
Media updates on advancing effective alcohol and drug policy,

prevention, and treatment.
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Higher Education Center
An organization providing nationwide support for campus alcohol and illicit drug

prevention efforts.
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College Drinking: Changing the Culture
Alcohol facts and myths.
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The BACCHUS Network
An international association of college and university based peer education programs

focusing on alcohol abuse prevention and other related student health and safety

issues.
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DRUGSTORY.org
Offers links to websites that offer information on drugs and drug related issues.
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National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention materials.
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AboveTheInfluence.com
Encouraging empowered decision making among young people.
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NaturalHigh.org
The Sundt Memorial foundation offers resources to inspire youth to choose a natural

high and reject drugs.
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The Anti-Drug
Excellent source for drug prevention publications, information, and other tools.
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The California Attorney General's Website
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National Institute on Drug Abuse: Students and Young Adults
Information on the science of drug abuse and addiction.
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