Drugs are a fact of life for the majority of today's teenagers. Most have either tried them or know someone who has. Media hysteria and horror stories fail to prevent young people from experimenting because they see their friends having fun and for the most part coming to no real harm. Only the facts can help young people to make informed and responsible decisions about how they are going to relate to the world of drugs - and only the facts can help parents to discuss drugs with their children in a rational manner and be there for them if problems arise. Weighing up the consequencesWhat are drugs and why have people always been so attracted to them? The early part of the book helps people to explore their feelings about drugs by taking a look at the drug culture and weighing up some of the risks that are involved. The majority of recreational drug use is illegal and there is sound advice on penalties and what to do if arrested. Readers who want to say "no" to drugs are given plenty of strategies that will help them stick to their guns - while readers who want to experiment are given some sensible ground rules and responsible warnings. Drugs and their effectsA comprehensive directory of drugs covers all commonly used recreational substances - legal illegal and prescribed. The drugs are grouped by family: tobacco alcohol cannabis solvents stimulants depressants hallucinogens and sports drugs. Dr. Stoppard takes a systematic approach to each detailing what they are what they do a brief history the legal situation the dangers warning signs and escape routes for problems if they arise. Coping in an emergencyDrugs can have serious consequences: addiction a criminal record or a friend in need of urgent medical attention. People who do drugs need to know how to cope in an emergency. There's advice on where to get help for people who have become addicted to drugs and life-saving techniques that anyone who's in contact with the drug scene should learn whether they're a user or not.Expert and impartial adviceDr. Miriam Stoppard's open honest and non-judgmental approach puts young people completely in the picture when it comes to drugs. She gives cautionary advice without the heavy-handed voice of authority that so often drives young people away and by the same token empowers parents to talk to and listen to their children with empathy and understanding.