Get Smart: Debunking Drug Myths

This is what you really need to know about drugs. 

<div class="ExternalClassFE58B6F7353648EFA1EE76C2DBBD3D3D">Often, what you hear about smoking and drugs comes from your peers and such information may not always be accurate even though they may sound logical. Read on to find out how some common myths are busted.<div>
      

   </div><h2>Myth&#58; Cannabis is harmless since some countries have legalised it.</h2><div>
      

   </div><div>Fact&#58; Cannabis is just like any drug. It leads to addiction and a host of severe health problems such as depression, paranoia, distorted perceptions and psychosis. Contrary to popular belief, its natural plant origin does not make it any safer than other drugs. The first try could lead to addiction even if you may not feel so.</div><div>
      

   </div><h2>Myth&#58; It is impossible to get addicted to drugs like heroin or meth on the first try.</h2><div>
      

   </div><div>Truth&#58; All drugs, if abused, lead to serious health consequences and a lifetime of regret. Even if the drug is plant-based like cannabis, it is just as dangerous as synthetic drugs. The first try could trigger a yearning for subsequent consumption, which in turn results in a never-ending cycle.</div><div>​
</div><h2>Myth&#58; Taking drugs, like drinking alcohol and smoking, is a normal process of growing up.</h2><div>
      

   </div><div>Fact&#58; There are many other healthy activities such as sports and music that youths can participate in for character development. The abuse of illegal substances does not form part of a person’s route to maturity.</div><div>​
</div><h2>Myth&#58; My idol is ‘doing’ drugs. It must be safe and cool for me to do so too.</h2><div>
      

   </div><div>Fact&#58; Every now and then, stories of how some celebrities get arrested for involvement with drugs surface in the media. Sometimes when such stories eventually make it to the press, the celebrity in question is already dead from an overdose. Their association with drugs does not affirm that it is ‘cool’ to take drugs; it only reinforces the point that anyone can fall prey to the dangers of drug abuse.</div><div>
      

   </div><h2>Myth&#58; It doesn’t hurt to just try it once. I won’t get addicted.</h2><div>
      

   </div><div>Truth&#58; Taking the first step to smoke or abuse drugs may become the first step towards a life of regret. Smoking and abuse lead to addiction and health problems that are potentially fatal.</div><div>
      

   </div><div>There's only one truth when it comes to drugs&#58; There is absolutely no advantage to using drugs, no matter what short-lived pleasurable effects they may give. Get the facts right and make the smart choice for yourself when it comes to drugs.</div><div>
      

   </div><h2>What you can do&#58; </h2><div>
      

   </div><div>
      <strong>Visit these links for more information on drug abuse&#58;</strong></div><div>
      <strong>
</strong></div><div>• Life Does Not Rewind Facebook page&#58; <a href="https&#58;//www.facebook.com/lifedoesnotrewind">https&#58;//www.facebook.com/lifedoesnotrewind</a></div><div>
      

   </div><div>• CNB website&#58; <a href="http&#58;//www.cnb.gov.sg/">http&#58;//www.cnb.gov.sg/</a>
</div><div>
      

   </div><div>If you notice a friend behaving strangely and the signs match those of drug addiction, immediate help must be rendered. You may contact the following helplines&#58;</div><div>
      

   </div><div>1) QuitLine for Smoking Cessation</div><div>
      

   </div><div>Tel&#58; 1800-438-2000</div><div>
      

   </div><div>2) Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>Tel&#58; 1800-733-4444 (Mon-Fri, 8.30AM – 6.00PM)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>3) Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>Tel&#58; 1800-221-4444 (24 hours daily)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>4) Teen Challenge (Singapore)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>Tel&#58; 6793 7933 (Mon-Fri, 9.00AM – 6.00PM)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>5) National Addictions Management Services (NAMS)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>Tel&#58; 6732 6837 (Mon-Fri, 8.30AM – 10.00PM)</div><div>
      

   </div><div>If you have been approached to try drugs or wish to report any information, please call the CNB hotline at 1800-325-6666</div><p>
      

   </p><p>This article was first published on <a href="https&#58;//www.youth.sg/">Youth.SG</a>.  
</p><p>The article has been contributed by the Central Narcotics Bureau.</p></div>

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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Tuesday, January 8, 2019

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Get Smart: Debunking Drug Myths

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PER_Youth, PGM_Substance Abuse, PGM_Workplace Health, AGE_Teens, AGE_Young Adult, AGE_Adult, SMOKER_Smoker, INTEREST_Food ＆ Nutrition