Steroid use is not just a problem for professional sports stars. Studies show that teenagers - especially boys - are using steroids in high school to change the appearance and strength of their bodies. As is true of the use of many addictive, illegal drugs, steroid use at a young age comes with a long list of worrisome side effects, including heart irregularities, cancer, and serious emotional problems. "Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs" explores the facts and science behind teen steroid use, as well as efforts to keep the problem under control for professional sports stars and...

Many Americans are concerned about their weight. While an alarming percentage of adults, teens, and even children are considered overweight, researchers have found that preoccupation with body shape and size is most common among people of normal weight. Such skewed body image can lead to unhealthy choices, like trying diet pills. "Diet Pills" explores various types of diet pills, their makers' claims, and the potential dangers associated with use. Along with information about the various pills, readers will learn how to manage their weight in safe, effective ways - and to feel better about...

Peer pressure and availability make alcohol abuse one of the most troubling problems in society, particularly among young people. In fact, alcohol's acceptability in society and its representation in the media help blur the truth about alcohol's damaging mental and physical affects. "Alcohol" explores why alcohol is so popular in our culture and the problems it poses for individuals and society. It also looks at ways for young people and others to avoid drinking and prevent abuse, in addition to providing resources for what to do if alcohol abuse has become a problem.

According to a 2007 study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 21 per cent of eighth graders and 48 per cent of 12th graders reported using illegal drugs in their lifetime. Providing young people with the facts about the dangers of drug abuse is the best way to help them make good decisions. "How to Say No to Drugs" explains how drug use affects the body and can lead to addiction, as well as how young people can comfortably avoid peer pressure to use drugs. It also relates personal stories of teenagers who have gone through treatment in an effort to repair the damage...

Depression is one of the most widely diagnosed disorders worldwide. Since the antidepressant drug Prozac was introduced as a treatment for depression in 1987, more than 54 million people around the world have tried it, and millions more have tried other antidepressants. As new antidepressants are developed and prescribed for depression and other disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias, the stigma that was once associated with mental illness has begun to lessen. "Prozac and Other Antidepressants" examines antidepressant therapies available today and how they affect the...

Heroin, the highly addictive drug made from opium poppies, has been used as a recreational drug since ancient times. Users are attracted to it for its euphoric effects. Yet, even casual users risk addiction - a hard habit to break because of the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. "Heroin" examines the history of the drug and how it's made and trafficked, as well as why users find it so difficult to shake their sometimes deadly addiction.

Over-the-Counter Drugs delves into the history, science, and prevalence of abuse of these drugs. It also explores why young people abuse drugs and provides information about addiction and treatment.

Explains the history of various drugs, their effects on the body, why people use them, and how people can stop using them. This book includes features such as sidebars, a glossary, a bibliography, an index, and a further reading section with suggested Web sites. It is illustrated with color photographs.