Stressed Out Brain – Drug Information
Drugs are are chemicals that when we take them have an effect on the ever shifting balance of the chemicals in our brain (neurotransmitters). At first we use drink and drugs because we are curious and want to see what they are like. We carry on using them because they give us pleasure; or blot out the pain and help us cope with life; or because we have nothing much better to do. Sometimes we use drink and drugs beause it becomes a habit. Often the reason we use drink and drugs is a mixture of all these things at the same time. Both the good and bad effects of drink and drugs depends on; the person; the drug; and how and when the drug is used. We are all unique.
This section of the website has information and advice on some of the common drugs used by young people. It suggests ways of reducing some of the risks and stratergies for things go wrong.
The messages, content and design of the site were a co-production between the staff and young people in contact with Early Break.
For specific drug information, click on the sections below:
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Your brain is quite amazing,
and it is sometimes said;
It’s like you have an internet,
running through your head.
Your brain grows new connections,
as you learn from day-to-day.
Your brain has more connections,
than stars in the milky way.
It comes with built in software,
it’s hardwired for self-preservation.
It uses stress to keep you safe,
in a dangerous situation.
Imagine walking down the street,
well, the last thing that you need;
Is bumping into ‘Big Bad Dave’,
who you owe for an ounce of weed.
Your brain puts stress into action,
kick-starting your defenses.
This gives your muscles energy,
and sharpens all your senses.
Your brain is now on red alert,
you’re ready to run or fight;
But have you seen the size of Big Bad Dave?
Quick… get out of sight!
When you’re out of jeopardy,
And you’re sure the danger has passed,
your brain turns off this stress response,
you’re back to normal at last.
But for children who grow up living,
In constant fear or pain;
the stress response does not switch off,
it stays active in their brain.
The brain adapts so they survive,
but by the time they are a teenager,
the brain can struggle in every-day life,
it sees threats from every stranger.
Now some people smoke weed to cope with their stress,
which might help them to chill and relax;
but this can lead to more trouble,
it isn’t a cure, it’s papering over the cracks.
At Early Break we can help you, we’re not just about drugs and drinking;
we can teach you new life strategies and positive ways of thinking.
As we said at the start of this poem, you have a truly amazing brain,
if it adapted to cope with childhood stress it can learn to adapt back again.