These six major concepts about alcohol and other drug use are appropriate for all children. Adapt the information as needed for your students. Legal and Illegal Drugs Drugs are chemical substances that affect body systems and can change behavior.
Drugs are helpful or harmful depending on their use.
Note that both these drugs are illegal for minors. If given or prescribed by a physician and used correctly, a drug may have very positive effects on an illness or in controlling pain or managing symptoms. Even prescribed drugs, however, may be misused and may have life-threatening consequences if used inappropriately. For example, many people are allergic to penicillin and may die if administered this drug. Physicians prescribe medicines for particular people and very specific problems.