Below are a few facts that relate to substance abuse and some general information about some commonly abused substances. In addition, it is illegal in the state of Texas to sell or provide tobacco products to any persons under the age of 18. Tobacco contains nicotine, a drug that is addictive. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic or have been proven to cause cancer and other illnesses. Cigarette smoking causes heart disease, causes emphysema, causes cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, lungs, pancreas, cervix, uterus, and bladder.
Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the lip, tongue and cheek.
Tobacco permanently stains teeth, causes gum disease, causes tooth decay, causes bad breath, constricts blood vessels, and diminishes sense of smell and taste. Virtually every organ in the body is affected and chronic use can lead to numerous preventable diseases, including alcoholism. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment which can lead to risky behaviors. It also hinders coordination, slurs speech, causes drowsiness,slows reaction time, dulls senses, and blocks memory functions. Long term effects of heavy alcohol use include loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, stomach ailments, sexual impotence, liver damage, heart and central nervous system damage and memory loss.