A TEENAGER'S DECISION to use drugs has farreaching implications, both for the individual and for society at large. Alcohol and other drug use impairs judgment, exposing users to the risks of sexual assault, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. Approximately half of all fatal accidents, homicides, and suicides are linked with alcohol or other drug use. Since these are the three leading causes of death in young people, Current Health magazine argues that "alcohol and other drug abuse may actually be the number one killer of youth in America."

Health and emotional growth

A growing teenage body is not prepared to process the toxic chemicals that drugs inflict upon it. The developing systems in a teenager's body can be damaged, thereby stunting the person's physical, and even sexual, development. Drug use at such an early age can bring users...