How far would you go for love

Love addiction can manifest itself in three ways: sexual, romance, and relationship. Despite the fact that this condition does not sound serious, it can be very painful and destructive to both the sufferer and to that person’s loved ones.Many cases of suicide are the result of this condition. Sufferers often commit rape, stalking, and other crimes of passion, as well.The occurrence of this condition is further fueled by societal beliefs that falling in love will result in happiness. This is further reinforced by images on the media, which fail to depict the work necessary to have a happy, loving relationship.

People who did not receive enough attention and nurturing when they were young are more likely to suffer. Those suffering often felt isolated and detached from their family.As a result of these feelings, a sufferer will try to avoid being abandoned and rejected – no matter the cost. They might also have difficulty trusting others and may be manipulative of others.A sufferer often feels the need to control those around him. They might appear to successful, but are hiding pain, rage and depression. On the other hand, they might also have a frantic personality.

No matter the outside appearance of the sufferer, they usually feels that being in a relationship makes them whole. This causes the them develop a sense of worthlessness if they are not in a relationship. For this reason, a sufferer will not go long without being in a relationship.They will often place extraordinary emphasis on sex. Therefore, they will often have a desire for sex that appears unable to be satisfied. In fact, they will use sex to alleviate emotional distress. Or, they will have sex with a new partner quickly because they equate sex with the love they desire.While love is a positive emotion, sufferers can develop a destructive lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to seek help for love addiction right away.

Say "No" to Addiction

Overcoming addictions is not easy as what you think sometimes you must consider it as the hardest challenge in your life before continuing. Though how hard it is thousands of people still succeeded in overcoming their addictions.  Most people try and fail a number of times before they succeed. In order to be success in doing this you must have determination for yourself.  You must not just use this as an excuse but it must be from your heart. 
First, it is good that you must admit in yourself that you have  a problem this is the key to start everything. Realizing the potential problem is very important. There are many ways to strengthen yourself and make life more fulfilling, reducing addiction's attractiveness. 


The more positive takes you take the easier success you can be.


Here are some examples:

• ATTEND SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS 
• Do not struggle alone. Group members provide encouragement, insight accountability, and friendship. All this can be a powerful help. you can met people who offer emotional support during times of temptations and weakness.

When you first quit your addiction, you will at times feel weak. It may be good to go a support daily- or even more often.

• DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN YOUR SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS
• This can include people you'll meet in support group meetings as well as others you already know. Take the initiative to stay in touch with loved ones but learn to avoid and diffuse dysfunctional, addiction encouraging situations.

Stay in touch with people who matter with you. Work to improve your relationships. Many addicts tends to isolate themselves but addictions are always feed by feelings of loneliness. 

• INCREASE YOUR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
• Many addicts have imperfect social skills.

• If you have a serious addiction to alcohol or drugs, it may be best to ENROLL IN DE_TOX OR RECOVERY PROGRAM. Also consider moving temporarily into a treatment facility.

• CHECK INTO OTHER SOURCES OF HELP. When you have difficult challenge, its best to find many sources of advice.

• SEEK ENCOURAGEMENT from INSPIRING QUOTES AND IDEAS and other sources.

• READ BOOKS ON ADDICTION AND PSYCHOLOGY. Books can't deliver all the benefits of psychotherapy -but they can help.

• LEARN HOW THOUGHT PROCESSES AND SITUATIONS TRIGGER ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS so you can defuse them. If you're a substance abuser, remove all traces of the alcohol or drugs from your home.
  
  
• THERAPY AND PEER COUNSELING can be very helpful for resolving emotional problems that cause self-sabotaging behaviors. It is hard for any of us to evaluate ourselves as well as a highly trained, experienced professional can.
  
  
  
• GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EMOTIONS.  Emotions are powerful. They often affect us more than we consciously realize. Long- standing, deep emotional pain often drives addictions. There are ways to resolve this.
  Addicts are often hurt by strong, pent-up emotions such as anger, depression, and feelings of abandonment. (Our emotions are not negative. They’re part of life, but we need to find therapeutic, constructive ways to feel and express them.)
   
• LEARN TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION. Many addicts suffer bouts of serious depression - especially after they stop their addictive activities. But you can overcome depression.If you are depressed, you will not be able to appreciate all the good things life has to offer.

• CONSIDER DOCTOR-PRESCRIBED MEDICATION. I believe even pharmaceutical drugs should be used only when necessary, but if you are seriously depressed, you might consider a prescription for anti-depressant medicine. This can help you to think more clearly. Then you can work more effectively to get to the roots of your depression and frustration.

  
  
• FEEL GOOD about much good you do. Don't be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes - even serious ones. Learn to relax more and "smell the flowers." Savor the experiences of a clear mind in the "sober" life. 
  
  
• Make helpful CHECKLIST. Refer to your lists regularly - particularly when tempted to forget.
  
  
• CULTIVATE HOBBIES AND INTERESTS as fulfilling alternatives to your addiction.

• JOIN ACTIVITIES YOU FIND INTERESTING. It is a good way to meet new people you already share an interest with. You may not meet someone special every time, but at least you can enjoy the activity! Sharing an activity makes it easier to get to know new people.

• MEETING LIKE_MINDED PEOPLE can bring new, emotionally supportive friendships.
  A good example of uplifting fellowship is a Bible study/prayer group. "Organized religion" may seem out-of-style, but you can find warm, caring people who will help you grow in spiritual and practical ways. You can find great power in others praying with and for you. Let friends know you are quitting so they can develop a support network.
  You may want to visit several congregations before you find one that feels best for you. Of course, beware of cults and fanatics that offer a quick and easy fix if you surrender blindly to their leaders.

• Get involved in VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES where your contributions are meaningful and appreciated. Helping others is a good way to help ourselves. It provides meaning, structure and an additional reason to be strong.
  Volunteer work provides plenty of contact with others.Avoid volunteering where there is close contact with temptations. For example, an ex-alcoholic should avoid volunteering next door to where drinking buddies hang out.
   
• In fact, BE WARE OF "AID'S"(apparently irrelevant decisions), like an ex-alcoholic driving by a bar he liked because that's a more scenic route or a sex-addict taking a "short cut" through an area with prostitutes.
    
• Many addicts find it necessary to END CONTACT WITH ADDICTION BUDDIES.

• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Eat better. Exercise. Have appropriate concern for your appearance.
   Just as fixing up run-down neighborhoods often brings lower crime rates, our own personal surroundings can affect our behavior. You need not spend a lot to make your home more beautiful and comfortable. If it is messy, clean it up.
  
  
• IF YOU BELIEVE, God can be a powerful source of help.IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE, try asking God for help, anyway. This can help focus you on positive belief in change. And feel free to tell Him about your doubts and frustrations.
  God can do anything, the Bible assures us, but you have to ask - and be open to Him and His solutions for you. Ask God for the wisdom to know what's right to do - and for the ability and opportunity to succeed.
    
• MEDITATION can be a source of relaxation.

  
  

If you find yourself giving in to your addiction, remember that every moment is an opportunity to resume your recovery. Do not beat yourself up. This only leads to more emotional pain and the temptation to give in again - a vicious cycle.

 Each step you take brings you closer to success.

Nonstop Eating

Food Addict

Food is a biological need, whereas drugs and alcohol are characteristically toxic and addictive. So why would someone become addicted to something as innocuous as food? Recently, however, doctors and scientists alike have been catching onto a new problem that’s reared its head during the past few decades in the industrialized nations (where food is aplenty and thus food addiction is fostered)

According to the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, food addiction is simply an obsessive preoccupation with food. It doesn’t mean that a food addict can’t get enough of food – it could be that they are so concerned with food, that they avoid it at all costs. For example, those suffering from anorexia nervosa are severely afraid of gaining weight and often exercise excessively and eat as little as possible. On the other hand, there is the more conventional food addict: the compulsive overeater. As well, there is the overeater who also is bulimic, i.e. he or she hides their eating habits from others and most likely will go on eating binges and induce vomiting so as not to gain weight.

Food addiction is a very real medical condition but are you a food addict just because you crave ice cream or fast food at times? It’s normal to have an appetite and a taste for certain foods, but there is a line that some cross into plain food addiction. Is your appetite insatiable? Do you crave foods even when you’re not hungry? Almost all who are obese probably are coping with a powerful food addiction that haunts them on a daily basis.

Are you a food addict? It’s normal to appreciate food and to use it not just for necessary energy to keep you on the go, but for fun and socializing. However, if you are anxious or engrossed about food, constantly wondering when your next meal will be or what your next meal will do to your body weight, then you could have an eating disorder.


Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you determine if you are a food addict. If you answer yes to more than a handful of them, it’s advisable that you see a doctor about your issues with food.
WebMD and Dr. Cynthia Haines suggest you answer the following questions:
Do I lack self control when I eat? Does my mind tell me to stop eating but my body disagrees?
Am I ashamed about my eating habits? Do I hide food and eat it behind closed doors?
Do I feel guilty after I eat?
Do I eat when I’m simply upset about something but not hungry?
Do I eat even though I know it will only lead to negative consequences later?
Do I eat differently in public than I do in private?
When I eat, do I feel pleasure and comfort that I can’t really seem to achieve through other means?
Is my weight adversely affecting my quality of life?


Habits of a Food Addict


1.Soothe Emotions. Typically a food addict will push down unpleasant feelings with food. Not just any food, but comfort foods. Ever have a fight with your mom or spouse and immediately hit the freezer for the container of ice cream? You try to relive the feelings without actually dealing with the problem.


The Problem: Food is a temporary fix. When it wears off you will feel worse and the original problem remains.
The Answer: Tackle problems head-on. Don't let thoughts fester and eat away at you. Deal with your emotions and your relationship problems as they occur so you won't feel the need to use food as your faithful friend.


2.Fixation With Food You think about food all the time and you are always planning your next sugar high.


The Problem: You've designed your lifestyle around food and make it one of your top priorities.
The Answer: Change your lifestyle to include activities that don't revolve around food. Exercise, for example, is one way to get a similar high as you would from eating sugar.


3.Secret Binges. Food addicts often hide food or only binge when they are alone.


The Problem: You're only fooling yourself. You won't win the weight loss battle if you continually sabotage yourself. It's faulty thinking.
The Answer: Eat scheduled meals at the dinner table. Don't keep food in your car, desk or nightstand. Lock your purse in the trunk when you go out so drive-thru restaurants aren't accessible. Find someone who will hold you accountable.


4.Eat Until the Food is Gone. Some people were raised to clean their plates and they have a hard time breaking the habit. You lack control to stop eating.


The Problem: Even healthy foods, when consumed in large quantities, pack a lot more calories than your body needs.
The Answer: Put your health first. Prepare meal plans and only eat what is on your plate. Measure foods out ahead of time into single serving packages.


5.Feeling Guilty. Food addicts tend to feel guilty after indulging in too much of the wrong foods.


The Problem: It can turn into a vicious cycle of feeling bad, overeating, feeling guilty and eating some more.




source: http://weightloss.suite101.com/article.cfm/break_your_food_addiction

Expressions of Photography

-"The art of creating still or moving pictures"

 I love you Pictures, I love you Images, I love you Photos...

Photography is our passion, and we know it's yours... 

Why Photography?

 Photography teaches me to see the world differently, to find interesting things to look at all the time, whether I have a camera on me or not. And when I do, it lets me record all the interesting things I see. It makes moments lasts forever...

"Photographic portraits are an ideal venue for raising awareness about addiction. It is the objectivity of photographs combined with the subjective truth of art provides an opportunity for viewers to project their emotions and empathize with a photograph."

Types of Photography

Photojournalism 

Although amateurs may break into this field without formal training, photojournalism is often limited to professionals. One reason photojournalism is generally practiced by professionals is that serious photojournalists must be sure that their shots maintain the integrity of the original scene.

Photojournalism requires the photographer to shoot only the facts: no alteration or embellishment of the photo is permitted. 

Photojournalism pictures are often powerful images that engage the viewer with the news story. Knowing how to take such shots to capture the original emotion is often learned only through years of practice and experience.

Documentary Photography

Documentary photographs tell stories with images. The main difference between photojournalism and documentary photography is that documentary photography is meant to serve as a historical document of a political or social era while photojournalism documents a particular scene or instance.

 A documentary photographer may shoot a series of images of the inner city homeless or chronicle the events of international combat. Any topic may be the subject of documentary photography. As with photojournalism, documentary photography seeks to show the truth without manipulating the image.

Action Photography

While professionals who take action shots may specialize in a variety of different subjects, sports photography is one of the fastest and most exciting types of photography. As with any action shot, a good sports photographer has to know his or her subject well enough to anticipate when to take pictures. The same rule goes for photographers taking action shots of animals in nature or of a plane taking off.

Microphotography

Microphotography uses specialized cameras and microscopes to capture images of extremely small subjects. Most applications of microphotography are best suited for the scientific world. For example, microphotography is used in disciplines as diverse as astronomy, biology and medicine.

Glamour Photography

Glamour photography, sometimes confused with pornography, may be sexy and erotic but it is not pornographic. Instead of focusing on nudity or lurid poses, glamour photography seeks to capture its subject in suggestive poses that emphasize curves and shadows. As the name implies, the goal of glamour photography is to depict the model in a glamorous light. Consequently, many glamour shots carry flirtatious, mysterious and playful tones.

Aerial Photography

An aerial photographer specializes in taking photos from the air. Photos may be used for surveying or construction, to capture birds or weather on film or for military purposes. Aerial photographers have used planes, ultralights, parachutes, balloons and remote controlled aircraft to take pictures from the air.

Underwater Photography

Underwater photography is usually employed by scuba divers or snorkelers. However, the cost of scuba diving, coupled with often expensive and unwieldy underwater photography equipment, makes this one of the less common types of photography. Similarly, if an amateur has the equipment and the scuba know-how, taking shots underwater can be complicated, as scuba goggles are magnified and distort the photographer’s vision.

Portraiture

Portraiture is one of the oldest types of photography. Whether the subject is your family or your pet, the goal of portraiture is to capture the personality of the subject or group of subjects on film.

Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is a blend of different types of photography. Although the wedding album is a documentary of the wedding day, wedding photos can be retouched and edited to produce a variety of effects. For example, a photographer may treat some of the pictures with sepia toning to give them a more classic, timeless look.

In addition, a wedding photographer must have portrait photography skills. He may also have to employ glamour photography techniques to capture the bride and groom at their best.

Advertising Photography

Because photography plays a vital role in advertising, many professional photographers devote their careers to advertising photography. The need for unique and eye-catching advertising copy means the photographer may work with multiple types of photography, including macrophotography and glamour photography.

Travel Photography 

Travel photography may span several categories of photography, including advertising, documentary or vernacular photography that depicts a particularly local or historical flavor. A travel photographer can capture the feel of a location with both landscapes and portraiture.

Otaku - おたく/オタク

What is an Otaku anyway?


Otaku is a Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly anime, manga and video games. Female otaku are occasionally referred to as fujoshi.

It was used in the 1980s as a second person singular pronoun among hobbyist photographers. As it gained familiarity, the word was soon used by others to refer to hobbyist photographers. Since the photographers were seen as socially unskillful, reclusive, and obsessed with their hobby, otaku picked up those negative connotations and eventually was used to refer to any reclusive, obsessive hobbyist.

A common stereotype is the young male otaku who lives at home without a job, has few social contacts outside of his otaku friends, and may even be bordering on a dangerous stalker. Besides anime otaku (who sometimes enjoy many days of exessive anime watching with no rest) and manga otaku, Japanese culture has many other varieties, such as pasocon otaku (personal computer geeks), geimu otaku (playing video games) and otaku that are extreme fans of idols heavily promoted singing girls. Otaku has stronger negative connotations in Japanese than it does in English, although it can be used either positively or negatively in either language.

Many fans of anime in America use the word otaku to describe themselves, and are unaware of the negative meanings of the word. Because of this, many Japanese peope are understandably confused when someone describes themselves as an otaku, or is proud to be known as an otaku. Many Americans who don't watch anime are unaward of the differences between anime and American cartoons. While Bugs Bunny or Tom and Jerry are about sensless violence and humor, anime can tell emotionally moving and phsycologically thrilling stories about romance, comedy, mystery, fantsy, science fiction, horror, or adventure. This is understadable, since the most well-known anie outside of Japan are mostly child-oriented, like Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, or Naruto. Most otaku prefer the origional Japanese subtitled versions of anime, since many anime, such as Yugioh or Pokemon, are heavily censored, either beause of adult-material, or many are censored beause the creators try to erase any Japanese references, which irritates many.

Are you an Anime Otaku?

take the test to find out: http://www.allthetests.com/quiz10/quizpu.php?testid=1100816100

What kind of Otaku are you? 
take the test to find out: http://www.theotaku.com/quizzes/view/256/what_kind_of_otaku_are_you%3F

OtakuCenter the obvious choice for everyone who loves anime and manga:http://www.otakucenter.com/

Anime and Manga Quizzes: http://www.theotaku.com/quizzes

Sims-Aah-Holic

"I have spent many sleepless nights playing at the computer "The Sims". My mother thinks I'm crazy when I talk about energy bar, and I sometimes simply forget to eat. I'd play it everyday as long as I could. I love creating my own character and build houses. I wont stop playing until I got sleepy. I was too lazy when I started playing The Sims."

Since the Sims was released thousands of people have fallen in love with the game...

Creation of Families

When starting the game offers pre-made characters as well as the option to create more Sims that they control. Creating a Sim consists of creating a family that can hold up to 8 members. A Sims body is bundled with a specific body physique and clothing. The player cannot change a Sims face, name, skin tone or personality once it has been moved onto a lot.

Life Stages

In the Sims there are only 3 states, baby, child and adult. The only life stage that can be passed is baby. Children cannot grow up unless cheats expansion packs are used. Adults are the most advanced life stage and are able to have children, get jobs, etc.

Sims Lives

Sims are directed on the basis of instructing them to interact with objects, such as a television set, a piece of furniture or another Sim. Sims may receive house guests, which are actually based on the Sims of other game files. The player cannot control "visiting" Sims, although it is important for Sims to interact with one another in order to develop a healthy social life and gain popularity. The player must make decisions about time spent in personal development, such as exercise, reading, creativity, and logic, by adding activities to the daily agenda of the Sims. Daily need fulfillment must also be scheduled, such as personal hygiene, eating, and sleeping. If the simulated humans do not perform need fulfillment, they suffer consequences. For example, if they do not eat, they will die of starvation. If they do not go to the bathroom, they will wet themselves. If they do not have fun, they become depressed and unwilling to do things. When Sims have low motives they are more likely to be nasty to other Sim characters by insulting them, slapping them and even attacking them.

Expansion Packs

The Sims: Livin' Large
The pack includes new characters, careers, items, and features. Many of the supernatural personalities and themes were added to the sequel in piecemeal fashion through numerous expansion packs.

The Sims: House Party
House Party gives players the ability to throw parties, as well as new characters and "party" themed items, such as the "costume trunk". Some items and features such as the dance floor and DJ table from this expansion pack were made available in the sequel. In this expansion the characters can throw parties, invite many friends, and also find romance.

• The Sims: Vacation
• Vacation introduced a new neighborhood, called Vacation Island, where Sims could take vacations with members of their own family or with other Sims. Vacation Island is split into three distinct environments: beach, forest, and snow-capped mountain. Sims can stay at a hotel or rent a tent to go camping. They can also get souvenirs to remember their vacation.

• The Sims: Unleashed
• In Unleashed, the original ten-lot neighborhood that was featured in all previous games is now expanded to over forty and there is now an option to re-zone lots into residential or commercial. In commercial lots, one can build shops of numerous types and restaurants which Sims can visit by calling the Old Town trolley to take them there.

• The Sims: Superstar
• This expansion allows the player's Sims to become entertainment figures and includes representations of several famous personalities.

The Sims: Makin' Magic
It introduces magic to the game and allows Sims to cast spells, forge charms, brew potions and buy alchemical ingredients. It also introduces a new neighborhood area. In addition, it introduces baking and nectar-making. This expansion pack includes a disc containing a preview of The Sims 2. 

Addicted to Love

Are you Addicted to Love?

• When you begin a relationship, you feel a total emotional high. You can't sleep, can't eat, can't stop thinking about the other person.
• You tend to fall in love extremely quickly. You overlook and / or ignore your sweetie's faults.
• When you start dating someone, you often think that they are "the one."
• Your relationships last only a few weeks or months.
• When you and your partner fight, it seems very life or death to you.
• You stay in relationships because you need someone, not because you want them.
• In relationships, you find yourself doing most of the work.
• In relationships, you will do almost anything to stay together.
• You become obsessed with people who have no romantic interest in you.

Addicted to Love(song) by Robert Palmer
"Addicted to Love" is a song by Robert Palmer first released in 1986. The song has now become known as his signature song, thanks in part to a highly popular video featuring hogh fashion models . Other artists have released versions since.

This is the third song on the Riptide album. The most commonly heard version runs around four minutes, but the full album version runs a little over six minutes.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100chart, as well as spending two weeks atop the Billboard Top Rack Tracks chart, and it peaked at #5 on theUK Single Charts.

Addicted to Love(movie)

Addicted to Love is a 1997 American romantic comedy film directed by Griffine Dunne. It stars Meg Ryan, Matthew Broderick and Kelly Preston. The movie's title is based on Robert Palmer's song "Addicted to Love". It is intended to be a humorous love story, but at some points is a dark comedy and at selective others, it is the traditional, romantic comedy for which Meg Ryan is known.
A romantic comedy about two people who simply cannot get over the loss of their respective lovers. When they discover that the mates who have abandoned them are now blissfully snuggled up together, th...( read more )ese two totally dissimilar people launch a diabolical plan of revenge...

Addicted to KIM HYUN JOONG

Kim Hyun Joong debuted as the leader of SS501 in 2005. In addition to their musical activities, SS501 participated in two reality shows — Thank You For Waking Us Up (2005) and Thank You For Raising Us (2006) — that profiled the group's life together. They filmed an 8 episode reality programme SS501 SOS by Mnet. They also appeared in MNet's Idol World in 2007, which showed SS501 doing various missions in Japan.

He joined the cast of MBC variety reality show We Got Married on May 11, 2008, with Hwang Bo, who is 6 years his senior. They achieved high popularity acting as a newlywed couple. Due to his appearance on We Got Married, he was cast in the Korean version of Hana Yori Dango as one of the members of the famous F4. Known as the "Lettuce Couple", Kim and Hwang Bo went on to win MBC's Best Couple Award. The couple made their official exit from We Got Married on December 14, 2008 due to scheduling conflicts presented by Boys Over Flowers.

In the hit drama series, Boys Over Flowers, he plays Yoon Ji Hoo. The series was a huge media and ratings sensation in Korea during its run from January to March 2009, garnering a huge amount of popularity for the entertainer. The series was not only a hit in Korea, but all around Asia as well. This includes Taiwan and the Southeast Asian countries of Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines amongst others.

Along with his bandmates, Kim is preparing SS501's new Korean album, for which each member will be doing a solo. Their Asia Concert Tour began in mid-August 2009.

On September 2009, during promotions in Japan for Boys Over Flowers, Kim Hyun Joong was diagnosed with H1N1. While recovering from H1N1, Kim Hyun Joong could not attend Seoul's International Drama Awards. To accept the award on his behalf, his members of SS501 were present for the award show. He recovered from H1N1 and was discharged on September 15, 2009.

About: Drugs

Drugs are chemicals that change the way a person's body works. You've probably heard that drugs are bad for you, but what does that mean and why are they bad?




If you've ever been sick and had to take medicine, you already know about one kind of drugs. Medicines are legal drugs, meaning doctors are allowed to prescribe them for patients, stores can sell them, and people are allowed to buy them. But it's not legal, or safe, for people to use these medicines any way they want or to buy them from people who are selling them illegally.

Cigarettes and alcohol are two other kinds of legal drugs. (In the United States, adults 18 and over can buy cigarettes and those 21 and over can buy alcohol.) But smoking and excessive drinking are not healthy for adults and off limits for kids.

When people talk about the "drug problem," they usually mean abusing legal drugs or using illegal drugs, such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth and heroine. (Marijuana is generally an illegal drug, but some states allow doctors to prescribe it to adults for certain illnesses).

Illegal drugs aren't good for anyone, but they are partic

ularly bad for a kid or teen whose body is still growing. Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart, and other important organs. Cocaine, for instance, can cause a heart attack — even in a kid or teen.

While using drugs, a person is also less able to do well in school, sports, and other activities. It's often harder to think clearly and make good decisions. People can do dumb or dangerous things that could hurt themselves — or other people — when they use drugs.

Sometimes kids and teens try drugs to fit in with a group of friends. Or they might be curious or just bored. A person may use illegal drugs for many reasons, but often because they help the person escape from reality for a while. If a person is sad or upset, a drug can temporarily make the person feel better or forget about problems. But this escape lasts only until the drug wears off.

Drugs don't solve problems, of course. And using drugs often causes other

problems on top of the problems the person had in the first place. A person who uses drugs can become dependent on them, or addicted. This means that the person's body becomes so accustomed to having this drug that he or she can't function well without it.

Once a person is addicted, it's very hard to stop taking drugs. Stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting (throwing up), sweating, and tremors (shaking). These sick feelings continue until the person's body gets adjusted to being drug free again.