Lucky that we are not prey to drugs

 Some of us are lucky and we either have no interest in drugs or

can walk away from them at any time. Everybody’s brains are differ-

ent, at least to some degree, and have different vulnerabilities to drug

use. Surprisingly, women and men respond differently to drugs, and

so do adolescents and adults. Teens are a special concern because of

their youth and increased sensitivity to drugs. Many studies have

revealed why this is so and why some of us are more likely to get into

trouble with drugs than others. Stress, involved in so many health

problems, also feeds the demons of drug abuse. Our genetics also

play a role, but not an overwhelming one; we can still fight back.

Drug abuse and addiction are costly, not the least because of the

misery they bring. Because of this cost, society has invested in science

to combat drug use. It is paying off. We have found the demons, and

we can fight. But if you are new to the war itself, because of the

addiction of a loved one, a patient, or yourself, then prepare to arm

yourself to fight.