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Facts and Myths About Tobacco and Drug Abuse

Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse, including tobacco addiction, kill more than 500,000 Americans and cost the United States more than half a trillion dollars each year. Drugs harm everyone in society, not just the people who use them. Unfortunately, many people believe some rather dangerous misconceptions about the dangers and effects of drugs.

  1. Myth: Drugs and Tobacco Only Hurt Me

    • Using illegal drugs or tobacco is a decision that impacts everyone around you. For example, babies exposed to drugs may be underweight and have behavioral problems. Parents who abuse drugs may neglect or abuse their kids. Secondhand smoke kills at least 35,000 nonsmokers each year. Marijuana trafficking involves violence and death. The social, medical and economic costs of drugs and tobacco hurt everyone in society.

    Myth: Smokeless Tobacco or "Light" Cigarettes Are Safer

    • Smokeless tobacco and light cigarettes are addictive and unsafe. Smokeless tobacco causes cancer and other health problems, and even a small amount contains enough nicotine to get you addicted. "Light," "low" or "mild" cigarettes aren't any safer than regular cigarettes, which is why the The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibited these terms on tobacco produced after June 22, 2010.

    Myth: I Won't Get Addicted to Tobacco

    • Many people begin to smoke cigarettes or use tobacco thinking they won't get addicted. Others assume they'll quit in a few years. However, nicotine is extremely addictive, and quitting smoking is extremely difficult. In fact, nicotine is more addictive than heroin or cocaine. Not starting to smoke is much easier than quitting later.

    Myth: Marijuana Is Harmless

    • Many people believe marijuana, the most popular illegal drug in the U.S., is essentially harmless. In fact, marijuana causes lung damage and increases your risk of dangerous sexual behaviors and poor academic or job performance. In addition, marijuana use temporarily causes anxiety, memory loss, distorted perception and thinking problems. Using marijuana may cause concentration and memory problems that last for days or weeks after drug use. Using marijuana also increases your risk of depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide and schizophrenia.

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