Why Drug Use Is Bad for You
Health Risks
Drugs can cause serious health issues, including addiction, mental health disorders, and physical harm. Substance abuse can lead to long-term health problems such as heart disease, liver damage, and respiratory issues.
Legal Consequences
Drug use can strain relationships with family and friends. It often leads to isolation and conflicts, as individuals under the influence may act unpredictably or irresponsibly.
Impact on Academic & Social Life
Using illegal drugs can result in legal issues, including arrest and imprisonment. Additionally, sustaining a drug habit can lead to financial instability due to the cost of substances and potential job loss.
Why do we do what we do?
We track substance use and prioritize prevention to address the higher rates of illicit substance exposure among Navajo and American Indian youth.
Adolescent Disparities
Among American Indian adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, higher rates in the use of cigarettes (16% compared to 10.2%), marijuana (13.8% compared to 6.9%), and nonmedical uses of prescription drugs (6.1 percent compared to 3.3%) are exhibited when compared to the national average
Tracking Use
According to the AZ Youth Survey, substance use among Navajo youth is tracked at state, county, and local school levels to understand and address the issue effectively .
Prevention Prioritized
Efforts are being made to prioritize prevention and reduce exposure to illicit substances among Navajo youth.
Resources for Help
Common names for Drugs
Marijuana (Cannabis)
- Weed
- Pot
- Ganja
- Herb
- Bud
- Mary Jane (MJ)
- Grass
Cocaine
- Blow
- Coke
- Snow
- Powder
- Rock (for crack cocaine)
- Yayo
- White
Heroin
- Smack
- H
- Junk
- Dope
- Brown Sugar
- Horse
- Black Tar (for black tar heroin)
Methamphetamine
- Meth
- Crystal
- Crank
- Ice
- Glass
- Speed
MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Molly
- E
- X
- Rolls
- Adam
- Beans
LSD
- Acid
- Tabs
- Blotter
- Doses
- Lucy
Fentanyl
- China White
- Dance Fever
- Apache
- Tango and Cash
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
- Xannies (Xanax)
- Bars (Xanax)
- V’s (Valium)
- Downers
Psilocybin Mushrooms
- Shrooms
- Magic Mushrooms
- Boomers
Ketamine
- K
- Special K
- Vitamin K
- Kit Kat
GHB
- G
- Liquid Ecstasy
- Georgia Home Boy
Join the Navajo Youth Coalition
We invite you to join the Navajo Youth Coalition to combat drug use. By becoming a member, you will:
- Participate in leadership activities that promote a healthy, alcohol-free lifestyle.
- Collaborate with peers and community leaders to develop effective prevention strategies.
- Engage in educational events and workshops to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking.
Join us in creating a safer and healthier future for our community. Sign up today and make a difference!
