Tommy Digs Up The Dirt On Drugs. Facts you need to know! Story and Pictures By Theresa Mayer

“I was out digging last night and heard some kids talking about things I didn’t understand. I think I will visit my friend Toby the robot and see if he can explain. He is really smart.”

Knock, Knock “I hear someone at the door. Who could it be?” thought Toby.

“It’s my good friend Tommy.”

“Toby, I was out digging up some of my old bones for a late night treat last night when I heard some kids talking about drugs. One of the kids said he did not want to have anything to do with drugs because they were dangerous, and he left. The other two boys said they did not understand why drugs are so dangerous. I don’t really understand much about drugs. Do you know anything about them?” “Come in. Have a seat. What’s up Tommy?”

“Let me check my memory banks and see what I can dig up” said Toby. “Let’s see. Drugs are chemicals that affect the body in different ways. Any medication that the doctor gives you or that you buy at a drug store is considered a drug.” “Yes, there seems to be some information here.” All of the sudden, small pieces in Toby’s middle started spinning and yellow lights started flashing.

“So are drugs good for you? I thought I heard the one boy say they were dangerous,” Tommy said, with a puzzled look on his face.

Toby explained, “The medicine the doctor gives you is called a prescription medication; the kind you get from the drugstore is called an over-the-counter drug. Both of these can help you get well when you are sick. But not all drugs are good for you. Drugs can be dangerous because they are chemicals that affect how you body works. They must be taken with great care.”

“If you do not follow the directions on the label of the medication prescribed by the doctor, they could be dangerous.” continued Toby “You should only take a medicine that the doctor prescribes specifically for you and you should never take a medication that was prescribed for a friend, family member, or anyone else!”

“What could happen?”

“You could have an overdose if you take too much medication. You could also have a bad reaction if you take drugs that shouldn’t be taken at the same time - - this could cause you to become very sick or even die. Drinking alcohol while you are taking some drugs could also be deadly.”

“If you were a robot like me, using drugs unwisely could make you fall to pieces like this,” said Toby as he pictured himself falling apart.

Tommy asked, “Do all drugs come from the doctor or the drug store?”

Alcohol slows down a person’s body and mind, and can damage them both. Tobacco can cause cancer. Alcohol and tobacco can also be addictive. That means there is a chemical reaction in your body that makes you want to have more and more of the drug. This makes it very difficult for you to quit using the drug.” “No. Alcohol is a drug. So is tobacco. They both have chemicals in them that affect your body.

“Is that all I need to know about drugs?"

“No!” said Toby. “There are also illegal drugs. People who sell them are trying to make a lot of money. People who buy and use illegal drugs are usually trying to find something that will make them feel good; but these drugs can be very dangerous.”

“What kind of drugs are those, and why are they dangerous?” asked Tommy.

“Cocaine is very dangerous and is very addictive. Using cocaine just one time could kill a person. Because cocaine is made illegally, you are never sure what kinds of dangerous substances are put into it when it is made.” explained Toby. “There are many illegal drugs but two common ones are cocaine and marijuana. They often have street names or nicknames. For example, cocaine is sometimes called coke, snow, snuff, nose, or crack.”

“Cocaine sounds like something kids should stay away from.”.

“You're right!”

What other drugs should kids stay away from?

“Some kids think marijuana is safe because it is made from plant leaves which seem like a natural thing. But when you smoke marijuana chemicals from the plant can affect your body and the chemistry of your brain.” Toby’s memory banks went into action again…. Then he said, “Marijuana is another illegal drug that kids sometimes use. They also call it grass, pot, weed, dope, hash, and reefer.”

“Smoking marijuana is very dangerous for your lungs. It can cause lung cancer just like tobacco.” said Toby.

“I've had a good night of digging. Not only did I dig up some old bones to chew on, you dug up a lot of facts for me to think about. Thanks for your help.” Tommy said to Toby.

“It's getting late. I better head home. See you tomorrow Toby.”

Copyright © Wright State University Boonshoft School Of Medicine Produced by Wright State University SARDI (Substance Abuse Resources and Disabilities Issues) Program Prevention through Alternative Learning Styles (PALS) Program