This website is a project of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIDA created this website to give youth ages 11 – 17 the facts about drugs and their effects on the brain and body. Designed for teens and those who influence them—parents, guardians, teachers, and other educators—the science-based information and resources inspire learning and encourage critical thinking so teens can make informed decisions about drug use and their health.