Horrified by the results of a survey on drug abuse in London Schools, which reported that more and more children are experimenting with illegal drugs and other addictive substances and are doing so at an astonishing young age, the author describes what happens to the body when addictive substances are used - from smoking and use of solvents to drinking alcohol and taking drugs. At the same time, she looks beyond the physical aspects of abuse to the social consequences and at how the damage spreads beyond the individual to affect the lives of those around them. The book suggests positive alternatives to these damaging stimulants such as talking about problems, letting yourself daydream or doing something energetic, like swimming.