CLEVELAND -- A new software program is helping teach kids about the dangers of drug addiction, reported NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong.

The program is called Visualizing Addiction, and it uses brain scans from actual drug users to show kids the short- and long-term effects of drugs.

"We're not telling them anything about 'don't do drugs:' we're showing them images of the brain and letting them decide from themselves," said instructional development director Dr. Victor Shamas.

The brain and imaging data, from CAT and MRI scans, used to be available to professionals only.

Now, students get to simulate what the researchers do. For example, comparing a CAT scan of a normal healthy brain with that of a methamphetamine user.

The methamphetamine brain shows signs that illustrate reduced brain activity due to longer-term drug use.

"Students are rolling up their sleeves and analyzing brain imaging data themselves," said Shamas.

"We got to see from a physical and chemical level, exactly what the effects of drugs are on the brain," said college student Jordan Matti.

The Visualizing Addiction program is currently being used in middle schools, high schools and colleges around the country.

If your school is interested in it, click here to visit its Web site.