As a teenager today lam scared of what drugs are doing to my friends and community. I see many problems, but drug abuse is the one that concerns me the most.
Drug abuse has been compared. to a worldwide plague and an international war. There is scarcely a country that hasn’t been touched by it. It has left thousands of people dead and has ruined countless lives.
As drug abuse has spread through society its harmful effects have become much more visible. Hospital emergency rooms treat overdose victims every day. The drug related deaths of such well known figures as comedian John Belushi, pro football player Don Rogers and college basketball star Len Bias have made shocking headlines. The health consequences of drug use are only one aspect contributes to poor performance absenteeism, accidents and violent and erratic behavior,
Another outgrowth of drug abuse is an increasing in violent crimes, In large cities where gangs battle for the control of the drug business, drug related killings have become almost routine.
Personally, I not only see it ruining the lives of other teenagers it threatens me because eyen though I don’t use drugs living near people who do is frightening. They may steal from my family. They may be driving and cause an accident that hurts my family. They bring crime into my neighbor.
Drug use is being fought in several ways. In school, educational programs focus on prevention, They teach people about the dangers of drugs and suggest ways of dealing with peer pressure. Some schools also have counseling and support groups to help “at risk” students, The school and law enforcements agencies use stiff penalties to help deter people from drugs. Drug treatment programs help some drug abusers overcome their addictions.
Most experts agree that there is no single, simple solution for the drug problem. Stopping drug abuse will take stronger action on all drug dealers and users to decrease both supply and demand.
What can my friends and I do? First of all, we must help “at risk” friends. We can help them realize that drugs dismantle their lives. After becoming deeply addicted to drugs, the drugs themselves become their only companion. Positive peer pressure can help in convincing teenagers that its okay
not to use drugs. We can try to interest them in other activities such as sports and hobbies. We can encourage them to get closer to their parents. Parents who are involved in our interests and hobbies are going to be closer and more understanding of our problems, They will also recognize problems early. If this fails we can put them in contact with another responsible adult.
Most of all, by the way we live, can give them this message: You, and only you can decide what to make of yourself and your life. Choose to be strong and successful by making healthy and positive decisions. Stand up for what you believe in. Be aware that the decisions you make today are shaping the rest of your life. Choose wisely — Choose to be drug free!.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 2, 1989
