10 Reasons Not to Use Drugs

Drug use is a growing problem in the United States, especially among teens and even younger kids. This essay will explain why you should not use drugs, whether its marijuana, cocaine, or anything else considered illegal. The road to addiction is a long one that has many negative effects on ones health, and this article will explain ten reasons not to use in the first place. 1. Physical Health: Inhaling drugs like marijuana clearly is dangerous. If done enough, it can have the same effects that smoking cigarettes can cause. Marijuana has five times as much tar as the same amount of tobacco. Injecting drugs with needles, however, can be fatal in a shorter time. Consider that every time the addict uses a needle by another addict, fatal diseases like AIDS can be spread. Every day, someone uses a dirty needle and later finds that he has contracted a serious illness. Addicts will also be less inclined to exercise or take care of themselves when all that matters is getting the next high. 2. Family: Drug addicts often think and act differently when using drugs. They will often steal from their family, and be more inclined to abuse them physically and mentally. As families are destroyed by alcoholism, illicit drug use can destroy them too. 3. Careers: Often, before one even attempts to get a job there is a drug test. So, before the career even begins it is over. For those who already have careers, consider that drug use increases the chances of losing a job. All the work put in can be destroyed by an addiction to cocaine or marijuana. Losing a job because of drug addiction doesnt look good when you want to get the next job; references will be meaningless if the former boss says you were fired, and then tells the reason why. 4. Friends: Friends are often more willing to work with the drug addict because they see him as someone trying to find happiness. Where the family has to live with the addict, there is more distance for the friend. However, even friends will leave the addicted to his own

choices, and decide to stop socializing with them. The addict, already losing his or her family, will have lost all social friends too. 5. Spiritual: Using drugs may seem spiritual at first. Addicts may see themselves as becoming closer with their beliefs. However, putting drugs ahead of family usually says the addict is willing to put drugs ahead of his or her God. Once it was thought spirituality could be found by inhaling or injecting something, but now few religions or cultures tolerate drug use in religious rituals. 6. Depression: Depression can turn anyone towards drugs. Pills, marijuana and cocaine offer an escape from the sadness. If the addicted continues to use drugs and lose friends and family, he will inevitably have troubles with depression. 7. Mental Illness: Even worse than depression, which people experience every day, is the fact that the chances for mental illness are higher for an addicted person. It could also be said the addicts are already acting in an insane way by choosing something like cocaine over loved ones and friends. 8. Money: Where will addicts go once they lose their job? Often, money is the major concern of addicts. Some will take to selling drugs just to get by. Either way, the user will spend most of the money they earn on more drugs. They are often willing to steal and borrow to continue using drugs. Many addicts have also turned to prostitution to pay for an addiction. They have no money left and are willing to do many things to get it. 9. School: Many studies report that addiction is highest for ages 18-28. A lot of these will be college students. While some like drinking a beer or two at the end of the school week, some use drugs every day. Consider that, with little money, troubles with family, and troubles with friends, the addict will often stop attending classes or doing homework. School inevitably suffers for any common drug addict. 10. Time: The last reason not to use drugs is all the time it takes to get them. Many addicts will spend the entire day just trying to get their next fix or buy the next bag of marijuana, cocaine, or other drug. They can spend hours using them. The addicts can finish little work

while using, because the mind is somewhere else. Time is also wasted when you get caught with the drugs, and face jail time. Many consider that certain drugs should be legalized. What wasnt mentioned here is the fact that drugs are illegal. You can spend years in prison for selling or using drugs, some worse than others. Selling drugs to others can lead to deaths. There are just too many reasons not to use drugs in the first place to even consider it.

Breaking the Cycle of Teen Drug Addiction

Parents face a number of challenges trying to raise happy, healthy children in the 21st century. Chief among their concerns is the specter of drug abuse and drug addiction. Mothers and fathers of children who have just entered their teens need to talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, those parents who are already struggling with a child who abuses or is addicted to drugs have a much more difficult road ahead of them. Tips for Talking to Your Kids about Drug Abuse There are several common mistakes that parents make when talking to their kids about drugs. By avoiding these pitfalls, parents are greatly increasing the odds that their children will stay away from illicit substances as they grow older. Here are several key lessons on how to talk to your kids about the dangers of drugs.

Dont Wait. Far too many parents believe that they need to wait until their children are older before they talk to them about drugs. This is simply not correct. Statistics show that most kids have been offered drugs or alcohol by the time they are 13, so if one was to wait until later in the teen years, there may already be an issue.

Be Honest. Dont make up absurd horror stories about the dangers of drugs when talking to your children. Be truthful and present accurate information about the genuine dangers of drugs and what they can do to your childs future. To do

anything else will only undermine your efforts when the teen is placed in a very real situation concerning drugs.

Set a Good Example. Finally, theres nothing more important than setting a good example for your child. Dont do drugs and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether or not your kids admit it, the example you set will make a long-lasting impression.

Helping Your Kids Find Teen Drug Rehab If your son or daughter is currently struggling with drug addiction, it can be one of the most difficult times in your life. But there is hope! The professionals at teen drug rehab centers help young people overcome both the physical and psychological components of addiction. Choosing a teen-specific drug treatment program is a good choice for several reasons, including:

They address teen addiction issues. Teenagers become addicted to drugs for reasons different from those of adults. Teen drug rehab programs address issues such as self-image problems, peer pressure, academic pressure and problems in the home environment all of which can lead to drug abuse or addiction.

They give the teen a safe place to heal. Drug rehab programs especially residential treatment centers give the young person a chance to leave their home environment behind and enter into a safe zone where the only thing they need to focus on is their recovery. Removal from a destructive environment is a huge step in the right direction for many teens.

They help the family heal. Teen addiction treatment programs incorporate the family into the healing and recovery process. Family counseling, education and regular visits all play a key role in helping families communicate more effectively, which in turn aids the individuals ability to overcome addiction for the long term.

When Parents Need Help First

Parents can do much to help their teenage sons or daughters through a variety of difficult situations. Depression, violence, substance abuse, and bullying are all serious issues that parents and teens can work together to help resolve. Sometimes, however, parents need to confront their own problems before they can help their teenager. Children who live in violent households, or homes where one of the caretakers uses drugs or abuses alcohol, often sustain severe emotional trauma that can last a lifetime. Even if a parent's violent behavior or substance abuse occurred when a child was small, the child may still suffer repercussions during his or her adolescent years.

Domestic violence and parental alcohol or other drug abuse adversely affect children.
Research shows that approximately 90% of children who live in homes where there is intimate partner violence see or hear the abuse. Further, children who are exposed to family violence are much more likely to become violent than are children from nonviolent families. Studies also show that if a parent uses alcohol or drugs, his or her children are more likely to drink or use drugs. Below are examples of situations where children have been affected by current, or even prior, parental behavior. If these situations sound familiar and if you need some help deciding what to do, consider seeking the advice of a local mental health professional.

Parental Alcohol or Substance Abuse

I was called to school by my daughter's principal. Apparently, when her math teacher corrected her in class, Deirdre threw a book at him and stormed out of the classroom. Deirdre's explanation was that "no one else cares, so why should I?" Today was a wake-up call. I have to admit it: My wife has a serious problem with alcohol. I'm not home much. I'm always avoiding the chaos. I know this is serious. What can I do now?

It sounds as though you recognize that your wife's alcohol abuse is affecting Deirdre. This is the first step. Parents with serious alcohol and other drug problems are often overly absorbed in their own needs and problems. They may not pre-pare meals, or be present at them. They may not carry their share of the household responsibilities. They may not properly supervise their children s homework and other aspects of their lives. Often their moods dominate the family. Their anger leaves other family members fearful and anxious. Roles may be confused and children end up taking care of the parents. Communication is often muddled. Teens in such families feel isolated and alone, with no one to talk to. Their hurt and angry feelings may lead to depression, their own abuse of drugs, or may even erupt in violent behavior, as in your situation with your daughter. Children also sometimes seek attention and/or act out their feelings by shoplifting or committing other crimes. So what can you do? First, children should not feel alone and abandoned, nor should they be caretakers for their parents. Deirdre needs a parent who will take responsibility and act as a parent should. Make it clear that you are assuming this responsibility and let her know that you love her. She also should know that you are aware that her mother has a problem, and that it is affecting the whole family. Take time to talk with Deirdre about what happened in school and about how she is feeling about things at home. Finally, you should encourage your wife to get help immediately. If a family member with an alcohol or substance abuse problem is unwilling to seek help . . . Is there any way to get him or her into treatment? This can be a challenging situation. A person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem cannot be forced to get help except under certain circumstances, such as when a violent incident results in police being called, or when it is a medical emergency. This doesn't mean, however, that you have to wait for a crisis to make an impact. Based on clinical experience, many alcohol and substance abuse treatment specialists recommend the following steps to help a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem accept treatment:

Stop all "rescue missions" Family members often try to protect a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem from the consequences of his or her behavior by making excuses and by getting him or her out of difficult situations caused by the alcohol or other drug abuse. It is important to stop all such rescue attempts immediately, so that the person with the problem will fully experience the harmful effects of his or her drinking or drug use-and thereby become more motivated to stop. Time your intervention Plan to talk with the person shortly after an incident related to the alcohol or other drug abuse has occurred-for example, a serious family argument in which drinking or drug use played a part. Also choose a time when he or she is straight and sober, when both of you are in a calm frame of mind, and when you can speak privately. Be specific Tell the family member that you are concerned about his or her drinking or drug use, and want to be supportive in getting help. Back up your concern with examples of the ways in which his or her drinking or drug use has caused problems for you or your teenagers, including the most recent incident. If the family member is not responsive, let him or her know that you may have to take strong action to protect your children and yourself. Do not make any ultimatums you are not prepared to carry out. Be ready to help Gather information in advance about local treatment options. If the person is willing to seek help, call immediately for an appointment with a treatment program counselor. Offer to go with the family member on the first visit to a treatment program and/or Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting. (Consult your telephone directory for local phone numbers.)

Call on a friend If the family member still refuses to get help, ask a friend to talk with him or her, using the steps described above. A friend who is recovering from an alcohol or other drug problem may be particularly persuasive, but any caring, nonjudgmental friend may be able to make a difference. The intervention of more than one person, more than one time, is often necessary to persuade a person with a drug problem to seek help. Find strength in numbers With the help of a professional therapist, some families join with other relatives and friends to confront a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem as a group. While this approach may be effective, it should only be attempted under the guidance of a therapist who is experienced in this kind of group intervention. Get support Whether or not the family member with an alcohol or other drug problem seeks help, you may benefit from the encouragement and support of other people in your situation. Seeking the help of a mental health professional can provide the kind of help, insight and support that will allow for long-lasting positive change for you and, in turn, the well-being of your whole family.