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Teen Health & Diet: My Friend is a Bit Druggy
Why do my friends take drugs and what can I do to help?
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Many teens tend to get frustrated over the opinions and direction of adults, frustrated over the comments they make and their apparent lack of understanding. Why do older people think they know so much about teens? Why do teens get so frustrated with adults over certain issues?
This situation reminds me of two people working in a bank. The manager was drawn to seniors and had a special place in his heart for them. The junior manager of the bank was frustrated with her manager because he let his guard down when interacting with the older individuals.
One day the bank experienced a robbery which was organized by a sixty-year old woman.
As the manager and co-manager sat beside one another on the floor with their hands tied behind their backs - awaiting for the authorities to arrive the manager blurted out, "I can't believe that little old lady robbed us. I was so good to her. I even gave her extra suckers for her grand kids when she visited the bank."
The co-manager told him, "First of all, that crook was no lady. Second of all, don't you ever think that once upon a time that seniors were young adults too?"
The co-manager made a wise point. Common society tends to see older adults as sweet and kind when in actuality, they were all young at one time. While the vast majority of seniors are kind, precious and sweet - this group like all other age groups has its share of troublemakers. Just like teens.
With this said, because adults and older people were once teens, they know what it is like to be that age. They know the temptations and the risks - and what horrible things can unfold should a teen succumb to life-threatening situations such as using drugs. While they comment out of love, the teen often reacts negatively to the comments saying, "Adults don't know what they are talking about and it's my life."
So on that note, let's talk about drugs. Why do people take drugs?
- Image;
- To show the crowd how brave they are;
- To fit in;
- Peer pressure, and oddly enough to be like peers that they admire and respect, particularly singers, sport's stars and actors. This is why it's vital for the entertainment groups to set good examples.
- To be different and establish their own identity;
- As an escape from their problems;
- As an act of defiance;
- Because they think drugs are cool;
- Because they want to feel good;
- Because they are lonely- Curiosity (remember, that's what killed the kitty).
Drugs have varied effects ranging from mild to lethal. Alcohol falls into the drug category and can be a very lethal drug if enough is consumed. It is a chief cause of death in teens as well as adults, particularly when consumed over time. Alcohol effects the liver and will destroy it over time. While some individuals can drink until they are old and ripe, many younger adults get liver disease and die before their 40th birthday.
The thing about drugs is that they are so complex. However, whenever you hear about someone being offered a drug - such as in the movies or on TV, you don't hear the other person ask, "What's in this drug? What will it do to me? Where did it come from? Exactly again, what is it made of?"
Instead, the person will either 'Just Say No' or pop it into their mouth like a lost goose in search of a corncob.
And if it's a high feeling that one needs, why not catch a ride on the nearest roller coaster?
Psychedelic feeling? No prob; just look at a bunch of flashing lights for a bit and you'll feel like you're in the spinning Land of Oz.
There's a reason they call it getting wasted. But, what to do about that friend that's a bit druggy?
- Encourage them to seek help by talking with their parents or guardians and seeing the family practitioner. It's the best thing that a friend can do.
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