When illegal drugs are talked about the subject is usually marijuana. Approximately 70 million Americans have smoked this drug. However, the vast majority did not turn out to be addicted to heroin or cocaine. So, how do we persuade a skeptical 13 year old not to smoke marijuana when they see that their parents weren’t affected? In October the Clinton administration will face this challenge as it purposes a $175-million campaign to discourage teens from using marijuana and other drugs (The New York Times, 1997).

Dr John P. Morgan and Lynn Zimmer report that for every 100 people who use marijuana, 28 of those go on to try cocaine, 12 use cocaine at least a dozen times, but only one continues to use it weekly. Of course, most people who try marijuana have smoked tobacco first and many also drink. (The New York Times, 1997).

I am one of the less fortunate people, one might say, as I reveal my anonymity of being a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. Coming from a dysfunctional home, I turned to drugs and alcohol to help me to deal with the pain of neglect and abuse. I didn’t stop at marijuana, I went on to harder and more dangerous drugs. Drug addiction is hard to overcome because there are not only physical problems but mental and emotional problems as well. While staying in denial, it took me years to admit I am an alcoholic and a drug addict. Through counseling and 12-steps programs I have managed to have only one relapse within the past 6 years. The 12-step recovery program has made a difference in my life. I am more positive and hopeful. With the help of a Higher Power, I know I can achieve my goals in life with love and peace.

Being on drugs, I almost lost my only child. It was then that I decided to admit that I had some problems and began to get help for them. Yes, some people can drink and do drugs and not become alcoholics or drug addicts. However, why take the risk of allowing a child to be? It is important that kids be educated on what drugs and alcohol can do to a persons life. Programs such as DARE assists in educating students about drugs. Addiction is a disease in which one must get some kind of treatment for in order to become a productive member of society.

In closing, it is important to encourage our children not to do drugs. The results of continual substance abuse can be devasting and hard to overcome. In my opinion, the best way to encourage our children not to do drugs is by setting an example ourselves. However, when this fails, fortuantely there are programs out there to educate our children on this matter and the consequences they can edure.

Page © 1997-2004 Wild Angel

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