Teens & Drug Use
Why do so many teenagers start using drugs? Unless they are given prescription medication, it comes down to curiosity, or peer pressure. Those who succumb to peer pressure always have low self-esteem, whereas those who start using drugs out of curiosity, have undeveloped values, which is common among teenagers due to a lack of maturity. Generally, the curious users may enter a phase of occasional use, and then move on. However, those with low self-esteem are at a much higher risk of dependence, due to more frequent usage.
Without a doubt, the drug with the most misconceptions is cannabis; the media is to blame for this, as pro-cannabis advocates offer biased information. More precisely, it is common for teenagers to seek a vast majority of their information on the internet, due to its easy accessibility. Although, the internet offers information based on scientific studies, there are studies who show evidence of physical and psychological harm associated to cannabis use, whereas other studies show evidence of no long-term harm. As such, the internet is an inconclusive source of information, regarding cannabis. Therefore, teenagers assume that, in the absence of concrete proof, it is okay to try it. However, many teenagers – who are naturally prone to risky behavior – are willing to take that risk; that is where undeveloped values come into play.
On the other hand, users who start due to peer pressure, do not care, or even neglect the consequences of using drugs. Many among this group of people, believe that drugs can benefit their social life, and hence, “they look cool”. Needless to say, this can't be further from the truth.
Message to teens: When considering trying a drug, ask yourselves:
• Is one buzz worth lying to my family?
• Is it worth living a double-life?
• Is it worth abusing my health, and my family's trust and money?
The truth is.. IT'S NOT!
Erwin Paydar, Blogger at Clinic Dr. Bita,
Student at Dawson College
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