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Drug abuse among teenagers has reached tragic levels. It Doesn't matter how vigilant you are, your teens will definitely be introduced to drugs at school, the very place you think should be a safe environment. Mrs. Reagan's 'Just say no to drugs' campaign fell flat on its face. The truth is that teens view adults as old stupid people that have never seen the outside of a paper bag. Adults, try as they may, face an uphill war in protecting their young ones from the devastating effects of drugs.
The challenge is made more difficult by the fact that most of us have prescription medications in our bedroom drawers. When confronting the issue of teenagers and drugs, you have to give them a sound argument that differentiates between necessary medications and street drugs. This isn't easy. Some common prescription medications are being peddled in schools as a way to catch a buzz. Kids don't know that these medications are issued in duplicate or triplicate, as a method to control the use of specific narcotics. Without having experienced a legitimate need for such drugs themselves, they may well come to the conclusion that their parents are experiencing and liking some high that they are somehow being forbidden.
Another problem with educating kids on the issue of teen drug abuse is that our society does not show any differences between drugs. Some medicinal drugs are needed, but when it comes to teenagers and drugs, we tell them that every drug is bad. This is a deception. Some kids need specific drugs for a legitimate condition. Not used [correctly, that medicine can get a [kid who doesn't need it. Sometimes, that drug can have disastrous consequences when taken as a 'recreational' drug.
Kids are not able to make those distinctions. For example, a person with unbearable pain because of arthritis or cancer, could be prescribed codeine or another opiate to manage the pain. Kids don't understand that this person doesn't get high. That drug only dulls the pain. However, in the world of teenagers and drugs, this potentially dangerous drug becomes an opportunity toget high. They don't realize the difference.
One major lie that encourages teen drug use is the fable of weed. This street drug is made out to be the first step to drug addiction, thrown in the same category as meth and ice. The minute that high school kid tries weed, the kid sees that even though it makes them feel good, they can keep this new habit from their parents and it doesn't make them crazy. They make the conclusion that the rest of the warnings about teens and drugs are deceptions. That's the reason why they step into the jaws of the truly dangerous drugs.
As a nation, we need to educate our children. Teach them the effects of drugs. Cocaine, crack, heroin and drugs like 'ecstasy' can devastate their lives or kill them. Tell the truth. We can defend our teens.Addiction is a terrible problem in our society today but with the right education we can lead our children away from the truth and consequences of addictions and drug abuse.
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