I repeatedly read her text, completely shocked. “I smoke weed and drink a lot more alcohol than I used to. I might get some Molly, Speed and Acid this weekend.” My mind couldn't comprehend the fact that one of my best friends was now a genuine drug addict. In my mind, she was too young and innocent to be taking these dangerous hard drugs. Are these destructive substances infecting our teens like potent, incurable viruses?
To begin, let us discuss some of these harmful drugs and their highly destructive side-effects. “Molly” is a hard drug that is also known as Ecstasy or MDMA. According to the 2004 CAS survey, over 990,000 Canadians aged 15 and older has used Ecstasy at least once in their lifetime. This drug is known for diminishing anxiety and increasing the sense of intimacy. In addition, it can cause hallucinations. While using the drug, some teens have reported seeing bugs crawling on their skin. This causes them to scratch until they bleed. “Speed” is also known as Crystal Meth. Does the name ring a bell? It is one of the most addictive drugs available on the streets. Remember the cannibal attack in Miami and the headlines about the apocalypse in 2012? The man in that incident was taking “Bath Salts”, a form of Meth. In fact, this drug causes its consumers to become anxious, hyperactive, anorexic and in some cases extremely aggressive. An article on the Teen Challenge website stated that 65% of drugs sold as Ecstasy actually contained varying amounts of methamphetamine.
Drugs that were available and widely used in the 60's and 70's are now being mixed with man-made drugs and a growing list of prescription medications. Even substances available 10 and 20 years ago have changed with enhanced refining and growing techniques. How do consumers know what they are buying is 100% pure drug? They don’t. Many drugs contain extremely addictive elements that can make you very ill, mentally and physically. Long-term drug addiction can cause cancer, liver and kidney damage, seizures, heart rate irregularities, changes in appetite and many more hideous side-effects. Drug addiction can also cause permanent brain damage. For instance, some drugs cause your brain to create excess amounts of dopamine, a chemical that is activated usually by natural rewards, such as eating or sex. Your body will become addicted to that pleasure, therefore you will continue to hold that joint between your fingers and blow smoke. Yet, with all these negative effects in consideration, teens still try them! Does it honestly seem worth it?
The Canadian Center on Substance Abuse found the proportion of Canadians who reported having used illicit drugs has increased by 17% in the last 10 years. Also, the average age for teens to begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol nowadays is approximately 13 years of age. With this in mind, parents scramble to inform their children at a young age that drugs can be very hurtful. This knowledge actually has a big influence on their future decisions. Children who are well informed are 50% less likely to desire drugs and alcohol during their teen years.
One rotten apple can spoil the whole basket. If my friends smoke, why shouldn't I? If they all tried, why can’t I? Teens don’t realize that drugs are like quick sand, once you’re trapped it’s almost impossible to get out. Comedian, Russell Brand once said “The mentality and behavior of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help there is no hope.” In other words, teens that become addicted fall into a downward spiral until they get help.
From a distance my friend looks fine, like any other teen. Unfortunately, a series of misfortune events led her to tempting hard drugs. If you knew her story, the vile stench of marijuana coming off her clothes would seem almost acceptable. But are drugs honestly the best solution to our problems? You don’t have to fight alone.