Why do people use substances?

Posted on Apr 1, 2011 by darralynn

Question:  Why do people do drugs and smoke weed?

Answer:  If you look at some of my past answers on the blog you can see that there are many reasons for people to begin using drugs and alcohol.  There are issues with peer pressure, mental health problems, family problems, abuse/neglect, and curiosity.  The biggest issue is that if you find you are experiencing a problem once you've started using, get HELP.  You will find local supports on this website as well as other information and strategies to help you make an informed decision. 

Thanks for the question! 

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Are drugs addictive?

Posted on Apr 1, 2011 by darralynn

Question:  Is it true that drugs are addicting and it's hard to stop doing drugs?

Answer:

Yes, it is true that drugs are addictive.  When people do become addicted to a substance it is very difficult to stop using.  Most need support to do so.  You can find support in a friend, partner, self-help groups (like NA and AA), counsellor or substance abuse treatment program.    

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What can stop me from doing drugs?

Posted on Feb 25, 2011 by darralynn

Question:  What can stop me from doing drugs?

The main reasons that young people try drugs and alcohol is out of curiosity and peer pressure.  You don't necessarily have to try drugs and alcohol to know how they will effect you.  You can learn about drugs and their effects from parents, professionals and credible resource material.  You should take time to educate yourself about the effects of drugs and alcohol.  Make sure that you have interests and hobbies that keep you busy and focused.  Boredom can be an issue for teens in this area, I know.  But that is not an excuse to drink or do drugs.  If you are going to a party and drugs and alcohol are going to be there then have a plan before you go.  If you don't want to drink or use then know how you are going to handle these situations ahead of time.  Bring your own drinks with you.  No one needs to know that there is not alcohol in it.  Think of how you'll answer if someone offers you drugs or alcohol.  Sometimes it's easy for people to say no thanks.  Other people have a harder time.  So if it's not easy for you than come up with something else.  "I have to work in the morning" or "I'm driving" or "I'm watching out for my buddies tonight"  whatever works to get you out of a situation. 

The main thing is to try not to worry about what other people think of your decision not to use.  It is your life and your health.  It's important and it is only what your true friends think that is important.  And if they don't accept your decision not to use I would think hard about who your friends are!! 

Thanks for the question!

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substance use history

Posted on Feb 18, 2011 by darralynn

Question:  Why did the first person make drugs if it's so bad for you?

Answer:  Humans have used drugs of one sort or another for thousands of years.  Wine was used from the time of the early Egyptians; narcotics from 4000 B.C.; and marijuana has been dated to 2737 B.C. in China.  But it wasn't until the 19th Century A.D. that the active substances in drugs were extracted.  There was a time when some of the newly discovered substances like morphine and cocaine were completely unregulated and prescribed freely by physicians for a wide variety of ailments.  During the American Civil War, morphine was used freely, and wounded veterans returned home with their kits of morphine and hypodermic needles.  By the early 1900s there were an estimated 250, 000 addicts in the US.  

The problems of addiction were gradually recognized.  Legal measures against drug abuse in the USA were first establised in 1875, when opium dens were outlawed in San Francisco.  Eventually, laws were put in place that forbid the sale of substantial doses of opiates or cocaine except by licensed doctors and pharmacies.  Later, heroin was totally banned. 

By 1995, the Food and Drug Administration was considering tobacco regulation.  The recognition of fetal alcohol syndrome brought warning labels to alcohol products.  The addictive nature of prescription drugs such as diazepam (Valium) became known, and caffeine came under scrutiny as well.

This is a quick snapshot of substance use history but you can see that no matter how it started illicit substance use is a health issues that has devestating effects on the human race! 

Thanks for the question!

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teenage alcohol use

Posted on Jan 16, 2011 by darralynn

Question:  Why do teenagers think they need to drink to have a good time?

Answer: 

There are quite a few different reasons that teenagers drink to have a good time.  I answered a similar question on the blog in October, and the number one reason was curiosity.  Kids/adolescents love to try new experiences that appear exciting; they crave firsthand knowledge.  A few of the other reasons were peer pressure, to appear grown up, advertising, escaping problems/stress, and boredom. 

I think it comes down to reinforcing the message that as teenagers you don't need to follow the crowd. 

Get out there and find what makes you happy.  Try new things, new experiences.  Trying to surround yourself with positive people that aren't drinking and experimenting with drugs if that's not what you want to do. 

Many of the kids that I talk to that have experienced substance use problems early on in life tell me that they enjoy life more without drugs and alcohol. That their experiences are more fulfilling now because they are 100% present in the moment and they can clearly recall what happened and how they felt throughout the experience.

I think that we, as adults, just need to focus on making this message clear and consistent to our youth.

Thanks for the question!

Darralynn

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Why do underage people drink so much?

Posted on Oct 22, 2010 by darralynn

There are many reasons why younger people drink but here is my top 10.

1. Curiosity- kids/adolescents love to try new experiences that appear exciting; they crave firsthand knowledge.

2. Peer pressure- social acceptance is a great need for some teenagers.  one survey showed that 70% of teenagers cite friends and classmates who drink as the #1 reason for drinking.

3. Fun- Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol are one way kids flee boredom.  And because kids often abuse drugs/alcohol in groups, it's a way to bond with friends.

4. To appear "grown-up"- Teenagers use smoking and drinking as a way to shed their "kid" image.

5. They're so easy to get- In one study, 58% of kids said that marijuana and alcohol was easy to come by.

6. Advertising- kids are drawn to ads that show attractive people enjoying desirable and exciting activities while drinking and/or smoking.

7. Culture and role-models- Lyrics, videos, and the lifestyles of music, sports, and movie stars can communicate that drugs and alcohol are cool or will make you cool and popular.

8. Family problems- kids who come from dysfunctional homes are more likely to use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism.  Kids who come from homes characterized by love, nurture, and involvement are less likely to abuse drugs.

9. Escape- Kids whose lives are filled with pain and stress may find the short-lived high of drugs and alcohol a welcomed escape.

10.  Addiction- Millions of young people in Canada have a serious problem with drug addiction.

So, as you can see there are many reasons kids drink or use drugs. Just know that you don't need to follow the crowd.  Be yourself and do what's right for you.

Thanks for the question!

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I don't use drugs but my boyfriend smokes a lot of pot. I know my parents don't like that he does. What should I say to him?

Posted on Sep 15, 2010 by darralynn

The big question is do you have a problem with his marijuana use?  If you would like him to stop or cut back then that is something that you should talk to him about.  If your parents are upset about his use I would let him know that. I would let him know that he should respect your parents by not being at their house when he is high and definately not have any drugs on him in their home.  These are things that he should be happy to do for the sake of your relationship with him and your relationship with your parents.

Thanks for the question! 

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