Drugs: Is “Psychological Paradise” worth it?

Drugs are a commonly misunderstood term. They are not all “taboo”, in fact the original purpose of certain intoxicants is quite contrary to what they are actually notorious for.

Most narcotics are used for medical purposes, such as Penicillin which is used as an antibiotic drug. Similarly, antidepressants are used to numb the patients’ emotional and psychological pain upon prescription; this allots them a significant role in medicine. Legal drugs can be bought over-the-counter (OTC) with prescriptions, but illegal drugs cannot be bought, sold or produced. Despite this, each drug has its disadvantages if they are used in excessive ways.                                                                                                                          

Drugs which are subjected to abuse are mostly hallucinogens or stimulants.

Hallucinogens, as the name suggests, cause alterations of perception, thoughts and feelings whereas stimulants increase the cardio-muscular and neural performance of the body. An overdose, however, would result in: psychosis, paranoia, anger, heart, nerve and stomach problems. All of these cause prolonged and severe consequences and can continue years after a victim halts their use. Although the effects are directly related to how the drug is administered, this involves either direct injection into the bloodstream, through inhalation or ingestion. Nevertheless, injections are the most lethal considering that the drug affects the user far more rapidly when injected and it can potentially damage veins and the blood flow. This concludes in various cardiac and blood problems. Sharing or using injections, which are not properly sterilized can lead to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

In recent years these activities are taking a toll on our youth, especially but not exclusively. Many adolescents engage in illicit drug usage, occasionally and even regularly. According to a survey, by the time youngsters are midway through school, they have already misused drugs at least once. The most common among these drugs is marijuana. However, many household substances are also subjected to this abuse. These include but are not limited to: aerosols, prescription medicines and glues. Nevertheless, it is significant to know why our youth is resorting to this in the first place. The reasons can be categorized into the following:

1. Rejection from Social Norms:

Most teenagers are afraid of not being accepted into social circles which surround them. They turn towards drugs and alcohol to feel confident or to bond with a social group that is known for using these specific substances. This is not similar to direct peer pressure; it stems from the need to bond and make friends.

2. Temporary Exhilaration:

Additionally, most abused drugs interfere with the neurochemistry of the brain and produce pleasure. These feelings of euphoria are what drive the youngsters to intake drugs through various possible means. They are closely followed by people who debut in drugs to seek new experiences for the sake of “thrill” yet, they too end up getting addicted.

3. Mental Incapabilities:

Teenagers resort to drugs and alcohol as a form of escapism. They view these substances as the key to happiness and unfathomability. It is their own attempt to self-medicate. People who suffer from depression, various anxieties, stress disorders and physical pain, believe that drugs dampen their distress. What they fail to realize is that this numbness is temporary.

4. Amelioration:

Lastly, there are those who can’t keep up with the pace of our competitive society. They are pressured into doing their best, both academically and athletically. Which results in them taking stimulants to enhance their performance. However, this temporary glory causes them a lifetime of suffering.

According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), for ages 12 – 25, the illicit use of drugs, MDMA, alcohol and other substances has increased by a set percentage from the previous years of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Most substance abuse deaths are not through direct overdose, yet they add to the risk factor and are highly responsible for indirect deaths which include HIV. For example in 2017, illicit drug use was responsible for over 750,000 deaths, out of which only 166,613 deaths constituted overdose.

This shows how long-term effects should be taken into account.
Internationally, 87 countries are actively a part of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, being signatories since 1988. All of these countries condemn trafficking and the use of illicit substances within their territories. Federal and state laws have different penalties for possession, use, buying, selling, or driving under the influence of these substances. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, rehabilitation orders and even disqualification or confiscation of the users’ driving licenses. However, these do vary according to states and drugs. Some states rely on aiding the addicted by treatment or education rather than the criminal justice system, such as the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Such programs should exist throughout the globe for the betterment of these users.

Moving on, I would like to talk about how life isn’t a bed of roses. There are moments which may seem enjoyable when in reality they are quite the opposite. However, the misuse of drugs is never justified because in the end, all they do is physically and mentally annihilate the user by making them selfish and unbothered. Initially, you may not notice but you put others in danger too, when you are inebriated. It may be exciting for a brief period of time, but it is not beneficial and neither is it an acceptable risk just because “everyone seems to be trying it”. Drugs are highly addictive; they damage your social life, physical and mental health and make you delusional. The only thing they do is portray a false world. The best way to be safe is to stay away from such narcotics, and from others who are hooked. Nothing is more important than human health. The best way to escape addiction is rehabilitation, and it is never too late to consider rehab.

Your health should be your first priority. Do not give up on yourself and resort to annihilation. You are worth way more than what these intoxicants offer.