Peer pressure and drug use

While drug use may seem under control, every day someone tries drugs for the first time and becomes addicted. If we know that drugs are bad for us, why do we keep insisting on getting involved in them? It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is for parents to talk to their children. The problem with kids and teens today lies in the fact that many parents have full-time jobs. We no longer live in a world where only one parent goes to work in the morning. Rather, we now have to deal with both parents’ jobs (sometimes two full-time jobs). So if this is the case, who is taking care of the children? Exactly.

It starts off innocently enough. A child or teenager is hanging out with friends at someone’s house or after school hours when suddenly someone pulls out a pack of cigarettes. Before long, the cigarettes are swooning and everyone is taking a drag. But the question remains: “Why do children feel the need to try drugs or alcohol?” Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that children often see their parents do things they shouldn’t be doing, like drinking alcohol or smoking in front of them.

A different type of situation that many teens find themselves in where they are faced with the decision to use drugs and / or alcohol is at parties. It is really the responsibility of the parents (not the school) to sit down with their children and talk to them face to face about the inherent dangers of using drugs and drinking alcohol. There is a reason why there are age restrictions on when you are legally allowed to buy cigarettes and alcohol. However, despite this fact, children still find loopholes and ways to avoid it. For some, this temporary rebellion against their parents can have catastrophic setbacks. Year after year, children are involved in drugs. Some join drug gangs and others learn an even harder lesson when accidental overdoses lead to premature death.

Schools have tried to take the lead in countering drug use among young people by offering compulsory classes on the dangers of drug use, but the problem persists. Ultimately, the only thing that seems to reduce drug use and alcoholism is early intervention by parents who are not only there for their children, but caring enough to talk to them about the dangers behind drug abuse. drugs and alcohol. Eventually, there will come a time in a child’s life when what their parents tell them will not carry as much weight. If we can help a single child to know not only the difference between right and wrong, but also help him to have the confidence and strength of character to refuse drugs and alcohol when offered to him, then we will truly be moving forward. Until then, all we can do is continue to be shining examples of how mature adults should behave and hope for the best.