Substance Abuse

We all have things that we need to get away from sometimes. We all have problems and sources of stress that we struggle with but how we choose to deal with these varies from person to person. Unfortunately an all too common method of getting away from it all is substance abuse. A need for escape isn't necessarily the only reason people drink or do drugs, sometimes it's simply just to feel good about themselves for a while, but even they know that it's only a temporary fix. Abusing substances doesn't make your problems go away, it just delays them and sooner or later you wont be able to put off your issues and responsibilities any longer. Another reason people might turn to substance abuse is to fit in. This reason is most common among younger people who are more prone to being persuaded by peer pressure to make poor decisions. This is also often how people get started. The pressure to have fun with your peers and to feel good is clearly very appealing but it's the most common starting point for future problems. The worst part of substance abuse is how it can, and often does end. I know some drugs are more likely to result in an overdose or permanent bodily damage, but all of them can be habit forming. I think that the point of addiction is when a person can no longer function or go about their daily lives without using. I've met many people who have used but I've only met a few that I would categorize as truly being addicts. It's hard to watch someone who can function while still putting their body through that much stress. However most addicts I've known end up screwing up many aspects of their lives. They can't hold a job, they dropped out of school, and they've wasted most of their earnings on their habits. However, I don't see drug users as criminals or a lost cause. I see them as people with problems just like the rest of us, who have their own way of dealing with things, as unhealthy as it may be. My biggest problems with hardcore substance abuse is that it often leads to a persons untimely death, and that it ultimately lowers their quality of life. They lose sight of all that life has to offer and replaces everything with their habits. I think that it's sad when the only thing someone has to look forward to is that next high because that's all that their life has become. Everyone needs help from time to time, and drug users are no different. They're people just like anyone else and they deserve to get the help they need so that they can truly enjoy all life has to offer.