The popularity of recreational drugs soared during the 1960’s. New music, different ways of expressing yourself, and a climate of freedom and carefree spirits fueled that rise. Unfortunately, since the 1960’s, drug use, types of drugs, and potency of drugs has increased and expanded. Sadly, you yourself probably know at least one person who has used or is using illegal drugs.

The website drugfreeworld.org has pamphlets that inform people about the truth about drugs. The website was created to inform more people about the harm and addiction that drugs can bring into their life. These pamphlets that I received were from my stepfather, who works as a police officer in New York City in the narcotics division. This website has many resources to provide information to people that visit the website. They have DVD’s, videos, free booklets, resources, tools for teachers, and they also utilize real people with their real life stories.

According to drugfreeworld.org, “an estimated 208 million people internationally consume illegal drugs.” When compared to the world’s population of 7 billion people last recorded in October of 2011, this 208 million people consuming illegal drugs is a scary statistic. I know too many young adults who have tried drugs, are currently using drugs, and who have overdosed on drugs. These troubling statistics prove that we, as a society, have an epidemic to address and should do so with speed and effective solutions.

For the sober ones who choose to avoid drugs it can be difficult for to understand why someone might turn in this direction. People try drugs for a variety of reasons. Some reasons may include: peer pressure, curiosity, trying to change something in their life, or they are trying to forget something. The problem with any of these reasons is that they lead the person to a harmful place. Trying drugs because of peer pressure or curiosity can lead to long-term addiction and seriously devastate the person’s life. Drug use to escape bad memories or bad feelings is not a good solution either because when you are not “high” anymore the thoughts come back and the pain is still there.

The young adults who take drugs do it to fit in, to escape or relax, to not be bored, to seem grown up, to rebel, and/or to experiment. Some individuals think that drugs do all of these things, but in reality eventually their choice has gone too far and damaged their life. This is when they need help to stop the addiction. That help could come in many forms such as groups like narcotics anonymous, outpatient treatment, or inpatient hospitalization for treatment.

Drugs can come in many forms. Some drugs can include alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, crack, synthetic drugs, crystal meth, inhalants, heroin, LSD, and prescription drug abuse. Each drug has long term and short term effects, not just for the person using the drugs, but also for the population around them, such as family and friends. Most individuals that use drugs at a young age have either been exposed to drug use in their personal life or gave into peer pressure. When teens were asked by the creators of drugfreeworld.org why they started using drugs in the first place, 55% replied that it was due to pressure from their friends.

According to drugfreeworld.org, “Drug dealers, motivated by the profits they make, will say anything to get you to buy their drugs.” Drug dealers just want money, they want money that you cannot make by working on the books. They do not care about your outcome in life. They only care about making fast money in a despicable way with no conscience regarding the damage they are causing to the users that they sell drugs to. They don’t care if drugs destroy your life as long as they are making money and you can be sure drug use will destroy any plans you had for your future along with your health.

The users are likely to suffer from long-term addiction, destroying their future and even damaging their health. Other solutions should be sought out instead of turning to drugs if something is troubling a person so badly that they feel they need an escape. Some solutions can be to get involved in sports or other extracurricular activities, seek counseling, take classes like kickboxing or yoga, talk to trusted people in their life, or get involved in volunteer work. The most important thing you can do for yourself is get the facts about drugs, make your own decisions, and get help if you have made wrong decisions. No matter how far gone or lost a person with drug addiction can feel, help is available and healing is possible with hard work and determination.