Pubdate: Thu, 09 Feb 2006
Source: Whistler Question (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006, Whistler Printing & Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.whistlerquestion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1034
Author: Javia Selina, PSS student
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUGS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Teens Urged To Wake Up And Be Responsible For Own Happiness

In recent years, the youth of our community have been influenced by
drugs. Drug use is becoming more and more common. The more
independence we have in our teens, the more exposed we are to drugs.
It seems like it is becoming easier to get hold of ecstasy, cocaine
and acid. I don't think a lot of the youth are aware of the severe
damage that can be caused by taking these drugs.

It is known that these drugs can be addictive and once you start, it's
very difficult to stop. Being a teenager myself, I understand how hard
it is to keep yourself occupied in such a small town, but drugs are
not the answer. Drugs can cause health problems and death.

This problem has to be recognized or it will only become more serious.
It is vital that these teens become aware of the damage that they are
doing to themselves. I can see it, so why can't they? They need help
before it's too late. Anything to make a difference will be greatly
appreciated -- frequent drug awareness talks, or even just somewhere
for teens to go.

The sad thing is that drugs are so common in the community. I have
already started seeing students deteriorate from their former selves
because of drugs. I'm 16 and I'm losing friendships because of drugs.

I don't understand why people do it; your life has just begun. It
scares me that such happy, successful people can trade their lives in
without a second thought. Teens should think about what they are
doing, and the people that they are hurting.

For some reason teens think they will be accepted if they take drugs
and of course this is not the case, nobody wants to hang out with
someone that is addicted. That is what is so strange about this
problem; you are trying to fit in with the wrong crowd, the foolish
crowd, the kind of people that never make anything of themselves. Why
would you want to become a failure when you could be so much more.
Wake up, and take responsibility for your own happiness.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin