Pubdate: Mon, 06 Oct 2008 Source: Aurora, The (CN NF) Copyright: 2008 The Aurora Contact: http://www.theaurora.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3219 Author: Cpl. Keith MacKinnon The Drug Deal WHY DO PEOPLE USE DRUGS? The majority of Canadians use some type of drug during their lives, though most do not experience problems or misuse drugs. People use drugs for a variety of reasons, which varies from the type of drug to the person and occasion. Let's look at some common factors involved. What role do the media have in drug use? Advertisements on radio or television, in magazines, newspapers all are influential in the way people think about drugs in general. Product sponsorship of sport and artistic events, portrayal of substance use in plays and movies and availability of information on the internet also play a part in how people perceive legal and illegal drug use. A person may use a drug and keep using it because the effects are pleasurable or positively reinforcing. Examples of this are the feeling of being "high", relaxation, disinhibition, relief from pain, tension or unpleasant emotions. As well, being able to sleep or stay awake or achieve enhanced athletic performance can be reinforcing factors. Curiosity is another common reason people, especially youth, use drugs. The human brain does not finish developing until a person is over 20 years of age, so the decisions some youth make concerning drugs would be better postponed until they can do so with all possible wisdom. Drugs are the topic of much conversation and writing. Some people may have friends or acquaintances they know who use drugs illegally. Human nature favors curiosity, especially in young people; so accordingly, it is not surprising that some young people are tempted to experiment with drugs. Also, some young people may use drugs as a means to express rebellion or to express their alienation from mainstream society. A substantial factor in the decisions people make whether or not to use a drug relates to social pressures. Also referred to as peer pressure, I prefer to focus on the point when speaking with young people. A little fellow in grade one once said to me, "you have to be your own person". Such wisdom in such a young child made me think twice. The pressures to use drugs in young people and adults can be strong. Children may be influenced by parental alcohol, tobacco or other drug use and use their parents use to justify their own drug use. In some groups, drug-taking is sort of a way for people to feel part of a group and accepted, which is a departure from the grade one wisdom. Some youth "know better" but cannot bring themselves to break away from the group as abstainers are excluded. Granted, this is a hard thing to do but sometimes the decisions and standards we set for ourselves can serve to deliver us from a dangerous herd mentality, one that a person can look back on with confidence and relief. Some people may use psychoactive drugs to relieve various emotional problems such as anger, stress, anxiety, boredom or depression. Others take these drugs to boost their self-confidence. As well, people may use drugs to help them forget about or cope with traumatic life events or situations or to relieve the symptoms of psychiatric illness. Unfortunately, some people use drugs because they have become physically or psychologically dependent on them. It does not matter whether the drug is mild or strong, first used for medical or non-medical purposes, or whether it is used legally or illegally. When people continue to use drugs because they experience distress when use is discontinued or reduced they can be said to be drug-dependent. Keep these factors in mind, make the wise choice, stand up to drugs and go after your goals. Credit: Straight facts about drugs - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart