Substance abuse is the use of illicit drugs
and alcohol, which can lead to serious physical and psychological
damage. Some people might use drugs and alcohol to escape pain
or because they are already addicted, while others may use drugs
and alcohol for reasons related to peer pressure, curiosity,
boredom, and because they think they might look cool. Thinking
about your
health, your school, and your loved ones are all reasons NOT
to use drugs or alcohol.
Health- You shouldn’t use drugs or alcohol if you care
about your health. The use and abuse of substances such as
drugs and alcohol can affect the way you feel and act. Drugs
and alcohol
also impair your ability to make good decisions in addition
to hindering reaction times. Never drink and drive! The continued
use of drugs and alcohol can also lead to addiction, as well
as
other physical and psychological diseases.
School- Substance abuse affects the way you think and work. The
use of drugs and alcohol can lead to a decrease in productivity,
a decrease in your quality of work, as well as a decrease in your
extra-curricular and other social activities.
Loved Ones- Substance abuse affects the way you think and act,
and can ultimately lead to unhealthy changes in relationships
and the way you act around friends, family, and people you are
dating. You have better things to do with your time and loved
ones than to abuse substances like drugs and alcohol.
Risky behavior- The use and abuse of alcohol and other illegal
substances can lead to poor decision-making (such as deciding
to drive a car) as well as impaired motor functioning (such
as slowed reaction time when driving). While one may feel as
if they
are all right to drive, and decide to risk it while intoxicated
or high, this can place the individual as well as other’s
in a dangerous situation. In addition, the use and abuse of
substances can lead impair ones cognizance (otherwise known
as awareness)
and increase ones vulnerability. Not only are younger women
at higher risk of being raped than older women, but the use
of recreational
drugs has been found to increase the likelihood rape and sexual
violence. Sexual assault can lead to other terrible dilemmas
such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
