All drug addicts out there have a different story. They each have their own reasons for starting drugs in the first place, and they have their own path that they take. Some of them realize they have a problem before it is too late, while others end up sacrificing their life for their addiction.
#1 They Begin with Experimentation
Many drug addicts began taking drugs because they were simply curious about what it would be like. Whether it is marijuana, crack, heroin, or something else, the first time is always innocent enough. What is it like to be on these drugs? For some, the first try is also the last. However, more frequently, the first experience with drugs is a powerful one. The users enjoy their time on the drugs. They wish for the feeling of euphoria to return. So they participate in the drugs again. Even the second time can be intended to be the last for them, but it is so often not. Soon, the person simply wanting to see what being on drugs is like is addicted to them: Addicted in a way that they cannot live their lives normally.
Since experimentation is often the cause of a full-fledged addiction, it is always a good idea for someone who is curious to just remain curious. The unknown is far better than battling an addiction to a drug that will completely change the course of the user’s life.
#2 They Give in to Peer Pressure
For some people, even if they have no desire to try drugs, they get convinced to do so by the people around them. Oftentimes, peer pressure occurs during the teenage years. Teenagers feel a crazy amount of pressure to fit in, so they do what their friends are doing. It is a lot easier to just say yes and fit in than it is to say no and get made fun of, so they succumb to the pressure of their peers. Once they have participated in the drugs once, their friends will assume they want to participate every time. Before they know it, the teenagers are in the middle of a full-fledged addiction. The scary part is that teenagers’ brains are still developing. This makes them more susceptible to the addiction, but it also means that the addiction can cause severe brain damage that may not be reversible.
Even though peer pressure commonly occurs in the teenage years, even adults have to battle pressure from their peers. Whether it is in a business setting or simply hanging out with friends, the pressure to fit in never goes away no matter how old someone becomes. No one wants to stick out and get made fun of.
The best thing that someone can do to avoid peer pressure is to put themselves in circles of friends that are drug-free. If no one in the group partakes in drugs, no one will feel pressured to try them.
Outcomes Are Unpredictable.
There are many factors that determine if someone is going to become addicted to drugs or not. Since the outcome is never known in advance, the best course of action is to avoid taking the drugs in the first place.
