Friday, April 13, 2012

Drugs Are "Bad"

Currently, it seems people at all ages are participating in the usage of drugs, prescription and illegal.  In my previous post, I outline why I feel drugs can be considered good.  On the other hand, I feel more inclined to describe how or why drugs are bad.

First of all, I do not feel it is right for children (under 18 years old) to be misusing prescription medicines or using other illegal drugs.  I am sure it can hurt their growth and cause other minor or major health issues.  If children begin using such drugs so young, they will most likely not grow up to be what they had aspired or go down the wrong path.

Young or not, health issues can become a problem when taking or misusing prescription drugs, or using illegal drugs.  Prescription drugs are generally safer than other drugs, but not if the taker misuses them.

Health issues aside, though, I believe a bigger problem occurs when people have friends who are on illegal drugs.  If one person does not do drugs while the people they hang out with do, this can create drama.  People who use drugs do not realize how this can negatively affect the people who surround them.

While high on marijuana, this friend will most definitely not remember what he/she talks about with other friends or anything that happens during his/her high.  Everyone around the high person thinks that he/she is as conscientious as the next person, but really he/she is off in his/her own world and will not know what anyone is talking about when he/she comes off of his/her high.

Situations like these can cause disasters.  People's feelings are hurt when they think there is an inside joke between them and the person who was high, but the person who was on drugs does not remember it.  A girlfriend or boyfriend of someone who uses illegal substances often will feel distanced from the person who is on drugs.  Because they do not do drugs, the significant other will not be "on the same page" as their drug-using boy/girlfriend and this will probably result in a break up.

I do not necessarily feel it is wrong to use prescription or illegal drugs.  The problem is that the people who use the drugs do not comprehend how it affects others around them.  Loved ones are hurt because of stupid addictions.  If you are going to use any sort of drug, know your limits and be ready to face consequences.

Drugs Are "Good"

Ask anyone about the topic of drugs-prescription or not-and they will most likely tell you their opinion.  Some people take over the counter medicine daily, whereas others never rely on a single dosage to aid their pain.  When it comes to illegal drugs, there are people who have never and will never try them, people who only experiment or do drugs during "special occasions," and those who are practically (or completely) in love with them and do them all of the time or whenever they feel necessary.

On one side of the argument, I feel drugs of all kinds are good.  Who enjoys pain?  Aside from a few masochists, not very many of us do.  So, if I am suffering from a headache or stomachache, I will take the recommended dosage of ibuprofen or Tums and get on with my day.

Personally, I do not feel that anyone should not take medicine just because they feel taking pills is wrong or unnatural.  Certain situations, such as after a surgery or during a horrible health condition, usually require you to take prescribed medicine.  Otherwise, the pain would be too terrible to bear throughout the day.

Speaking on illegal drugs, well, they are illegal for a reason.  I believe every individual has his or her own slightly different view on illegal drugs, whether it's marijuana, pills, LSD, cocaine, heroine, etc.  I do not think drugs are good but I can understand how people can find them useful.  For example, marijuana can help uptight individuals relax and de-stress.  Hopefully, the individual who uses, or misuses, a drug realizes the negative effects that may come along with the positive ones.

Overall, I think the public overreacts too much when it comes to the issue of prescription and illegal drugs.  People who need drugs for health reasons should take them.  Even prescription medicines have negative side effects; illegal drugs just usually have worse side effects.  My advice when deciding to take any type of drug: be careful and aware of all possibilities, good and bad, while on the drug.