Something interesting happened a couple of weeks ago when I asked this question to a group I was talking to:
Are drugs dangerous?
I had never heard someone say “no,” even from people who do drugs. Most often even addicted people know drugs are not good for them or dangerous. Sometimes, they think nothing will happen to them. Or, they think there is just nothing they can do about it because they just can’t live without it. But, they all actually admit that drugs are, in fact, dangerous.
It was a written questionnaire, and I didn’t see their comment until after the session so I never got a chance to ask that person why he thought this. But the thing that comes to my mind is this: he just doesn’t know what a drug really is!
If someone really knows and understands the definition of a drug, what it really is and what it does, they will never think drugs are not dangerous! And you would be surprised how many people, young and old, don’t know the meaning of the word drug.
So, what is a drug?
This is true of any drug. Only the amount needed to achieve the effect differs.
Drugs are chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies work. It is a substance that can be natural or synthetic that affects how one thinks and how his/her body functions and feels.
Now that’s what a drug is and if anyone truly knows these definitions, they will think twice about saying it is not dangerous.
So, definitions, true definitions for that matter, and really understanding them, can make a huge difference in our thoughts, decisions and behavior. And unfortunately with the prevalent drug culture these days, drugs are looked at very casually and effects are discounted. We are seeing a generation of young kids who think drugs are not dangerous, are normal, and nothing to worry about. But the simple and sad truth is that they just don’t even know what a drug is!
Like it says in our Truth About Drugs materials: “What you don’t know can kill you!” So find out for yourselves and make up your own minds and be responsible for your own decisions.
Again, I’d like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.
Best,
Koko