Digital Gods & Digital Goddesses in a Digital World
DRUGS & ALCOHOL awareness
Drugs are used by many people across the planet regardless of age, race, culture, religion, income level or education level.
Drugs have a legal or illegal, prescribed or unprescribed status.
Just because a drug is legal does not make it less dangerous and addicting as illegal street drugs.
Prescribed drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, are just as dangerous and just as addicting as street drugs.
Legal drugs, such as nicotine, vapes, ecigs, alcohol, can be just as dangerous and addicting as illegal drugs. Conversely, THC in marijuana have many health benefits and is still illegal in some states and countries.
HOW DRUGS BECAME ILLEGAL IN AMERICA
Here’s something wild: most of the drugs that are illegal in the U.S. today—like marijuana, cocaine, and opium—were totally legal at one point. Yeah, you read that right.
So, what changed? It wasn’t about protecting us. The laws that banned these drugs weren't really about health or safety. They were used to target and lock up people of color, especially Black and Latino communities.
Fast forward to the 1970s, and the government launches the "War on Drugs." Sounds intense, right? But here’s the thing—it wasn’t a war on drugs so much as a war on Black Americans. The result? Mass incarceration.
White Americans, on the other hand, didn’t face the same treatment. For communities of color, drug use was treated as a crime rather than a public health issue.
And here’s the kicker: while smoking and drinking have actually gone down over the years, drug use in America hasn’t really budged. So, what’s really changed?
WHY DO TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS USE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL?
Not all adolescents or young adult use drugs or are curious about or interested in drugs and/or alcohol.
Among young adults, cigarette and alcohol use have declined while marijuana and prescription drugs have risen or remained steady.
For teenagers & young adults who have tried drugs or use drugs, these are some common reasons:
Drugs are everywhere
b. Instant gratification
c. The media may portray drugs as if they were part of the successful people’s life.
d. To escape from reality
e. Self-medication
f. See other people using them.
g. Lack of confidence, curiosity, social anxiety, rebellion, and fun.
The following information was taken from:
SAFETY FIRST: A Reality-based Approach to Teens and Drugs
by
Dr. Marsha Rosenbaum, PhD.
Safety First provides an honest, compassionate and common-sense approach to substance use education and substance abuse prevention.
In this pdf, Dr. Rosenbaum explains that substance use among some teens and young adult is a part of American culture and that young adults want to have real discussions from adults that involves more than abstinence instructions and fear tactics.
In this pdf, Dr. Rosenbaum highlights four concerns that opens the door for honest and real-life conversation about substance use. (Sections 1-4 were taken from Safety First: A Reality-based Approach to Teens and Drugs.)
Young Adults want real & honest information
01
Young Adults & teens do not want to hurt themselves or damage their future.
02
Experimentation takes place, but regular use is rare among teenagers
03
Although abstinence is encouraged, there is a difference between experimentation, substance use and substance abuse.
04
If there is daily, frequent substance use and substance abuse, please find the courage to communicate with someone you trust and ask for help.
Moderation needs to be stressed and education on moderation needs to be provided if drug use continues despite education
If drug use is more than experimentation, please consider addressing the root cause; the reason(s) why you are using and/or abusing substances.
They should know how to recognize irresponsible behavior when it comes to place, time, dose levels and frequency of use.
Except for nicotine, most drugs use do not become drug abuse.
Being caught with illegal substances can have consequences that are far-reaching and challenging.
You can use the ‘risk vs the rewards’ or ‘pros and cons’ technique to make better choices.
May receive harsher punishments at age 18.
This may mean getting involved with the criminal and probation system.
Young adults & Teens need to know when to ask for help or call 911.
01
Call 911 for suspected opioids overdose. The ambulance EMT will have the antidote called Narcan
02
Have a designated driver, call Lyft, Uber if intoxicated. Don’t drive while under any influence.
03
If friends are/were drinking alcohol, assess for vomiting if he/she passes out. Call 911 if unsure or need any help.
04
Call parents or trusted adult for help. Trust me, they will be so happy to come to help you and make sure you are safe.
In Safety First, Dr. Rosenbaum calls for a common-sense approach to education and discussions about teenage experimentation and substance use that does not involve abstinence or fear tactics.
This approach does not condone drug use but opens the door to real conversation that young adults want.
In Safety First, Dr Rosenbaum explains although parents, adults and elders teach drug-abstinence, some adolescents and young adults will choose to drug-experiment.
She also declares that young people want honest education and information.
So here goes: substance use and substance abuse require outside help so you can get better and live the life you want.
And if you decide to experiment: use moderation.
If you are caught with it in your possession, know the legal risks (especially if you are over 18) and know when to call 911 for yourself and others.
Drugs are substances that exert powerful responses in our bodies, throughout our life, we will need to decide which drugs, legal and/or illegal, match our values and beliefs and whether we want to place that substance in our body.
1. What are your personal values and beliefs about drug & alcohol use? Experimentation? Abuse?
2. Does your school have a drug & alcohol prevention program or education?
Do you think that the Safety First education was beneficial to you?
3. If you are exposed to drugs & alcohol in your environment, do you feel more confident in making the right decision for yourself?
4. Do you have a better idea on how to provide help in case of a drug/substance use emergency?
REFLECTIONS
Resources
Resources for Teens who have parents who abuse substances.
Alateen is a free support group for teens whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Try Alateen chat: live chat with other teens ages 13-18.
Voice for the Children
Too Good for Drugs prevention program website:
800-750-0986
We are the Drug Policy Alliance