From a writing prompt on our Honors Psychology Discussion Board:
Why
do people first begin using drugs? Because it is easier for teens to buy drugs
than alcohol. Ba dum ching! No,
not really. While the above is sadly true, there is no one line answer for this
question. I believe that a variety of factors play into the decision to use drugs,
assuming that illegal intoxicants are what we are focusing on.
Our
first exposures to drugs as a concept are as small children. “Take this,” we
instruct our children. “It will make you feel better.” Then we gulp a caffeinated,
sugary soda to prepare to stay up all night with them. We begin our mornings
with coffee and end our evenings with a nightcap. We celebrate with wine and
champagne. We step out to smoke a cigarette while the television blares out commercials
advertising magical pills to fix all of life’s problems, from depression to
erectile dysfunction. We take those pills, and our children see it. We prime our children for 'better living through chemistry'. Is it any
surprise that they seek out what we show them?
