entertain

These days, many problems have surfaced in the world that threaten to overwhelm, and as a result, our priorities have gone awry. Many people don’t realize or refuse to openly acknowledge some issues for what they really are. This, my friends, is called "denial." At least here in the U.S., overuse of "recreational" drugs and drinking in excess has become the norm. The impact of this new norm is devastating to America’s communities of youth.

Society expects that by a certain point the days of playing in the sandbox and having a game of kickball in the park will be long past, and the new generation of teenagers will have to venture out onto previously unexplored paths. Sadly, upon entering this teenage stage of life, some of the first things one encounters are drugs and alcohol. We begin to see all our friends doing it, and hearing things like "Everyone does it," "Stop being a square," and "Don’t worry, it’s all in good fun." And while I’m not judging anyone at all for being curious or wanting to try something new, the truth is that the majority of teenagers begin to use regularly after that first try.

People come up with a variety of arguments to counter this fact, insisting that the drugs aren’t that harmful or the drinking isn’t done often. Let’s try looking at it this way for a change: Why drink or do drugs at all? Really, in thinking about it, one would realize that it simply isn’t necessary. Looking back and remembering life before drugs, one will realize some key points that are painfully obvious and easy to understand. For one, if life sucked before, you’ll notice drugs/alcohol hasn’t improved it at all. Or, if life was great before (and even if you think life is still great while using drugs/alcohol), then you’ll notice that with or without them, life can be great. So, you see, they’re not necessary.

So, you’re saying I don’t need them? Then, why does it feel like I do?

Good question! Despite what you’ve heard about which substances are more addictive or how much willpower you’ll need to fend off an addiction, the plain and simple truth is that drinking and drug use leads to a familiarity with them, which in turns leads to a continual desire. And this, friends, is called "dependency." Glad we’re brushing up on the vocabulary. But, honestly, the dependency is the worst part. Nowadays, two friends who have known each other for years and have grown up together, can’t even hang out without having to drink, smoke, etc. Go to the movies? The mall? A party? Play a game of basketball? Just sit at home and enjoy each other’s company? Nope. Not possible. Can’t do it. Well, how is this deteriorating friendship fixed? What’s the remedy? All we have to do is alter the situation a bit. Go to a party? Sure, as long as you’ve got a bottle. Chill at the house? Fine with me, as long as you have a joint. Play some basketball? Why not. But, let’s try it while we’re on some pills?

God, I can’t believe this has happened without me noticing. Since when have things changed?

Shocking, I know. To answer your question, since teenagers started to allow themselves to be easily swayed by what "everyone else" is doing. Since friends started to care less about other friends and decided to ruin their lives too by persuading them to "just try it." Since everyone became clueless and started to really believe that it’s "all in good fun." I make it sound overly-dramatic, I know. It’s a tendency I have. But, even if none of your friends have died (which really happens) or if you simply prefer to dwell in your world of unreality and "ignorance is bliss," I’d have you know these harmful substances will change people. And in ten years, you and your friends might not be where you expected yourselves to be. Then, maybe you’ll notice. Maybe you’ll acknowledge. Maybe you’ll realize.

That it wasn’t all in good fun.