Drug Awareness Reading Comprehension Lesson

Why People Use Drugs

Drug abuse is something most people have heard about. You may know friends or family members who have struggled with drugs, or you may have seen stories about drug abuse in the news or on television. There are programs in many schools that teach the dangers of drugs. But no matter how much someone learns about drugs, the decision about whether to use them ultimately comes down to the individual — and that is why understanding the reasons people use drugs is so important.

One of the most common reasons young people try drugs is peer pressure. Peer pressure happens when someone does something they know is wrong because they want to fit in with a group. If friends or classmates are using drugs, a person might feel pressure to join in just to be accepted. Another common reason is that some people turn to drugs when they feel depressed or have low self-esteem. They use drugs to try to numb emotional pain or escape from problems in their lives.

Unfortunately, using drugs to escape problems does not solve anything — it usually makes things worse. Drugs can create new problems, including addiction, health issues, and trouble at school or with the law. Addiction means the body comes to depend on the drug and feels physical or emotional distress without it. Once addiction develops, quitting becomes very difficult even when the person wants to stop. Learning to make smart decisions before those situations arise is one of the most powerful things a person can do to protect their future.

Common Drugs and Their Effects

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances. It is smoked or eaten and affects the brain by changing the way a person perceives things. Common sensations include altered hearing, seeing, or smelling; slower reflexes; anxiety; and dry mouth. While marijuana is not physically addictive in the same way as some drugs, it is habit-forming. Long-term use can lead to breathing problems, a loss of focus, and reduced opportunity in school and life.

Prescription painkillers, also known as opioids, are medications a doctor can prescribe to help manage serious physical pain. However, when someone uses these drugs without a prescription or takes more than directed, they can become dangerously addicted. The body builds up a tolerance, needing more and more of the drug to feel the same effect. Overdose from opioids is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States.

Other dangerous drugs include substances like GHB and Rohypnol, which are sometimes used illegally to make people lose consciousness. These drugs can cause seizures, coma, and death. Ketamine, originally developed as an animal anesthetic, is also misused as a recreational drug. All of these substances carry serious health risks. The most effective protection against drug abuse is education — knowing the dangers and making informed decisions before you are ever put in a situation where you are offered drugs.

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