Well let me just start out with drugs don't just effect the one who does them it also effects the people around them too. My dad did drugs for a couple years and because of him i missed out on alot of opportunities a teen is supposed to have. My family struggled because of the money he stole from us. We couldn't pay for alot of things but thanks to people who helped us we made it through...Only now i am not allowed to see my dad and it really sucks because he has missed alot in my life. The good thing is, is now i look at life differently and try my best to not do the things my parents have done. (mistakes made.)

everyone says that drug addicts do not respect their body. it is all easier said then done. Ive done drugs, im done with them though. I almost died last weekend from them and my friend was in the ER for o.d.ing. we need to help them, help yourself first. dont put your self in that position and dont say " i only wanna try it" because even if you think youre not hooked... you get cravings.
save yourself and your friends..

im here if anyone would like to discuss this

Alcoholism runs in my family, so thats reason enough for me to not drink excessively or do drugs. I have that much higher of a risk of getting addicted. I know a person above has said they do drugs and they are fine and its probably true. But there will always be that risk - the drugs could be laced with something else, it could be purer than the person is used to, etc. There are so many chances of you being harmed or harming someone else. Unfortunately i hear a lot about teens doing drugs and drinking at my school and it is very likely that it will negatively affect them in some ways. It really bugs me sometimes that these people are doing these things to themselves and it doesn't affect them. But the truth is that it will. It might already be affecting them. I urge anyone doing drugs to stop right now and get help. It is such a hard thing to deal with.

As previously said, I do agree that it really is up to the person what they want to do with their life. What really hurts me though is to see the relatively 'good kid' ruin their life doing drugs. So much wasted potential.

If they are hiding it very well you couldn't even notice a difference.

I don't know of anyone in my family doing drugs, but we do have a long history of alcoholism. A family member is supposed to be getting treated, but he has refused. Now he doesn't drink to prove to us he's not an alcoholic and so far so good! HANG IN THERE, GUYS!!!(AND GIRLS)!!! It's a long process and we just need to help each other out.

Thats sad! Yeah I have.

i too have seen everything and though i was very young i still remmebr it all. my dad was a cocaine addict and he eventually died of an overdose 4 years after my mom left him. but having this been said, i still loved him. i hadn't seen him for two years before he died and he did awful things to my family but i still loved him. seeing what this makes people do first hand changes your whole perspective on life. and even now at my school, people do drugs and are proud of it, which just totally disgusts me. why would you be proud of ruining your body? even my very first friend is into pot and other drugs, mainly becuase her older brothers are using. but that still doesn't make it right.

thanks for letting me get this out but I for one have sworn never to use illegal drugs ever. have you?

omg............

I smoke all the time, and i still get good grades. All drugs should be legal. little legal ******* that have never tried to always try to take that **** away from us. Drugs help me, they allow my *** to get out of this **** *** and go see my home.

[Admin] Edited for profanity

I agree with you

Although its true that drug users effect everyone around them, its up to the person to decide how they want it to effect them. I totally agree with Caitlin that having negative experiences with family using drugs, alcohol and cigarettes makes one not want to end up in the situation. Good lessons can be learned from just about any situation.

<3

it really is a long hard process, but she's working through it

my dad does drugs. i never knew when i was younger, but now that i'm older i can see all the close calls i've had when i was lucky that bad things didnt happen to him, or to me when i was with him. i'm not really sure where he is but i'm trying to get in touch with him because if he cant see how hes ruined his life, then its up to someone else to show him. i doubt he'd want my help but i love him and its sort of our job to help the ones we love. its kinda late in the game to help him but i love my father even if hes done some stupid things and said some stupid things, and it seems unfair that he doesnt even want to stop. i have my own vices so i know how hard it is to quit something you depend on, but i find its easier when your motivated by something/someone you love.
i've spent so much time trying to be the person my father wasnt. i dont want to be the disappointment that he is. if i never see my father again, i'd still want to thank him. because without him, i'd never be as opposed to drugs as i am, even if thats not a lesson i ever wanted to learn from him

Godismyhero Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> your ideas are a little off, the side effects can
> all be cured with the name of god, just give him a
> chance and he will do wonders with your life, like
> he has done to millions of other people. millions
> of addicts search his name and find glory. amen

Who's ideas are a little off?

jpgorak Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know how you feel, my mom was working at CNA
> life insurance for the longest time(7 years) she
> had since we moved to tennessee(i was 2), they
> were firing people and hiring new people because
> the business was being sold, since they were
> hiring new people, they had to do drug tests, my
> mom straight up quit because at the time she was
> highly addicted to marijuana, she just recently
> went to rehab for alcohol and drug abuse, now
> (im11) she goes to AA meetings on a regular basis
> and just recently got a job after 2 years of
> unemployment!

Thats great! I'm glad your mom is getting help, just remember its a hard long process!!!

jjust her being that way made me not EVER EVER EVER want to do drugs and/or alcohol

I know how you feel, my mom was working at CNA life insurance for the longest time(7 years) she had since we moved to tennessee(i was 2), they were firing people and hiring new people because the business was being sold, since they were hiring new people, they had to do drug tests, my mom straight up quit because at the time she was highly addicted to marijuana, she just recently went to rehab for alcohol and drug abuse, now (im11) she goes to AA meetings on a regular basis and just recently got a job after 2 years of unemployment!

x_rie_x Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I live with my parents. My older brother (16) is
> in texas at a long term rehab. He started smoking
> when he was in sevanth grade, as well as smoking
> pot. I was in 5th grade. By the time I was in 7th
> grade, he was already kicked out of 2 schools and
> he had only spent about 15 days at school (This is
> by the 2nd semester) He was kicked out for having
> a knife at school. By this time he had taken 17
> thousand dollers from my parents bank account and
> he was taking ectasy and occasianlly heroin. (In
> the back ground I battled an eating disorder,
> starting in 5th grade in my search for control)
> Now, (Im in 9th grade) My brother who should be an
> 11th grader, is in a long term rehab treatment in
> texas, He is now in 10th grade there and he
> recently just past algebra (This is his 3rd year
> taking it) He has come very far but what has
> happend cant be undone. Not only was he effected
> by this but my whole family. My parents are more
> overprotective in there need to preserve their
> children, I am still in an ongoing battle with
> bulimia and anorexia as It has become a
> dependency, and I am still trying to mend my
> severed relationship with my brother. (I have
> fallen into depression and have been hospitalized
> in a residential program adding more strains to
> our relationship as both of us feel at blame.) At
> this point my brother will be seventeen in march.
> The last time we visited him in texas was last
> march for his 16th birthday. Unfortunatly I was
> unable to actually see him on his birthday,
> because of bahavior problems he was having. It has
> been 9 months since I have seen him, and I feel
> like im missing everything. It really hurts how
> drugs have torn my family apart. Its not just
> about the user. Its about everyone around them.

I am sorry about the stress and problems this has caused you, your brother and your family. At least he is getting help for his problem. I hope you can get some help as well for your eating disorder! Dont give up! There is help out there and people who are willing to help. You just need to find them. I've been dealing with drug abuse ever since I was seven. (I wasn't the abuser) My sister is a heroin addict. She also drinks and does anything to get her drugs. She has been in and out of rehab, but she refuses to complete any type of program. She has five children, and doesnt have custody of any of them. She has OD'ed I dont know how many times, lucky for her she was saved though. She has yet to get any help, and I doubt she ever will. She's my half sister, and her oldest is almost 19. Her oldest daughter will be 19 in Feb. Being only sixteen, its hard because it seems like I cannot do anything to make a difference, when I actually can. I have severe depression so I have to take medicine for it. Anyways I hope everything works out for you and your family. Hang in there it will get better!

I live with my parents. My older brother (16) is in texas at a long term rehab. He started smoking when he was in sevanth grade, as well as smoking pot. I was in 5th grade. By the time I was in 7th grade, he was already kicked out of 2 schools and he had only spent about 15 days at school (This is by the 2nd semester) He was kicked out for having a knife at school. By this time he had taken 17 thousand dollers from my parents bank account and he was taking ectasy and occasianlly heroin. (In the back ground I battled an eating disorder, starting in 5th grade in my search for control) Now, (Im in 9th grade) My brother who should be an 11th grader, is in a long term rehab treatment in texas, He is now in 10th grade there and he recently just past algebra (This is his 3rd year taking it) He has come very far but what has happend cant be undone. Not only was he effected by this but my whole family. My parents are more overprotective in there need to preserve their children, I am still in an ongoing battle with bulimia and anorexia as It has become a dependency, and I am still trying to mend my severed relationship with my brother. (I have fallen into depression and have been hospitalized in a residential program adding more strains to our relationship as both of us feel at blame.) At this point my brother will be seventeen in march. The last time we visited him in texas was last march for his 16th birthday. Unfortunatly I was unable to actually see him on his birthday, because of bahavior problems he was having. It has been 9 months since I have seen him, and I feel like im missing everything. It really hurts how drugs have torn my family apart. Its not just about the user. Its about everyone around them.

Truth_Be_Told, YOU ROCK!!! I believe you need to get your story out. Maybe you'd like to be a speaker. Go and present in schools or at church and all that. Send out your MESSAGE!!!

My close cousin does drugs and his wife. She did them will she was pregnant too. Although I haven't seen the baby yet. My cousins are really hooked though and won't let anyone help them. Its so bad that my cousin lost his inheirdance.

Yes thats VERY true!

]I think thats true. There are alot of things you can say no to, untill they actually happen. I, personally havent experimented with things like drugs or alcohol. I know that I am changing and I've noticed the pressure to stay on the right road. Sometimes I'm happy and sometimes I'm down but i do know that being on the wrong road will only make my problems worse

It's nice meeting you too Aaron, and I will keep up the good work. Glad to see that there are others that believe in Jehovah other than me and my aunt and my mom, I was always told there were other Witnesses in this world but I'd never met one until I met you

Alisa

Good to meet you, Alisa. Keep up the good work.

Aaron

Thanks for that Matt but I'm going to pass, I've seen it first hand and thats enough 4 me.

For any of you who really want to see into, well, the whole process of addition and withdrawal and the havoc it wreaks on everything around you, check out the book Cracked by Dr. Drew Pinsky.

Aaron,
I agree with you totally! I'm glad I'm not alone in believing that as well. I have 2 people in my family who are drug abusers. I see them hopeless after trying to help them for countless years and no results. I think you and I would get along great.
Truth be told, good luck to you and and let Jehovah be with you. Pray and continue to strive for what you want and I assure you, you will meet your goals! It is possible I assure you. I will keep you in my prayers. Remember if you need to "talk" I'm here.

Alisa

Thank you for your open words, truth_be_told. I too know what it's like to have a loving family who is there for you, despite the fact of often missing the mark. Spirituality is very important to me as well, and is essential to our overcoming life's difficulties. Jesus did say: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." (Matthew 5:3)

One thing about Jesus: he was very practical. His spirituality didn't drift in mystery or philosophy. Whatever he taught, people could use by applying his teaching directly into their life. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses I believe that Jesus' words, and all of the Scriptures, are immediately practical today. It sounds like you do too.

You might be interested in this article, entitled: "Drug Abuse--There is an Answer!" found at

http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2001/7/8/article_03.htm

I think you will find it very encouraging, as it addresses the very issue you mentioned, saying: "the Bible does more than help us deal individually with the drug problem now. It tells of the time, after the termination of Satan's influence, when all the world's ills, including drug abuse, will end permanently."

Thanks again for your post! May the day go well with you.

Aaron

Drug abuse is hell on self, family, friends and even people that you have no intentionally established relationship with. As someone who struggles with an illegal substance myself, I can tell you that I wish more than anything that I would have never let my values/morals/beliefs down back in 1988 when someone asked me if I wanted to smoke coc*in# ... all my life up to that point I rejected the idea of using drugs ... but the devil knew I loved women and oh boy did he (the devil) exploit that avenue .... when two women approached me and asked me if I wanted to "party" of course I said sure with a smile on my face ... "have you ever ..." "nope, but hey ... if that's what I got to do to be with the two of you ... why not" ... life has not been the same since nor has much good come from it ... I have tried over the years to be free from this thing ... but it has kept coming back ... but I refuse to give up! I have been in and out of some of the best jobs, have been married to the most wonderful woman for the past 18 years (who is the mother of one of my daughters), I have two wonderful daughters, a loving family who loves me even when I don't quite meet the mark ... I have a close relationship with Jesus Christ and I want all of you to know ... I know that this thing called addiction can be overcome and I will be free from ... I just hope and pray that it won't be due to my own funeral. I have lost several friends as a result of their addiction and will just right now take one day at a time.

I understand and agree with both of you. My sister is a druggie (heavy druggie) and drinker. She used to be beautiful but now she's all skinny,grayhaired and sunk in. Its sad.
~Ushersgirl_06~

Salina_Lina:

I liked your post, but felt like I needed to say something about this:

i walk
> down the streets of oakland and see all these
> homeless people begging for money living int he
> worst conditions. That is what drugs do to one

Not all homeless people are on the streets because of drug abuse.

I have an aunt that has been through it all, drugs, beer you name it. I was looking through a old photo album and couldnt believe how beautiful she was, and know she looks all stressed out and the drugs really took whole on her look. I would not do drugs not because of her experiences but because i learned what it can do to one. i walk down the streets of oakland and see all these homeless people begging for money living int he worst conditions. That is what drugs do to one. I would not want to be controlled by any drug. I feel good to be in control of what goes on in my head. I often hear of people dying beacuse of drugs and it is a very sad thing because if we had a government that cares so much about this war as they do for our generation then the drug abuse would not have such high ratings. We here to have our voice heard and hopefully you agree.

Alright, I have to tell you guys! For what you guys say you've seen and what you've been through, it's amazing that you're able to actually admit to the problem and be open about it! Look how far you've come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCELLENT WORK!!! I do agree about the presecription drugs, they are one of the most abused drugs. My dad's a doc and he has a lot of patients that get hooked on meds saying they lost them, someone stole them out of there car, etc. It's really sad. DON'T GET HOOKED!!!

heroesdoexist07 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @Tangled_up_in_blue and ushersgirl -
>
> I'm referring to the chief physical side effects
> of using these drugs. I think that heroin and the
> like are much harder on your body, physically,
> than oxycontin, etc...though I could be wrong.

I see your point Matt,
However painkillers as far as effects go can be about just as bad as heroin. So dont underestimate them! I've seen it with my own eyes. But every person is different.

Tangled_up_in_blue Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ushersgirl_06 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > "The experiences have taught me how to
> > say NO firmly and mean it. And whats right and
> > whats wrong. However I know I have alot ahead
> of
> > me as I get older. So im pretty prepared for
> whats
> > headed my way."
> >
> I think this is fantastic! I find your attitude
> inspiring- you have a great attitude.

Thanks!

Ushersgirl_06 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "The experiences have taught me how to
> say NO firmly and mean it. And whats right and
> whats wrong. However I know I have alot ahead of
> me as I get older. So im pretty prepared for whats
> headed my way."
>
I think this is fantastic! I find your attitude inspiring- you have a great attitude.

@Tangled_up_in_blue and ushersgirl -

I'm referring to the chief physical side effects of using these drugs. I think that heroin and the like are much harder on your body, physically, than oxycontin, etc...though I could be wrong.

Tangled_up_in_blue Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> heroesdoexist07 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > "'Drugs', in general, are worse than alcohol
> > ...
> and of course
> > prescription drugs are excepted."
>
> This is not necessarily true. Prescription
> painkillers are among the top most abused drugs in
> America.

Agreed!

Actually I know what you're saying. I'm sixteen years old. I have serious depression problems. I am on medicine. So I understand the feeling to want to try any way to get rid of it. And believe me I've seen alot of things I shouldnt have growing up. The experiences have taught me how to say NO firmly and mean it. And whats right and whats wrong. However I know I have alot ahead of me as I get older. So im pretty prepared for whats headed my way.
Thanks for your post it makes me feel better to know im not the only one who has suffered with depression problems.

heroesdoexist07 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "'Drugs', in general, are worse than alcohol
> ...
and of course
> prescription drugs are excepted."

This is not necessarily true. Prescription painkillers are among the top most abused drugs in America.

I have to say that you guys sound like you're very young, which is a great thing! Enjoy your youth.

Once you get older, life will dump unbelievable problems and emotions on you- things you can't even fathom now. You WILL be tempted to use drugs and alcohol, in a way that school and community service announcements can't prepare you for.

Depression kills some people, emotionally. I've had unbelievably horrible depression. I've tried many drugs- and I'm still and honors student. I'm a contributing member of society. I've met the First Lady. I'm in great physical shape. I know that it isn't healthy- emotionally or physically, and I hardly ever do it, now that I've graduated high school and have been in the real world with real responsibilities.

You can't judge others who do it.

Just know that each person has experimented with ways to relieve their emotional stress in difference.

Thanks for hearing me out.

Exactly

'Drugs', in general, are worse than alcohol because while alcohol makes you clumsy for a while (and eventually wears down your liver), 'drugs' just destroy both your internals AND your mind. The mental and psychological damage is by far the worst symptom.

By 'drugs', I mean heroin, PVP, peyote, crack, meth, etc. I don't really include weed in that catagory, since it's pretty weak, and of course prescription drugs are excepted.

I wouldnt say that drinking is worse than drugs, they are both bad but drugs are the worst one b/c its harder to stop!!!!!!!
~Ushersgirl_06~

its sad though b/c most people say i dont do drugs i just drink but alchol is a drug and becuase of this most people ruin their body's even more...

Yeah I agree with you. People seriously need help. And it is sad the way we treat our bodies. People have no self-respect for themselves.

My cousin smoked at one point and my parents still do, but just not in the house. It's sad the way we have to treat our bodies and how the government funds it, and allows all these health problems to be advertised. I'm trying to get my dad and mom to quit, but it's very difficult. Very few can quit cold turkey. Anyway, I met a girl who had a lot of drug and alcohol problems along with depression and cutting. She had cut her arms, legs, and it's mostly because she has no one to talk to at home, she lived with her sisters because her mom was a drugatic, and her older sister was really mean and didn't respect her at all. Give these kids support, invite them over, get them into some positive things. Listening to her stories really gave me support on saying no to drugs and alcohol. They've helped keep me from making a big mistake, now we need to help them

Yeah I feel U the same goes 4 me. With what my sister has done in the past and still goes through. She seriously needs help. Makes me not wanna do that. I look at it this way: I dont need some drug or drink or smoke to make me feel good when I feel great sober. And if I dont feel good at the time I do something that make me feel good! Like listen to Usher or something good natured.
~Ushersgirl_06~