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Originally posted by EXOTIC
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"I WAS 13 years old, and my best friend's sister invited us to their apartment one evening. Everyone started

smoking marijuana. At first, I refused it, but after it came around a number of times, I eventually tried it."

That was how Michael, from South Africa, explained his introduction to drugs.

"I come from a conservative family professionally involved in classical music. I played in an orchestra, and one

of the musicians used to smoke marijuana regularly during the intermissions. He persistently offered it to me over

a period of months. I eventually tried it and began using it regularly." That was how Darren, a Canadian, started

using drugs.

Both of these individuals went on to use other drugs, such as LSD, opium, and stimulants. Looking back, now as

former drug abusers, they agree that the influence of peers was the prime reason they started abusing drugs. "I

never thought that I would ever take drugs," says Michael, "but those kids were the only friends I had, and

naturally you go along with them."

The Entertainment Scene

Peer pressure certainly plays a major role in starting many on drugs, and the young are especially susceptible.

Additionally, they are confronted with the examples of their idols in the entertainment world, who wield a

powerful influence over their young fans.

The entertainment industry is particularly plagued with drug abuse. Top performers on the music scene often become

involved with heavy drugs at some stage in their career. Many film stars are also habitual drug users.

Entertainers can give drugs a glamour and appeal that youths seem to find irresistible. Newsweek reported in 1996:

"The streets of Seattle are cluttered with kids who've moved there to do heroin, just because [rock musician]

Cobain did."

The drug scene is glamorized in magazines, films, and television. Likewise, some prominent designers in the

fashion world have favored models with the thin, wasted look, in imitation of the addicted.



Why Do Some Get Hooked?

Numerous other factors contribute to increasing drug abuse. Among these are disillusionment, depression, and a

lack of purpose in life. Additional reasons are economic problems, unemployment, and poor parental examples.

Some who have difficulty with human relationships use drugs to help them cope in social situations. They believe

that drugs boost their confidence, making them feel witty and likable. Others simply find it easier to use drugs

than to accept responsibility for taking control of their lives.

Boredom is another reason youths turn to drugs. The book The Romance of Risk
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