Drug Dependent Society

I feel our society has lost its perspective in many areas. In two areas specifically, it seems our culture has become drug dependent. Disregarding the absurd world of illegal drugs as well as the medical community’s propensity to overmedicate, two legal drugs have taken over many people’s lives – specifically nicotine and alcohol.

It is pathetic how some live their lives dependent upon nicotine. This is one of the most useless dependencies of all since it gratifies no natural biological need; it merely creates a dependency and addiction. I question why would anyone ever start. Fortunately societal trends now frown upon smoking in many areas (something I never thought I’d live to see!) which makes it much more comfortable (and healthier) for those of us who don’t smoke. It boggles my mind why young people still initiate this habit (which ultimately turns into an addiction) even though they are aware of health consequences as well as smoking’s increasing social unacceptance in social settings.

Alcohol, responsible for an obscene number of traffic fatalities, is our society’s socially acceptable drug of choice. Alcohol has become SO ingrained into our culture that some can’t imagine a social gathering without it. For many, unfortunately, it is synonymous with having a good time.

Having never had any desire to ever try alcohol, this seems abnormal. I feel if one needs alcohol to have a good time, something is definitely wrong! Growing up, at one point in my life, I came to the personal conclusion that we are only alive for a specific amount of time, and I felt that relinquishing total consciousness and awareness of this existence by using drugs (legal or illegal) would be squandering precious time that God has given me.

I remember when I was a college sophomore in speech class. I gave two speeches, one outlining logical reasons to not use tobacco and another examining reasons not to use alcohol. Both of these speeches focused, not on the obvious health consequences to the user, but on the effects these drugs have on others. After my second speech, one of the guys in class raised his hand and asked me (since I obviously didn’t use tobacco or alcohol) what I did to have fun. I realize he was good-naturedly trying to get a laugh, but sadly there was also seriousness behind his question.

Some people honestly believe they can’t genuinely have a good time without alcohol. How sad! How unfortunate that they need a drug to feel good, or to relax, or to feel uninhibited enough to be themselves even around close friends.

I wonder why getting high on LIFE isn’t enough. I don’t understand why so many need an artificial drug-induced high. In this glorious, yet fragile, existence that God has given us, there is SO much to do, to learn, to explore, to enjoy, to create, to give, to help others, to appreciate, to experience, to cherish, to love!

Although I have never used recreational drugs (legal or illegal), it would seem to me that drugs would tend to dull the senses which would only inhibit FULLY experiencing this wonderful life.

Plus drug use tends to create dependency and sometimes addiction, which leads to a whole other set of problems. I am so thankful that I neither want nor NEED to use a substance for pleasure or to satisfy a dependency.

I consider myself very fortunate that I never had any desire to try drugs of any kind. I suppose I’ve always gotten “high” on life. I enjoyed participating in sports with my friends (and have been blessed with much success and recognition in those areas of my life). I also have savored other joys in my life – my friends and family as well as many activities and interests that give me complete satisfaction.

But, I guess, that is just me.