“I have strong willpower; I’m not addicted.”
Wrong! Anyone can become addicted. This has no direct relationship with the strength or weakness of willpower. Personality disorders can sometimes lead to substance use. However, there are many people who are addicted even though they do not have such a disorder, and conversely, many who do not have such a disorder are not addicted. In short, individual characteristics are an important factor in addiction. However, there is no absolute cause-and-effect relationship between addiction and personality traits.
“I can control myself.”
Wrong! This belief is the first step toward starting to use drugs. The thought, “I can control myself,” leads to a lack of hesitation about entering environments where drugs are used. However, the safest course of action is to avoid such environments.
“Substance use strengthens friendships.”
Wrong! Substance use does not improve friendships. You should be skeptical of the alluring aspects of substance use. Substance use causes red eyes and swollen eyelids the next day, which isn’t a very pleasant sight. Furthermore, when under the influence of drugs, a person often says nonsensical things or becomes completely self-absorbed. In this state, they communicate less effectively with others and, as a result, are unable to strengthen their friendships.
“Using addictive substances helps a person expand their social circle.”
Wrong! Over time, the social circles of people who use addictive substances either shrink or come to consist of others who use similar substances. Using these substances does not make people more liked or valued by others. People who are willing to take risks may win the admiration of others for a short time. But in the long run, the most popular people are those who fill their lives with healthy habits and positive experiences.
“Everyone uses it, and nothing happens.”
Wrong! This line of thinking stems from a person’s effort to find like-minded individuals. The vast majority of people—including young people—do not use drugs. It may take time for young people to witness the harmful effects of drug use among those in their social circle. Just because nothing is happening to them today doesn’t mean they won’t experience the harmful effects of substance use tomorrow. The percentage of people who lead happy and productive lives among those who do not use substances is definitely higher than among those who do.
“There’s no harm in trying it once.”
Wrong! “Once” is the first step toward “many times.” Because after the first use, the person is no longer afraid to use the substance. They have learned where to find it and how to use it. Furthermore, some substances can be addictive even after the first use.
“Only weak people become addicted.”
Wrong! A person does not become addicted because they are weak. After becoming addicted, they gradually become a weak person over time. Behavioral and personality changes emerge after a while as a result of drug use.
“It’s okay to use it once in a while.”
Wrong! Addictive substances cause rapid damage to the body, even when used only occasionally. Long-term, intermittent use causes psychological and chemical changes in the individual. On the other hand, many people start out intending to use them only occasionally. However, they later become addicted without even realizing it.
“The substance is harmful only to the person using it.”
Wrong! An addicted individual loses their social productivity and begins to live as a consumer. They are forced to commit crimes to obtain the substance. To sell the substance to a wider circle, they try to get their close relatives or those around them hooked on drugs. Furthermore, the money paid for drugs directly or indirectly funds terrorist organizations.
“Go ahead, it won’t do any harm. It’s not addictive either.”
Wrong! Substances described as “natural” and claimed not to be addictive may not cause physical symptoms of dependence such as sweating, tremors, nausea, or vomiting when used. However, they do cause severe psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia and irritability, and lead to very strong psychological dependence.
“All addicts should be imprisoned.”
Wrong! Incarcerating addicts does not solve the problem. It does not cure the person’s illness. After treatment and rehabilitation, an individual can recover and stop using drugs. A person released after serving their sentence will start using drugs again if they have not received treatment.
