by !Baha, 7 August 2009 - Republished on 15 March 2010

"JUST SAY NO!" says the anti-drug-use slogans

It's difficult to say NO, sometimes it seems impossible. We've all been in situations where we're offered something and saying NO would hurt the other person's feelings, or you'll look like a snob, you'll not 'fit in' with the crowd...

What happens when they are your "friends". You want to fit in, be 'in' with the crowd, and you're afraid if you don't go along with the crowd, you'll suffer and be rejected? What harm can it do? Just once, you tell yourself, not aware that you'll get hooked on some types of drugs immediately.

Here in Hong Kong, there's been a string of reports on teens using and 'pushing' so-called 'recreational' drugs ... 'RECREATIONAL'?!
I need a 'recreational' drug like a final exam in advanced physics WHY? Because drugs numb your normal senses more than an exam in advanced physics ever could, numb and bore you MORE than physic ever could! HAHA!
At least with physics, you're developing useful knowledge in a field of studies.

DRUGS are harmful because they are extremely addictive AND they are illegal, and thus the drug 'mules' have to hide their illegal contraband - so guess what guys?

Drugs are more often than not, transported under rather unhygienic conditions, such as being swallowed in rubber sacks and then POOPED out, so think about that -YUCK!- you think you're looking cool getting high on those nifty pills, but what you're doing is swallowing something that's been in some loser's digestive track!

ADDICTIONS are difficult to overcome, PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE:
Once you start a bad habit, it’s difficult to stop, and that could lead to an addiction. Addiction means a person has lost control, and are trapped into doing and indulging in certain types of activities repeatedly. Many people are addicted to alcohol, smoking, computer gaming, gambling,..etc. By far, drugs is the most wasteful.

HERE'S A THOUGHT ...Real friends wouldn’t ask you to do drugs. CHOOSE BETTER FRIENDS, don't you deserve a chance at life? More likely than not, those who want you to use the drugs only want your money, they don’t care about how harmful it is, what they are offering isn't friendship.

HOW TO SAY NO?
1. When somebody asks you to try drugs:
Be firm and confident, say, “No, thanks!”

Don’t worry, although you'll lose some 'friends' if you refuse, but you'll have better friends in future, definitely.

DISCOVER YOUR TALENTS: replace bad habits with good ones
Drug and other kind of addictions often severely impede your ability to function, the longer the addiction, the worse off you are.

TRY SOMETHING challenging WHERE YOU IMPROVE OVER TIME: reading, traveling, music, movies, drama, pets, gardening, sports, … and many more BETTER CHOICES. CHOOSE achievements that can help you to discover your hidden talents, raise your self-esteem and be more confident as you grow up and start your own family.

Say YES to the things which can help you grow and make you full of hope for tomorrow ... it begins with you!

Please also read ... Let the Punishment Suit the Crime: too harsh punishment equals injustice too! If You Party, Stay Safe, Use the BUDDY SYSTEM LIFE LESSONS: Teen Power! Teens protest smoking in movies directed at youth LIFE LESSONS: "Teenage Gambling- Throwing a Life Away?" Is sympathy in short supply when smokers get lung cancer? Interview with Dr. Judith Mackay, MBE: Tobacco Control Campaigner Dr. Judith Mackay MBE: "THE FREEDOM TO SMOKE - is it really FREEDOM or is it a lifelong BONDAGE and ADDICTION?".. May 31 is WORLD NO-TOBACCO DAY Check out all our blogs in “CURRENT AFFAIRS & FASHION”