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Reflection Centre

Substance abuse is a huge problem across the world. It usually starts in teenage and

adolescence. During this time, a person is exploring the world around them and exploring
their own limits. They are at a sensitive age where everything seems confusing. Research

shows that remarkable growth spurts take place during the teenage years. However,

the parts of brain responsible for pleasure develop sooner than those parts which are
responsible for decision-making and understanding risks. This is why most individuals

experiment with alcohol and various drugs during this phase of life. They are excited about

the pleasure and thrill, but are unable to assess how risky it is for their safety and health.

Dangers Of Substance Abuse

All of us want to look cool, especially to our peers. For this reason, we often resort to

shortcuts to popularity and get distracted or charmed by harmful things such as drugs
and alcohol. You must have heard stories of how people were tempted by their friends or

seniors into substance abuse. However, there are no shortcuts in life. Substance abuse can

in fact open a doorway to hell.

A drug is a chemical substance which can change your body processes as well as psychology,

when consumed. When we take these drugs to cure a medical condition, we call them
medicines. But when we consume drugs for fun or experimentation, it is known as drug

abuse. People consume drugs by inhaling, injecting, snorting, taking it orally, etc. They

consume drugs usually for one or more of the following reasons:

1. To give themselves a pleasurable experience.

2. To help them feel better if they are having a bad time.

3. Out of curiosity as their friends are using them.

If you wish to stay away from substance abuse, then you can do the following things:

1. Avoid places where you know drugs and alcohol will be available.

2. Surround yourself with friends who do not do substance abuse.

3. Engage in meaningful activities as a way of resisting temptation.

4. Learn how to cope with stress and relax without opting for external substances.

5. Develop hobbies or recreational activities like exercise or listening to music.

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