Reflection

Reflection

            The people that came in to speak to us today had a strong message to share with us.  The message was how drugs and alcohol ruined their lives and how they got into that life changing situation.  What’s surprising is the age that most of the men started to use, for many of them it was between ages twelve to fourteen.  Many of the people had a rough childhood while many of them were super stars.  In my opinion the two main factors that kids and teenagers get into drugs is; peer pressure, and ease of access.  Everyone knows where to get it and everyone knows someone who uses.  My opinion was consistent with many of the opinions of the men that came to speak to us.  Many of the people that use are just trying to fit in with a group of people they consider to be “cool” or fun to hang out with.  Many of the men started with marijuana or alcohol and that progressed into the use of other, stronger, drugs.  I think it was interesting that even the ones with a good upbringing or a family with strong values can sink into the use of many drugs. 

            I think that this is one of the best ways to get the message out to kids and teens.  It is better than having someone who has never used drugs, or never had an alcohol problem come in and talk to kids and teens because they have never experienced the peer pressure of today to get into drugs.  People like school consolers can never be as good at sharing the message the men did because in most cases they have not been in a situation like the men were in.  The presenters were surprised at the amount of people using or know of someone who is using.  In my opinion it should not have surprised them.  It is unreasonable to think that in today’s society most teenage kids have not tried drugs and alcohol, or know someone that has.

            I agree with the message that the choices you make today can affect the rest of your life, for better or worse, which was a common theme in the presentation.  These choices that we make will change the rest of our lives, so they say that it is important to stop using drugs and alcohol and seek help.  The message that the men had was very impacting and I believe that they should continue the message.  The way that they conveyed their message in my opinion was one of the best ways.  I think one of the most important parts was when the