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Drug mugs


Hannah

Hannah, 21, is studying fashion and culture at university. She loves wearing dresses, heart-shaped necklaces, and drinking red wine.

Hannah thinks people should stop thinking they are indestructible and give up drugs for good.

I'm not trying to be a killjoy, but I really don't understand the whole drug culture. Why do people decide to subject themselves to such a dangerous game?

When I was younger, a lot of my friends were on the edge of the drugs scene, and gradually, for one reason or another, they got dragged in. They'd try to entice me into their world by saying: "Go on Han, you only have to do half a pill," but as much as they pushed the peer pressure didn't work. I think the image of people gnawing away at their own faces, with pupils as big as saucers was what put me off. Not attractive.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against having a good time. I love getting dressed up, going out, having a few drinks and behaving like an idiot. But why do people need a chemical high to dance all night when I can do it on a vodka and orange?  And what's worse is when people brag about it: "I did six pills last night." Yeah? Good one, you look really cool this morning with all those red marks on your chin.

Mind you, this is coming from the girl who once had two puffs of weed and was high as a kite. We all try it at some point or another, but perhaps the real reason I now refuse to take drugs is because I hate the feeling of being out of control. On the other hand, maybe I'm the one who's mistaken, and actually, popping a few pills and snorting a line of cocaine off the toilet seats in the pub is actually, really cool. To be honest, I'm not convinced. 

I can't be the only person who sees visions of Leah Betts dying in her hospital bed whenever drugs are mentioned. I know her death was an extreme case, but why do people detach themselves from the truth and convince themselves it will never happen to them? 

"Maybe I'm the one who's mistaken, and actually, popping a few pills and snorting a line of cocaine off the toilet seats in the pub is actually, really cool. But to be honest, I'm not convinced."

It makes me want to scream and shout and have a tantrum.  What's the point? With me it's so black and white - if you do drugs, you're an idiot.  And if you think you're really something special for doing it, then you're even worse.  I can't even be bothered to talk to you.

Sometimes I think I only have this strong opinion due to my inexperience.  Five seconds later, I'm back to my original opinion. For anyone who's considering using drugs, I urge you to read the book Junk by Melvin Burgess. Then you may realise that drug taking can spiral out of control and ruin your life.

I'm really not trying to preach.  I'd love to hear from someone who could convince me of the real benefits of feeling like you're a Teletubby or Superman, or thinking everything's made of chocolate. OK, so I might not need so much convincing on the latter, but seriously... what's the appeal, especially when you have to suffer from the comedowns the day, or even weeks, after?

The fact that I drink and I smoke might make me a complete hypocrite.  Many people would argue that drink and cigarettes kill more people than any drugs, but I'm not exactly a 40-a-day smoker who puts a shot of vodka in her morning tea.  A few drinks and the odd cigarette will hardly have the same effect of sticking a needle in my arm on a regular basis, will it?

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