What's the big (drug) deal?

Why do some people feel the need to talk cobblers about drugs? What is it about this subject that makes them claim some world authority on it? The reasons can be complex, but peer pressure is often central.

It's natural to want to fit in with your circle of friends - to feel that you belong. Nobody wants to stand out for the wrong reasons, or find they are under the spotlight for a failing of some kind, and this is most apparent with issues that generally aren't discussed from an early age, such as taking drugs.

The problem with mates

Nobody is born with an in-built knowledge of drugs. Even so, we all know someone who claims to have guzzled this, smoked that, and come back from a trip to beat them all. That's fine if you're able to match what they say against what you know, and draw your own conclusions. But problems arise when you are unsure what, or who, to believe. 

Here are some classic myths:

"I was told that if you did acid more than 10 times you were classified as insane by the government" (false)

"Taking acid is like taking 10 Es!" (false)

"Coke must be good because it's expensive" (false)

Such claims might look stupid on the screen, but when presented with confidence by someone you like and admire, it can be hard to know what to think. Often, it's easier to simply agree or invent a drug experience of your own so you don't stand out as a novice.

So who knows what?

People rarely set out to deceive. Some might make a big song and dance about drugs in the hope that you won't dare question their knowledge. But then many others repeat something they've heard as fact just to see how people respond. It's a messy way to filter out the truth, however, and again risks spreading misinformation.

Find out the facts

Whatever claims you hear, you owe it to yourself to be sure of your facts. If you feel uncomfortable challenging a claim, you can check it out in confidence - and in your own time - with TheSite's drug factsheets or through or next steps box on the left.

Updated: 12/04/2010