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Don't give in to drugs and drink

Suresh's story

Suresh was to sit for his G.C.E. (O/L), when he began using drugs. Coming from a middle-class family of four, being the eldest and only son, he was expected to perform exceptionally well in his studies. His parents often made it clear to him, that it was his responsibility to look after the family.

"My father didn't earn a very good salary, so I didn't want to disappoint them. I started concentrating on my studies, but found it tough. Two boys, in the boutique next to our house gave me a small packet, which looked like powder inside. They said it would certainly make me feel better and I would be able to concentrate better. And indeed, it did help for a while.

I met these guys again and they introduced to me to the man, who supplied the packets, but he wanted more money for them. So I started asking money from my parents, saying that I was attending a tuition class and they willingly gave me. I pretended that everything was normal.

But I couldn't concentrate on my studies nor did I want to give up on drugs. Eventually I failed my exams. Everything in my life started falling apart; my parents suspected something was wrong with me, because I was acting weird. I lied to them and lost my temper often. Ultimately they took me to a rehabilitation centre. It was difficult at the beginning but now I am completely out of it".

Suresh was lucky that he had a family to care for him and help him deal with his problem before it was too late. In his case, it was not only the pressure from his family that made him turn to drugs but also the friends whom he went to, to discuss his problem. Parents do play a key role, when it comes to children. Rather than moulding them according to what parents want, parents should help the kids grow up to be unique and special individuals. They should talk to kids about drugs and their harmful effects before they come to know about it from the wrong person.

Mohammed's story

In Mohammed's case, it was solely peer pressure. He began smoking and taking alcohol with his friends at the age of 16. He felt a sense of belonging, when he was with his friends. He started dealing with his problem last year, after he nearly died when the car he was driving met with an accident.

"My parents instilled good values in me. But at school it was different. Most of the boys were from good family backgrounds. While I was feeling bored and left out, they had a lot of friends and they were enjoying life. It seemed unfair. One boy told me that I too could be one of them if I began smoking and spent my money lavishly on parties. So I started doing exactly that. I had lots of friends, and everything was going well. At 20, I became an alcoholic...Now I am learning to be different. I don't need friends or alcohol to feel good.

Mohammed was sensible enough to realise that he has gone too far and that he should put an end to his problem. People should learn to say no. By being assertive and learning good decision-making skills they will be able to overcome peer pressure. Learning to say no, will not only save you from a lot of embarrassment but the most important - it will keep you alive and well.

These are stories from youngsters who were willing to share their experiences with others. But there are many who are suffering in silence due to social stigma and fear of rejection. Above all, there are many who are yet to reach out for help.

To stop the pain, suffering and waste of young lives, we must resist drugs. Our goal for the future should be prevention for as we all know - "Prevention is better than cure".

SLANA (The Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association), is working towards a drug-free society.

For further information contact SLANA, 121, Kynsey Road, Colombo 8. 
Telephone: 688311, 
e-mail: slana@sri.lanka.net or
visit their web site at www.slana.lk.