Exemplification Essay
Avoiding Drugs as a Teen
We have all probably been offered some form of drug before, from pills to marijuana. Some of you may have accepted these offers, making excuses and telling themselves that it could not possibly go poorly. Some of the time, those poor souls are lost in the world of drugs, unable to escape back into reality. Avoiding drugs is the first and best step to staying healthy and non-addicted, and though it may be hard due to peer-pressure and other variables, in the long run, saying no to drugs is what people should do. There are many drugs in the world that could be offered to teenagers these days, such as cannabis to cocaine, that are all bad. Many people will state that cannabis, or “weed,” is not harmful and cannot and will not have adverse affects on the body and mind of teenagers and adults. This is ignorant and wrong. Cannabis is what is known as a cannabinoid and causes a varied range of affects on the user. Cannabis has psychoactive and physiological effects when consumed, called a “high.” This “high” can cause red eyes, a decrease in short term memory, dry mouth and impaired motor skills. There is an increase in heart rate and a decrease in concentration and will to work. The real danger of cannabis is that it is a gateway drug. Most people who take part in other, addictive drugs say that cannabis introduced them to drugs. Another important reason to not smoke cannabis is that it is against the law. If an officer of the law catches you smoking, you can go to jail. Getting high is not worth going to jail! Another drug teenagers must be careful not to take is ecstasy. Ecstasy is called MDMA and is either a powder or a pill that induces euphoria, a sense of intimacy with others, diminished anxiety, and mild psychedelia. This drug is against the law and is addictive. It is also possible to overdose or become dehydrated and die from MDMA. MDMA also can cause disorientation, paranoia,