The “Super-6”: If You Had To Remember Just Six Things About This Unit . . .

1. All cases of addiction, and the resulting negative life consequences (including death), come from a person trying a particular substance ONCE. One time is all it takes.

2. Nobody is an “occasional” user. Whether it is a legal substance (e.g., cigarettes) or a more dangerous substance (e.g., cocaine), eventually a person will crave the substance and the time between uses will decrease.

3. The earlier people become habitual users of drugs and alcohol, the greater the risk! When people are older, they are more mature, developed, stronger. This means physically and mentally. Every piece of research conducted, as well as the lessons from recent presentations indicate that people who experiment with drugs and alcohol at young ages (before 18 years old), rarely have positive outcomes. The negative outcomes cannot be ignored or erased.

4. Be careful of what you hear in the popular media (e.g., TV, internet) and from your peers. Many sources will encourage drug and alcohol use and portray it is “not that bad” or fun, or common. Some sources will even argue to have marijuana legalized as we have seen debated in the political forum in recent years. People who argue for its legalization, or portray it as less serious or fun are largely uneducated and ignorant. They are looking to legalize marijuana based on their own selfish needs as opposed to what is best for society. Most drugs are still illegal and will remain this way as will drinking alcohol before the age of 19 (Canada).

5. Support is key! People who avoid drug and alcohol use, especially at younger ages when peer pressure and desires to experiment are greater, have a common aspect in their lives: they are involved in activities that they are committed to, motivated in, and that they enjoy. These activities include sport, music, dance, religion, etc. They are activities that involve physically going to places and being with like-minded individuals. These individuals are sources of positive support. Physical activity in particular seems to be a common positive force in the battle against drugs and alcohol as it produces good feelings beyond what can be obtained from drugs and alcohol. Physical activity also seems to put the body and mind in a constant “healthy state” which makes people more aware and less susceptible to dangerous substances. It also helps with decision-making and provides necessary self-esteem to make the right decisions.

6. There is no “code” that exists for people doing bad or illegal things. It simply doesn’t exist and is something you have “heard” or seen in a movie. If someone is buying, selling, doing drugs and you know about it – you are responsible for telling an adult. The “good” that will result from this situation far exceeds the “bad.” Teenagers who follow this fake “code” are the same teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol. Despite the impression that seems to be prevalent among peers, people are rarely physically-harmed for telling an adult when someone is doing something wrong. Labels such as “rat” or being “on the loose” are just that – labels. Always consider where these labels are coming from (the source) and whether you want to be associated with that person or past of that group of people.