I honestly don't know the answer. I didn't realise how deeply entrenched it was in our society until our own family was touched by it. Our two eldest sons and almost all of their male cohort tried weed. Some moved on to harder drugs, some died, some committed suicide, most dropped out of society , these are all boys who came from stable middle class families. None came from broken families, didn't fit that stereotype. Those who moved on to heroin or similar, ended up on the street. No jobs, they turned to crime for money for drugs. Very few girls of their cohort did this. Puzzled, I quizzed those whom I knew well enough that they would talk to me, they started out because of peer pressure, and the rush from risk taking, doing something illegal, thumbing their nose at the system. Much the same as my generation started sneaking into pubs for that sneaky drink.
Most said they moved onto stronger stuff because they didn't want their mates to think they were wimps.Thankfully, most of these took a step back when they saw what they were getting into. Those that didn't, became full blown addicts, and took up selling the stuff to get more drugs. There seems to be no end of suppliers to help them do that.
Addicts lie, steal, beg , their personalities change, they become unrecognisable to their family & friends. What to do? Back in the day of my sons'cohort, they had no dedicated programs at school on the danger of drugs. Sure, people such as police would come in before " schoolies" [ another practice I disagree with, schoolies] and talk on the danger, but what hyped up year 12 student is going to listen?. Besides, by then it's too late. I believe the dangers of drugs should be part of the school curriculum, [ perhaps it is now, but I'm willing to bet it isn't] From year 7 onwards, children should be educated , shown videos of the destruction drugs brings to families, recovering addicts should be made to go to schools and let the kids know first hand what drugs can do to them. That should be part of their rehab.. I know first hand how difficult it is to turn young people away from drugs once they are into them. Watch your children closely, if their personalities change, they become different people, question them, watch who their friends are, no matter what remain a friend, don't push them away. Let them know they have a home to come to, if they need to get away from the drug scene. Apart from that, all that is left is prayer.
