Substance Abuse, Essay Example

During my adolescent years, I have grown up with my parent’s constant advice on staying away from alcohol, smoking and drugs. My parents are both strict and sometimes, overprotective in bringing us up. They have served as good role models during my younger years. My mother devoted her time to us, guiding us and managing the household. Meanwhile, my father works as a manager at a good company. He has the occasional drink once or twice a week, and never more than a glass or two. I have never sought to question the wisdom in their advice to me as I have personally witnessed its effects on a close relative and his family.

My uncle worked overseas for several years and was earning good money. Several years later, I would hear whispered words about drugs and rehabilitation. When he came home, I noticed that he was thinner, gaunter and seemed to have aged rather quickly. The next thing I knew, my uncle’s marriage was on the rocks and he and his wife had parted ways. My parents would reiterate to us the dangers of substance abuse and somehow alluding to how it wrecked my uncle’s life. So I grew up with this firmly in my mind; that substance abuse could only bring about negative effects. As I grew up, I did try smoking and alcohol, as teenagers do. But I drew the line when it came to drugs for I saw how my uncle changed from a smiling young family man to an old man, living alone without his family by his side. The battle he fought to overcome his addiction is evident on his face. Though he is fully rehabilitated now, he remains estranged to his children.

Though I wish my uncle’s fate could have been different, his experience has served as a lesson and a reminder to me to stay away from substance abuse. I have learnt to curb my curiosity, knowing that nothing good will come out of the experience.