Editor’s note: This story was written by a high school student in Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation’s Summer Youth Leadership Program. This story is part of a special back-to-school issue.
By Jake Hwang
SYLP STUDENT
Jake Hwang
Why do water and alcohol look alike, yet have vastly different effects on a person?
No one has been cited for “driving while hydrated.” But what is the chemical cause for the mind-altering effects of drugs and alcohol?
I decided to research this, so let’s start with a basic overview. In your brain, there are thousands of cells called neurons constantly communicating with each other using chemicals to send messages. This can be compared to the hundreds of messages an avid texter might send every day.
In the brain, both marijuana and alcohol release chemicals — THC and ethanol — which disrupt the messages in your brain and in some cases, alter the messages altogether.
Now imagine your younger brother or sister who has gotten a hold of your cell phone.
Because THC and ethanol target areas of the brain responsible for memories and perception, when you finally do find your phone (sober up), you may discover that messages (memories) have been erased or your friends’ perception of you might have changed.
Whether you do them or not, drugs are extremely prevalent in high school. Being teenagers, it is in our nature to be curious and want to try new things.
Not only are teens influenced by peers, but media, parents, and emotional stress can drive a teenager to try drugs. Stress may lead a teen to want to forget their problems over a beer or a joint or a pill. Parents who drink or smoke regularly may see no harm in letting their teen join them.
Media and popular artists can have just as much influence as a parent. If a teenager sees his or her favorite music group doing drugs, he or she may think that doing those drugs can help them connect with their favorite band.
No matter what the reasons are, teens will always be intrigued by the drug culture. Whether their ideas lead them to experimentation or to speculation is up to them. ♦