Every drug user starts out as an occasional user, and that initial use is a voluntary and controllable decision. But as time passes and drug use continues, a person goes from, being a voluntary to a compulsive drug user. This change occurs because over time, use of addictive drugs changes the brain – at times in big, dramatic ways, others in more subtle ways, but always in destructive ways that can result in compulsive and even uncontrollable drug use. The brain changes range from fundamental and long-lasting changes in the biochemical makeup of brain to mood changes to changes in memory processes and motors skills. These changes have a tremendous impact on all aspects of a person’s behavior. In fact, in addiction the drug becomes the single most powerful motivator in the life of the drug user He will do virtually anything for the drug (167 Phillip).

Growing up my mom always made it very clear to me that in no point in my life am I ever to experiment with drugs. She would always explain you start taking them casually and then the next thing you know your body can’t function without it. Once you are addicted it will control your life and it can happen to anyone. I would always brush her off as being paranoid & strict.

After reading this passage & reflecting back on mentioned experiences, I am reminded of a boy from my town that graduated in my sister’s high school class. He became involved with heroin from a young age and became addicted quickly. What’s most scary about this is that the drug can physically change your brain & its biochemical make-up. A person may think they can control the usage but as the article mentions, your brain has a different “agenda”. After a certain point, it can come to a time in which the body physically can’t function without it. The boy who graduated with my sister struggled with addiction for a long time. Last year, he passed away from drug overdose.

It is extremely scary when it comes to a point where a substance has more control over your body than you do yourself and you are not able to break the cycle. Addiction cases may not always end so tragically and will vary depending on how a drug interacts with each individual, however there is a chance of this happening. As the article mentions, occasional users do not use drugs to become addicted, it happens during the process. I truly believe that this is a big misconception when it comes to drug use. Anyone can start using drugs every once in awhile and never think they will become addicted. Users think that they are in control, when in reality they can be controlled by the substance. I think that school’s/ anti-drug programs often portray what can happen if you become addicted, but they never really explain the science/ brain changing component. Adding in the fact of loss of control or potential real-cases may help adolescents understand dangers a bit better and the risks of the situation can become a bit more real.