In college, it seems that everything is no big deal, everyone wants to have fun and “everyone does it” whether that means drinking, drugs, or any other activity. You hear all of the warnings about how important it is to stay away from certain things such as drugs and alcohol; “you can get addicted,” “it isn’t worth it,” “you never know what can happen to you.” At times though, people– myself included– write off the warnings and think, really do think, “It will never happen to me.”
Recently, I have received a reality check and seen just how important these warnings are. Within the past week and half there have been three separate cases in which people I know, from different aspects of my life, have passed away from substance overdoses. All three of these people were in their 20’s, the prime of their lives, and way too young to pass away.
The most important thing that I have learned is that moderation is the most important part. It does not make you cool to “blackout” every weekend and to have to rely on your friends to help you reconstruct your night. It is also so important to not do things solely because others are. Every single person’s body reacts differently and just because your friend did something and was totally fine after the fact, does not mean your body will be able to handle it, whatever “it” may be. If you are not comfortable with doing something, do not do it. People honestly respect others more when they are able to say in a non-judgmental manner that they are not comfortable and do not want to do things such as drinking or other dangerous activities.
Next time, whatever situation you may be in when you are out, consider the consequences and do not push yourself to do something you do not want to do.