So what's the problem with abusing drugs - as an emotional painkiller or whatever?
Well, drugs are like roses that grow in a garden. They look attractive but -
They've got sharp thorns ! !
Some of the 'thorns' - or risks - associated with drug abuse include:
Risk to personal safety - danger of death or injury by overdose, accident or aggression.
Damage to health - including brain damage, liver failure, mental problems etc.
Legal consequences - risk of imprisonment, fine and criminal record.
Destructive behaviour - that can harm self, family and friends.
Another - more insidious - risk associated with drug abuse is:
LOSS OF CONTROL
This doesn't happen to everyone. Many people drink alcohol or smoke cannabis occasionally and feel no compulsion to drink or smoke more. Some have tried heroin or cocaine once or twice and decided not to take those drugs again. They're lucky. They haven't lost control.
But many people do loose control of their drug abuse. They discover that drugs - like roses - have got thorns. And they can hurt . . . they can hurt a lot.