clinchem blog notes 30 b LAB LETTERS

“Alcohol and tobacco are the two most abused substances. Each year, in the United States, more than 100,000 people die as a result of alcohol use and over 430,000 as a result of tobacco-related use.”



There was once a time when I said I wouldn’t try any alcohol or cigarette. Well that promise proved me wrong. Thanks to my “good influence” friends, I got my first kick of alcohol. I didn’t like it at first. It didn’t taste any good. I even have to cover my nose so just not to smell its awful spirit. But I observed while drinking, everything just seems so fun –the experience, the laughter and the bonding. And guess what? I didn’t even notice that I was able to finish it and something tells me that I want more.

After we finished, everyone was out of their minds (not drunk) aside from me. I can still stand and walk straight and still have a good perception. This is when I realized that I might have a high tolerance of alcohol. People get surprised when they see me drink. They say it doesn’t fit my personality. I may not look like a drinker, but believe me; this “good boy” can “withstand high doses of alcohol.” I just tell them I am swimming in alcohol when I was still in the womb. Well I guess the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” is indeed true. But one thing is for sure. I DON’T ABUSE ALCOHOL.

I made another manifesto: I WILL NEVER SMOKE A CIGARETTE. I’m glad I kept this promise of mine. I have friends who smoke. I ask them why they do it and what do they feel. I got a very simple and straightforward answer. “Inalok ako eh. Masarap ang pakiramdam. Nakakatangal ng stress.”

This is probably one of the reasons why most events never run out of alcohol and cigarettes. It just makes the atmosphere and the crowd more invigorating and of course peer pressure. i guess all teens should remember that on the highway of life, whenever conformity hangs a left, good taste is sure to take a mean right.

But of course the major factor why alcohol and cigarettes are heavily abused is because it is
LEGAL. You can buy as much as you want, anytime and anywhere because its very cheap and you can find it anywhere. "Sa dalawang piso, makakaraos kana." Anyone can buy it. I remember before that I was asked to buy cigarette and alcohol from the store and it was easy as 1-2-3. Just hand over the money and there you have it. Take note I was 6 years old at that time. Isn’t there suppose to be an age limit? I know minors aren’t allowed to drink or smoke or even just buy one. But I guess there are many people who are not aware of this. So the third factor would be: rules and regulations are not properly implemented.

There are a lot of tv commercials and posters portraying that it is COOL to smoke and to drink. After encouraging people to use their products they suddenly say that it is bad for your health. It is good though because they remind the customers of the risks. In spite of the efforts, the perception of “being cool” masks the awareness of healthy living.

The abuse of the mentioned substances is not confined to what I have stated. There may be more factors that I do not know of.

“….in the long run a spark may turn into the destructive fire….” Always remember to take things in moderation. Once you’re addicted, it is hard to get out of it.

P.S.
To someone I really love,

I pray every day that one day I see you quit smoking. You know it’s bad for you. You have a reason for doing it –and I know why. I know quitting will be really hard –have another reason. If you can’t do it for yourself then do it for me.

Clinchem30 b fact # 4