Why are drugs and alcohol more commonly used now than ever before?

1. By Jemma, Jenny and Rebecca!  Why are drugs and alcohol more commonly used now than ever before? Why is it just during this decade that motivation towards drugs has increased? Why is society such a big reason behind this problem?

2. Why are an increasing amount of people illegally consuming drugs whilst participating in sports events? • Too many athletes are denying and using drugs in sports events illegally. It’s wrong, illegal and gives competitors an unfair advantage. Too many competitors lie for the sake of their own success. This dilemma is increasing over the years as drug use is becoming not only more common but easier access is also happening. “As an athlete, I know I am responsible for whatever that goes into my body. I would not intentionally take an illegal substance of any form, into my system.” - Simpson, 28. This conveys the athletes denying the drug use. • Evidence of this huge problem includes suspects speaking out and the later testing toward these competitors which have denied their use of the drug. “As an athlete, I know I am responsible for whatever that goes into my body. I would not intentionally take an illegal substance of any form, into my system.” - Simpson, 28. This conveys the athletes denying the drug use. “Earlier sources close to Jamaican athletics said five athletes, including two Olympic medallists, had tested positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs at the championships.” This factual information shows the illegal drug use during worldwide events is true.

3. Why is a high amount of teenagers unconscious and overdosed on weekends so common? • Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night the paramedics of the St John ambulance receive calls from teenagers and young adults who have overdosed on drugs, party pills and various amounts of alcohol. These extreme pains, unconsciousness and poison is sure to have both a harmful and long term effect. It’s also a problem because these accidents or overdoses are inevitable, as Sonya Heath says; “I think people will get alcohol, regardless.” "Unfortunately, this is our “Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights . . . They are our biggest nights for assault and alcohol related calls," Heath says.” “ “I think we’ll always have this problem,” ” - Sonya Heath. • Weekends are spent rescuing young adults and teens from drug and alcohol abuse because young adults are inclined to be risk-takers and want to experience thrilling sensations. It does not help that they are influenced easily by their peers and do not want to miss out on possibly exciting/memorable/funny events.

4. Bibliography • www.wada.org.nz • www.urge.co.nz • www.nzdrugfreesport.org.nz • www.health.govt.nz • www.stats.govt.nz