When you see the words: Teens, Drugs and Crime in the same context, what crosses your mind? Anything alarming, unusual or surprising? Probably not, but what if I added the word: Manipulation? Now, what crosses your mind?
Well, consider the average teenager who indulges in the drugs of the new generation. These would include, but are not limited to Molly, Ecstasy, Heroin, Wax, Loud, Meth and the most common, Syrup (codeine or liquid oxy with soda). A cocktail of the above listed drugs can alter a teenager's perception instantly and drastically. Would this mind alteration lead a teen to commit a crime? Of course it could! The key word is: Could! I'll just focus on: yes, a teenager may commit a crime after using a cocktail of the above drugs. Moving on to the actual crime, could it be violent, victimless, non-violent, just one of the above or all of the above? The answer is: All of the above.
This is where I bring back the word: Manipulation. Depending on the crime committed by the teen, he/she can manipulate the justice system. I've heard many cases about teenagers, drug use and using the defense related as such. This is ridiculous in most instances. These teenagers get off with a slap on the wrist, not learning their lessons and most times, returning to the same drug use. "The drug made me do it" defense gets them off, but justice is never served.
The gap can be closed only if the effects of these drugs are studied in their totality. Research needs to be completed on an individual bases. No one drug, illegal or not, effects everyone the same. If Sue has an abusive family history, but overcomes this through therapy; the day she takes Molly and Syrup will be completely different from the day Billy takes it. Without therapy, Billy still holds a grudge against his abusive parents. Hence, leading to him murdering his family while on the trip of Molly and Syrup. Of course this is an extreme case, but plausible. Researches should use all experiences in a teen's life before coming to a conclusion which puts all teens on drugs in the same general category. A teen's criminal activity may not be solely linked to their drug use. Other factors are present when a teen commits a crime.
Let's really get to know our youth before we make broad assumptions. Drug use or not, these children are our future. Helping them vs. shunning them can make all the difference in the world.
Peace & Love
Well, consider the average teenager who indulges in the drugs of the new generation. These would include, but are not limited to Molly, Ecstasy, Heroin, Wax, Loud, Meth and the most common, Syrup (codeine or liquid oxy with soda). A cocktail of the above listed drugs can alter a teenager's perception instantly and drastically. Would this mind alteration lead a teen to commit a crime? Of course it could! The key word is: Could! I'll just focus on: yes, a teenager may commit a crime after using a cocktail of the above drugs. Moving on to the actual crime, could it be violent, victimless, non-violent, just one of the above or all of the above? The answer is: All of the above.
This is where I bring back the word: Manipulation. Depending on the crime committed by the teen, he/she can manipulate the justice system. I've heard many cases about teenagers, drug use and using the defense related as such. This is ridiculous in most instances. These teenagers get off with a slap on the wrist, not learning their lessons and most times, returning to the same drug use. "The drug made me do it" defense gets them off, but justice is never served.
The gap can be closed only if the effects of these drugs are studied in their totality. Research needs to be completed on an individual bases. No one drug, illegal or not, effects everyone the same. If Sue has an abusive family history, but overcomes this through therapy; the day she takes Molly and Syrup will be completely different from the day Billy takes it. Without therapy, Billy still holds a grudge against his abusive parents. Hence, leading to him murdering his family while on the trip of Molly and Syrup. Of course this is an extreme case, but plausible. Researches should use all experiences in a teen's life before coming to a conclusion which puts all teens on drugs in the same general category. A teen's criminal activity may not be solely linked to their drug use. Other factors are present when a teen commits a crime.
Let's really get to know our youth before we make broad assumptions. Drug use or not, these children are our future. Helping them vs. shunning them can make all the difference in the world.
Peace & Love
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