This is the second in a series of articles exploring the prevalence of drug and alcohol use in today's society. I've received some interesting responses to the first article in this series. Some people feel that I should make a distinction between drug ''users'' and drug ''abusers.'' They feel that one can keep things in moderation and drugs can be a viable method of relaxation and escape. My personal philosophy is that if you never take the first drink, if you never smoke the first joint, if you never pop the first pill, then you will never become an alcoholic or a drug addict. There is safety in abstinence.

Even though my personal belief is to abstain from these substances, this is really not the point of this series of articles. I'm not writing them to explore legalization, illegalization or even whether doctors should be able to give marijuana to sick and dying patients. What these articles explore is WHY do ordinary every-day people who have everything to live for feel the need to get ''high'' at all? Why does any form of escape need to include altering our brains? It seems to signal an increase in people needing to get away from reality. Why don't they spend their money getting massages (which are relaxing and a true escape) instead of drugs? Taking a weekend getaway instead of dropping a few hundred dollars per night on cocaine? Why does ''recreation'' and ''fun'' have to equate to ''let's get blitzed out of our minds?'' The point is that as a people, we can't stand ourselves. WHY?

Why?

There are several popular opinions that attempt to answer the question of ''Why?''

• We don't get enough physical activity. Physical activity produces endorphins that act much like a natural drug, easing pain and giving a sense of euphoria (a natural high). Some believe that our bodies are designed hooked on this 'high.' And since we do not obtain that high in natural ways due to our sedentary lifestyles, we seek it in chemicals. Recovering drug addicts are often encouraged to exercise as a means of overcoming their addictions -- producing those natural endorphins in their bodies.
• Children are left to their own devices. Drug use is starting at an earlier age typically around the age of 12. More and more children are being left to raise themselves. They aren't kept busy with positive activities and aren't taught to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Their parents may even use these substances, and thus see no harm in it.
• People want instant gratification. In today's instant world prevalent with get rich quick schemes and technical gadgets, people are looking for quick fixes. They want to take a pill and make the pain go away.
• Today's society has more pressures. Some believe that as a society we have more stress so we need more help in relaxing.

Let's Get to the Root of It

All of these are interesting answers to the question of ''Why do everyday people -- successful people -- feel the need to escape with drug use?'' Yet, I contend that these are simply symptoms of a much bigger problem. We still haven't hit the root of it. So what is the root of it? It's spiritual. People don't know who they are. They don't have a clue why they're here on this planet. They don't know where they came from, and they don't know where they're going after this life. They don't see the ''big picture'' so they get absorbed in the day-to-day distractions and often live in a state of hopelessness.

It's like going on a business trip where you're supposed to fulfill a specific sales assignment, but you get sidetracked going shopping, to movies, then go to a bar and forget why you're on the trip, get hung-over and never show up at your destination. You miss the whole business meeting and lose the sale. That's what some people do with their lives instead of staying on target -- going on their trip, studying their presentation, going to the meeting, closing the sale, and coming home with a new account and a big fat commission check.

Most human beings fail to see that there is a plan for why we are here and what we are to become. As people learn this plan, several things happen:

• They gradually come to understand their own self-worth in the grand scheme of things; they begin to have hope.
• They learn that their lives have meaning and purpose. They learn that where they go next is somewhere phenomenal and that they are part of something very remarkable and glorious.
• The reality of today starts to look better and better. Where they want to go with their lives and for eternity looks brighter and brighter.
• As they begin to see their existence through the light of an eternal perspective, the darkness of their habit becomes clear. They begin to see that they don't want to escape from reality anymore. They want to reach their destination and stop getting sidetracked from their course.
• The problems and challenges in their lives turn into blessings rather than things to hide from.
• They develop a reason to live.
• It's a struggle, but as the waste they have made of their time and their talents becomes increasingly evident, they are repulsed by their addictions and have the courage to fight them and overcome them.

Marnie Pehrson helps people live healthier and happier lives by removing the toxins from their homes. For more information Click here.

Marnie Pehrson, a mother of 6, has been highlighting truth and talent for 15 years. Whether it's writing a novel that spotlights individuals who've made a difference in the world or helping a talented entrepreneur create a platform for his life's work, Marnie underscores truth and talent in innovative and compelling ways. She is the creator of www.IdeaMarketers.com and helps experts promote their products and services online. For more information on her various projects and books, visit http://www.pwgroup.com. Contact the author, Marnie Pehrson , at marnie@pwgroup.com
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