Why Youth Should Avoid Smoking Weed and Other Drugs

As someone who's personally been through the struggle of smoking weed and is now in the difficult process of stopping, I want to share my story and the important lessons I've learned. While weed has become more socially accepted in many places, it doesn't change the fact that it is still a drug with powerful effects on the mind and body. The idea that it's harmless just because it's "natural" or "common" is a dangerous myth.

For anyone thinking about using weed or other substances, I want to make one thing clear: just because something is socially accepted doesn’t mean it's without risks. It’s easy to convince ourselves that weed is harmless, especially when we see it being normalized in popular culture or even legalized in some areas. But even though it might seem "safe," using weed can have long-term effects, especially on young minds that are still developing.

I can tell you from experience that smoking weed may seem like an escape or a way to fit in, but over time, it can take a toll on your motivation, memory, and emotional stability. The high you get from weed might feel great in the moment, but it doesn't last, and chasing that high can lead you down a difficult path. For me, it became harder and harder to stop, even though I knew deep down it wasn’t healthy for me. I became dependent on it to cope, and that dependency slowly started to shape my life in ways I didn’t want.

One of the biggest things I've learned is that weed can also affect the type of people you attract into your life. When you're caught up in drug culture, it's easy to surround yourself with others who are in the same situation, but often, these relationships aren't built on real connection. It becomes about the substance rather than about shared values or goals. That’s something I didn’t realize until I started distancing myself from it.

I’m not here to judge anyone, but I do want to make it clear that drugs—whether it’s weed or something stronger—can pull you away from the person you want to be and the future you want to create. It can feel impossible to quit once you’re in deep, and it often takes a lot more strength and time than you initially think.

If you're young, you're still figuring out who you are and what you want in life. That’s why it's so important to make smart decisions now, before substances like weed take hold. You don't have to follow the crowd, and you don't need to turn to drugs to cope with stress or fit in. There are so many better, healthier ways to take care of yourself and build meaningful relationships.

To anyone who's struggling with addiction or feels caught in the cycle of substance use, know that you're not alone. The process of stopping is hard, but it's also one of the most important things you can do for your future. It might be tough, but every step toward recovery is a victory.