As we all know, the use of drugs in modern society is prevalent. But does anyone really know how prevalent they are, and how many people are using them?

I am a teenager and naturally I hear things and see things that older people do not. I see my friends, acquaintances and peers, and I hear about the things they do. It is no mystery that teenagers are going to experiment, because this is the stage of our lives when we must learn who we are and what we want. The drug user seeks solace in the unrealities of the trip. They are happy for the trip, and they are satisfied.

But they, too, must learn the trip is not reality.

The drug user thinks in the present, what am I feeling, when will I feel this no more? The future is just a grain of sand in the hourglass that is this user's life. The moments drift on and on with or without the user's knowledge, and when the ride is over, the user seeks another ticket.

The strange thing about drugs is that they do not change the present, they only change the mind's perception of the present. They tell us we are not bored anymore, or they tell us we are now sleepy and no longer alert. They change our perceptions, not our personalities; however, perception may influence personality.

The drug user seeks an alternate reality, and they are satisfied with their unreality. They feel fake emotions at the predetermined times, according to their drug or drugs of choice. Their conversations consist of drugs, their realities consist of drugs. Even if someone is a weekend warrior or a once-a-month type, sometimes people get dragged into the lifestyle and then they join that lifestyle.

My point is that eventually all good things come to an end. Drugs are no different. In fact, drugs are like the standard on which you base any "good thing" coming to an end. And these users should realize this even before they take any drug.

But they are so focused on that alternate or supposedly better reality, it blinds them.

Eventually, the drug user should realize that anything that is real, whether it is minute excitement or major fear, is infinitely more rewarding than the fake feelings. At this point, the person is presented with two choices: embrace the beauty and pleasure of life, or end up living in a hell of half-truths and lies.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. Peter Reindl is a sophomore at Munster High School.