After spending hours on schoolwork, many students like to find ways to unwind and enjoy themselves.
Some students may go to the park, some might see a movie and others might enjoy themselves by partying and having a cocktail or two.
But before a student should decide whether to have a drink or take any mind alternating substances, they should consider what they are up against.
For example, consumption of alcohol has the effects of dizziness, slurred speech, nausea and significantly impairs judgment and coordination.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), students who may drink constantly can develop permanent damage to vital organs such as their brain and liver.
Students who don’t drink but still use drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine and Ecstasy, face similar symptoms but they also are up against fatal damage as well.
When a 15-year-old girl decided to attend this summer’s Electrical Daisy Carnival her family had no clue that she wouldn’t make it home. The 15-year-old girl was pronounced dead at California Hospital Medical Center in late June on a suspected drug overdose of Ecstasy.
NIDA also states that Ecstasy provides mental stimulation and increased physical energy which many rave-goers enjoy.
However, adverse health effects of Ecstasy include blurred visions, chills, nausea and at times can be lethal.
These characteristics while being under the influence are very dangerous, not only for the consumer who decides to drink or do drugs, but also for the others that are around them.
Andrew Gallo, who is 23 is now facing up to 50 years in prison for being charged with murder because he chose to drive while under the influence.
According to the Associated Press, Gallo spent hours bar hopping with his stepbrother right before he took the lives of Courtney Stewart, Henry Pearson and rookie Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart
Gallo also admitted to authorities that he was too drunk when he got behind the wheel of his parent’s minivan, but still decided to take the risk of driving that night.
Little did he know that one simple night out on the town would change not only his life, but also the lives of the people killed by his drinking as well as those they left behind.
No one can truly know their limit when it comes to alcohol or taking drugs. Being under the influence we can tell ourselves that we can handle more than we really can.