The number of people suffering from addictions is growing. Why? How can we prevent others and ourselves from getting addicted?

It is quite clear that every kind of addiction is a huge problem of civilization. It is not a problem of twenty first century but it started hundreds of years ago. However the most dangerous addictions come from drugs, alcohol and also from cigarettes. All of them causes illness threaten our health and even lead to death. Some of them ruin their careers, their happy family life and lead up to conflicts with other members of the family.

Many teenagers reach for drugs to relax and to cope with the stress and problems of their life. They experience a lot of pressures at school, from parents or friends, they are bored and frustrated. Not only teenagers but also people, who have a responsible job, start to take drugs. They have to work a lot, no matter if they are tired or sick. They think that taking drugs is the best way-out. However, they do not realize how dangerous and deceitful it is.
Alcohol abuse is also a serious problem. In fact, drinking alcohol is a kind of generally accepted social custom - especially in our country. Polish drink on every possible occasion: celebrating a weeding day, a birth of a child, a first job or promotion. Alcohol is also a common “cure” for family problems, lack of money, professional failures, depression, loneliness or boredom.
Another problem is smoking cigarettes. Many young people are convinced that smoking has a lot of benefits. They think that they look more mature when they hold a cigarette. Teenagers girls replace food with a cigarette because they think that it help them to get slim. They reach for cigarette when they are nervous, worried or depressed. They even claim that thanks to cigarettes they do not feel shy and their social contacts are made easier.

The most difficult is to overcome those habits. The best way is never to start it, but if the habit already exists we must be very strong willed to stop it. There are a lot of organizations which help addicted people to return to normal life. There are also special clinics for alcoholics and addicted from drugs where well-trained staff helps them to get rid of habits. We can also find many ways of giving up smoking. It is never too late to stop taking drugs, smoking or drinking alcohol. The most important(thing) is strong will and determination.

In my opinion there should be more educational films, books and leaflets distributed among people to show the consequences of smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs. If the results of addictions were described (presented)in schools and clinics by teachers, doctors, sociologist and psychologists the young would be more aware and be much more careful.