To my mind, we are faced with a situation where substance abuse seems to be the order of the day, especially with this present generation.
For years, people of all ages have used substances, or liquids, to obtain ‘highs’ for mind-altering moods. The object is always about getting bold or being courageous, or being in the frame of mind that sets them in a mood of comfort. But the reality is that drugs of any type, or alcohol, affects people differently.
For instance, one can smoke a joint and get engrossed in creativity, while to some it is about lazing about. The same can be said about drinking alcohol: some see it as a stimulant, while for others it can make them passive and disconnected to their expected jobs or chores.
And there is also an associated cost, and compared to years ago, the cost of substances or alcohol of any type has become more expensive and because of its potency, more addictive.
This means more money to enjoy the so-called pleasures and thrills in life, but a lot more people are less productive, and conflicts and abuses seem more apparent.
The trades in tobacco, rums and dope are normally referred to as bread-making ways and it’s all about and seen to be about making money by any means necessary, despite the consequences.
So, whether some obtain such goods legally or illegally, the trade is always booming because of needs and wants and acceptance.
A whole nation is being affected, a lot of the young are depressed, some sickly, some disenchanted and some just generally lost. The mix of cigarettes with cannabis – and now hash – is causing major stress and health issues, but few seem to take notice.
Substance abuse is causing poverty, addictions is causing criminality to rise and values are changing daily. Disrespect has taken over Respectability. The kids are now the big users at a younger age – and parents seem to have no advice or control on these social habits that most indulge in. Some are so high most of the time that they neglect other responsibilities for self or family – and in most cases their loved ones, including their spouses.
My point is if we do not pay attention to our social habits and our continual indulgences, one day we will wake up and discover we have a country of zombies and non-progressive persons, some with more money but plenty of mental issues.
We cannot continue to go down that route. We must take control of our faculties and what continues our distress must be dealt with in a serious way.
Pleasures are fine, but not being able to control such habits are both fatal and dangerous.
The generation of today are the ones to take over tomorrow, but if their vision is impaired, or they lack focus or self-control, I do not see their tomorrow being progressive.
I am no priest, nor am I a counsellor or a preacher of doom and gloom, but based on what I see and notice, I am worried about this lifestyle and mode of living.
We have started another new year and I am starting another year writing, but I continue to sound the warnings from 2023 in 2024, that if we don’t take a stop and check ourselves, we should get ready to correct ourselves before it’s too late, or we should get ready to sing the old song about ‘One Day, One Day, Tangalay…’