The Risks of Experimenting with Drugs

The Risks of Experimenting with Drugs

Many people may be under the impression that experimenting with drugs is not harmful. If one is only trying drugs, what harm is there? Unfortunately for those who opt to try drugs, there are a number of risks applicable not just to hardcore drug users, but also those who simply wish to experiment.

Curiosity regarding drugs can lead to experimentation. Experimentation, in turn, can lead to substance abuse. In time, a person can combine substances when their curiosity about mixing products arises. They may then go on unintended drug binges, engaging in high risk activities. An example of a high risk activity would be unprotected sex (Experimental drug use, n.d.). Unprotected sex carries risks of its own, including unintended pregnancy and the exposure to or development of a sexually transmitted disease. An individual might also experiment with a drug and then drive, causing an accident and injuring themselves or others. Even if an individual does not drive, they may be physically impaired by a drug, which may result in them falling and getting hurt or experiencing any other kind of accident which can occur when one is debilitated (Alcohol & drugs, n.d.)

In many instances, an inclination to experiment with drugs begins when individuals are put in social situations where there is peer pressure to do so. Teenagers and young adults in particular are vulnerable to such conditions and experiences. Even dabbling in drugs out of curiosity can lead to long term effects. These can include "impeding brain development, unwanted pregnancy, social anxiety and health problems" (Experimental drug use, n.d.).

In many instances, experimental drugs use is limited to certain, more widely available drugs. This can include, but is not limited to, marijuana, ecstasy, amphetamines, prescription pills and/or a form of psychedelic drug. Even when experimenting, individuals can accidentally overdose and this can lead to death (Alcohol & Drugs, n.d.). If a person does not know what they are taking or where it is from, they may actually be putting into their bodies an impure substance, which increases the risk and likelihood of the individual suffering some sort of injury as a result (Alcohol & drugs, n.d.)

Depending on the type of drug with which one is experimenting, there can be additional risks. For example, if trying a drug for the first time which is ingested