ESCAPING THE REALITIES OF LIFE

What kind of person is most likely to use drugs and for what reasons? A common characteristic of all young drug and alcohol users is the lack of both spontaneous daydreaming and a satisfying fantasy life. This may sound ridiculous, but very true. Users are restless and impulsive. They seek outside stimulation and lifestyles, and drugs offer change. Hard drug users, as well as those who use depressants and stimulants, seek an escape from normal reality. They are less likely than soft-drug users to have rich daydreams or to use their fantasies to solve problems. They are mostly victims of harsh realities of their daily lives.

By contrast, nonusers appear to be more orderly, more conformist, and more interested in achievements and in the future. Their daydreams reflect these characteristics.

"A painful reminder that drugs

are not always the answer!"

WAKE ME UP, PLEASE!

A friend asked if coffee really helps to keep you awake. He has been transferred to the night shift and cannot help falling asleep while on duty.

What I know is that one of the stimulants common to most of our lives is caffeine found in coffee, tea, and some cola drinks. Stronger, more dangerous stimulants included in this category are the amphetamines, the family of drugs sometimes called "uppers" or "speed." Drugs of this type stimulate the central nervous system. They increase arousal and attention so that the user remains alert and wakeful, even though long hours without sleep. Powerful stimulants initially promote feelings of paranoid fears, and auditory hallucinations. As with other hand drugs, users develop a tolerance for amphetamines and they must be taken in larger and larger doses to achieve the euphoria that is sought. Not much is known about how these drugs work in the body.

Aha! sleeping at work, ha!