MY WILLPOWER IS STRONG, I WON'T BECOME ADDICTED
Anyone can become addicted. This is not absolutely related to the strength or weakness of willpower. Some mood disorders can sometimes lead to substance use. However, there are many people who become addicted despite not having such a problem, or conversely, who do not become addicted despite having such a problem.
I CAN CONTROL MYSELF
This belief is the first step to starting substance use. The thought "I can control myself" results in not hesitating to enter environments where drugs are used. However, the safest way to choose is to avoid these environments.
SUBSTANCE USE ENHANCES FRIENDSHIP RELATIONS
Substance use does not enhance friendship relations. The appealing aspects of substance use should be approached with skepticism. Due to substance use, eyes may become red and eyelids may swell the next day, which is not a very pleasant appearance. Additionally, under the influence of substances, a person often says meaningless things or focuses only on themselves. In this state, they communicate worse with other people and therefore cannot improve friendship relations.
USING ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCES HELPS EXPAND ONE'S SOCIAL CIRCLE
The social circles of people who use addictive substances either narrow over time or consist of people who use similar substances. Using these substances does not make people more loved or valued. People ready to take risks only gain admiration from others for a short time. But in the long run, the most popular people are those who fill their lives with the right habits and beauties.
EVERYONE IS USING, NOTHING HAPPENS
This thought stems from the person's effort to find allies. The majority of people and youth do not use substances. It may take time for the young person to see the harms of those around them who use substances. The fact that nothing happens to them today does not mean they will not see the harms of the substance tomorrow. The proportion of those who live happily and productively among non-users is definitely higher compared to users.
NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FROM USING ONCE
"Once" is the first step to "many times." Because after the first use, the person no longer fears substance use. They learn where to find the substance and how to use it. Additionally, some substances can cause addiction even with just one use.
ONLY WEAK PEOPLE BECOME ADDICTED
A person does not become addicted because they are weak. After becoming addicted, they become a weak person over time. Due to drug use, behavioral and personality changes occur after a while.
SUBSTANCE ONLY HARMS THE USER
The addicted individual loses their social productivity and starts to become a consuming person. They may have to commit crimes to obtain the substance. To sell substances to a wider circle, they try to get close relatives or those around them accustomed to drugs. Additionally, the money paid for the substance directly or indirectly goes into the coffers of terrorist organizations.
IT'S JUST WEED, IT'S HARMLESS. IT DOESN'T CAUSE ADDICTION
When substances claimed to be natural and non-addictive are used, physical addiction symptoms like sweating, trembling, nausea, and vomiting may not be observed. However, severe psychological withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and irritability appear, and a very strong psychological addiction develops.