The Connection between Drugs & Gangs

The Connection between Drugs & Gangs

Drugs and gangs go hand and hand; there is no separating the two. When I speak of drugs I am referring to both marijuana and alcohol as well. I am an ex-gang member and have used drugs also. An individual may deny that they have a problem with addiction because they think that they are able to function. The problem is they don’t see they are functioning in a dysfunctional environment. How can someone tell you that your life is out of control when everyone around you is just as out of control as you are? The bottom line is there are many factors that shape us and create who we are. If you are using drugs I would like to tell you that your life is not real. It is a façade, a mirage of what your circumstances, family, gang, drugs and personal choices have created. The main drug of choice on the street today is Methamphetamine. Within the past 5 years Meth use has increased in potency and continues to destroy the lives of the user, family and society. Meth is a central nervous stimulant that produces euphoria “high” that many compare to cocaine. The main difference is that unlike cocaine Methamphetamine has a longer effect on the user.

Identifying a Meth User

• increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
• flushed or tense appearance
• dilated pupils
• bloodshot eyes
• a chemical odor on their breath
• excessive sweating
• rapid speech
• inability to sleep or eat
• severe weight loss
• rotting teeth
• scars and open sores “speed bumps”
• paranoia
• hallucinations (often times auditory)
• repetitive behavior
• memory loss
• depression
• psychosis (resulting from lack of food, water and insomnia)
• teeth grinding
• restlessness
• tremors

Our bodies were not created to be deprived of sleep, food and water and when this happens our bodies will respond in various ways. There was a story I read in an article. The author said, “I had a friend that was about 13 when I first met him. He was a good kid, but thanks to the ‘homies’ and drugs, a monster was created. Within a few years he had changed completely. He was very delusional, paranoid and involved in risky criminal behavior. I remember seeing him standing outside staring up to the sky. He looked like a lost little boy. It hurt me to see him this way. He’s dead now from a gunshot wound.”

Not only does the use of drugs destroy your life, but it also causes you to make foolish choices which increase your risk of dying. The great thing is that if you are reading this article that means that you have an opportunity to get help, or to help the one you love who has a drug problem.

This was not written for all the gangsters out there. This was written for those individuals who are tired of being sick and tired. What is going to make the difference in your life is not being told to change, but to be pointed in the right direction and be shown how to change.

People do not become drug addicts over night and they will not change completely over night it is a process.  It takes ACTION!  There are many organizations that can help you but you cannot get the help you need unless you take the first step.