TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT YOURSELF; YOUR LIFE IS GOING UP IN SMOKE

Ask Rhona - Rhona Raskin

HI RHONA: I'm 17 and have been smoking marijuana for two years. My parents
know about my habit but don't approve. They say I'm stupid and constantly
tell me all the negative things about it. I know it's unhealthy mentally
and physically, but I'm OK with it because I'm happy. My parents keep
pressuring me to live the life they think I should live. How can I make
them understand that I just want to smoke my dope and be happy? -- Smiley Face

Dear Happy: I won't bother to list the reasons that smoking anything is bad
for you (and yes, a joint is equivalent to smoking several cigarettes). The
real issue here is that you live in your parents' house where they clothe
and feed you as required by law, and hopefully love you as a bonus. It is
your duty to respect the rules of their domain until you have one of your
own in which to indulge yourself. Although there are many who support the
decriminalization of drugs, it does not address the problems that regular
users have in terms of motivation -- and some even become addicted. If you
already know it is unhealthy by your own standards, ask yourself why you'd
want to risk limiting your freedom. For instance, if you were busted it
could affect your ability to travel; many countries will not allow you in
even for this minor violation. Think this through and be sure it isn't just
because your friends partake. I don't think there's a way to make your
parents understand, so forget about that. It's your life. Your decisions,
your consequences.