During a group meeting at a drug rehabilitation center, I met an 18-year-old boy. I asked his name, where he was from, and what drugs he was using. He said that his main drug was marijuana, but admitted that he liked pain pills, alcohol and occasionally used crack cocaine. 

Having heard that one-third of drug users have their first experience with drugs at 11 years old or younger, I asked how old he was when he first used illegal drugs. “I was 8 years old when I first smoked marijuana,” was his answer. “Who introduced you to drugs?” I then asked. “My daddy,” he replied. 

His answer didn’t shock me, because I’ve heard stories like this before. The youngest I ever heard of was a 5-year-old boy, and his dad was the supplier of the drugs. 

I realize that most people find this hard to believe. Yet many people who can’t imagine a father giving his child an illegal drug have no problem seeing an adult give a child a sip of beer or of a mixed drink at the same age. 

I shared this comparison with someone and their response was, “That’s like comparing apples and oranges!” 

The reason for such rationalization is that we still have not accepted alcohol as a drug or an illegal drug for people under the age of 21.

Getting back to the 18-year-old at the treatment center. When the session was over, I asked if his dad was still living. He said that he was. I then asked if his dad still used drugs. “No,” he answered. “He’s been drug-free for four years.” 

I left him with these words, “Your dad helped you get started on drugs.  I pray that you will follow his lead in living a drug-free life.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.