Article translated from Periódico Educación
We are constantly being deceived by the idea that some harmful, damaging, and ugly acts are attractive. For example, using substances like tobacco or engaging in violent and disrespectful sexual relationships. Due to the intense social pressure that young people face to submit to these practices, it is necessary for us to learn and teach how to strip away the appeal of these actions in order to counteract the dominant coercive narrative that pushes people toward them. We must address this issue from a preventive standpoint, anticipating and promoting the desire to avoid such acts. For this, we must be very clear that the first times do matter. Regarding toxic relationships, the false statement “it doesn’t matter if it’s just once” is sometimes heard, while evidence points to the opposite: the first affective-sexual relationships experienced have a crucial impact on future relationships, shaping preferences and choices.
The first times are also important in other concerning issues, such as the consumption of addictive substances. There is growing concern, for example, about the rising trend of habits like vaping, even among elementary school children. Using a vape, in fact, predisposes individuals to start smoking regular cigarettes. The deadly effects of tobacco consumption are well-known, but do we truly understand all the triggering consequences of starting with this addictive substance?
Eric Kandel, a Nobel laureate in medicine and an international authority on neuroscience, dedicates Chapter 9 of his book New Biology of Mind to addictions and the importance of choosing whether or not to engage in these habits. He explains that certain addictive substances block the brain’s ability to control our desires; addictions cancel out free will, the ability to choose freely between different actions.
A terrifying detail about addictive substances is that the brain becomes tolerant and needs more of it to feel the same rewarding pleasure. The environment in which consumption takes place is key because it creates what are called “positive associations.” The addicted person learns to associate the initial effect of consumption with certain places, people, smells, songs, moments, etc. When these circumstances are recognized by the addicted person, they stimulate the desire to consume, expecting to feel that initial effect. Therefore, even if the addicted person no longer feels pleasure from that same dose, they will consume more if the environment reminds them of the expectation of pleasure. And we know that the memory of the reward can be even stronger than the reward itself. It is important to clarify that the term “positive association” in this context does not mean it is beneficial, as one can deduce, but rather a technical term within the addiction field. Of course, as concluded in the final reflections, the goal is to create positive and beneficial associations that link healthy habits with pleasant and enjoyable moments and experiences. The consumption of addictive substances alters the brain’s reward system, causing a loss of sensitivity to pleasure from other activities or stimuli. For these reasons, one way to help, in addition to creating literally positive associations, is to avoid contexts, people, etc., that remind one of consumption. Kandel explains that future treatments will also focus on erasing these negative associations created by addiction.
Another aspect highlighted in the chapter is the case of tobacco: “it is a first step toward addiction to cocaine or heroin.” Nicotine prepares the brain for addiction to other drugs, alters neurons to respond more intensely to them, and increases the likelihood of consuming them. This detail indicates that choosing to start smoking tobacco (or other addictive substances) does matter. Kandel is blunt: “While the addict may have initially chosen to try the drug on their own, the subsequent brain disorder diminishes the ability to choose freely.”
All of this evidence gives us certain premises to consider and, also, hope, which we must discuss with teenagers by creating safe spaces for these conversations:
- Avoiding harmful acts and substances is key.
- We are free to choose whether to try (or not try) a substance; but consuming it results in the loss of that freedom of choice.
- Stripping away the appeal of harmful behaviors.
- We must promote safe, free environments that shield young people from social pressures pushing them toward these practices.
- We must make it clear that the phrase “it’s harmless to try just once” is false; it is a dangerous myth with devastating consequences.
- We must build moments and contexts filled with healthy, enjoyable interactions and stimuli for minors, creating pleasant, rewarding experiences that foster beautiful memories and positive associations with healthy practices and relationships.
- Prevention is always better, but it is also possible to quit those habits if they have already been experienced; it’s never too late.
- We must make it clear to society, especially to young people, that not everyone has tried substances or engaged in violent relationships. It is necessary to clarify and say loud and clear that there are those who have never done it and never will, and for this, they are brave people who fill their lives with beauty, happiness, health, and are truly free.
Primary Education Teacher and English Specialist