The Benefits and Drawbacks of Being Drug Free

I am drug free. I've been drug free virtually my whole life, save for that one cigarette I smoked in elementary school. There are a lot of benefits to being drug free, most of which are obvious. There are drawbacks to this lifestyle, though, most of which deal with the social stigma of the choice.

There is some debate about the definition of 'drug free.' Besides the obvious traits like not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, there are some aspects that seem to be up to the individual. Some people believe that caffeine should be avoided in order to be truly drug free; while other believes its effects are so minimal that it doesn't count. Because the definition is so hotly debated, it's better to define what it means to be drug free for yourself and than to abide by what others think.

What's my personal definition of 'drug free?' Besides abstaining from drugs like alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana, I also am caffeine free. If I ever ingest caffeine, it's the trace amounts found in chocolate. The good news is that I don't really like chocolate and rarely eat it. I also try to avoid taking over the counter or prescription drugs unless absolutely necessary. I don't want to depend on a chemical that alters my body.

It's a great feeling not to rely on mind altering substances in order to have fun. This is one of the benefits of being drug free. Most benefits are health related, such as being clear minded and in control. Many people grow dependencies on drugs and alcohol, often ruining their life. Being drug free not using mind altering substances as an excuse for making bad choices.