Why Are “Trust Fund Kids” so Often Attracted to Drugs?
There are many theories bandied around as to why the wealthy class or even upper middle class families are so susceptible to drug abuse. The theories are numerous and often make sense, however I would like to offer my own here and also at least a partial solution.
For 18 years I conducted drug education classes in roughly 225 schools a year. From feedback I received from health teachers, principals and headmasters all over the country, the drug problem with children from the more privileged class was one of the worst. Granted, that is in no way a formal study of any kind, however that was my personal observation over and over again.
My viewpoint is as follows: First, people need a game in life. They need something to strive for. This seems to keep them upbeat and at least somewhat happy. Secondly, if they don’t have a game, they will create one and some of the games they decide to play are not the healthiest.
When a person is just simply given everything they need — like a comfortable home, plenty of food, car and clothes — they don’t really have to work toward a goal. They are protected from outside influences and so don’t learn how to weather the challenges that other young people might face. And they are often not asked to contribute anything to the family or the community. In that environment, it’s hard for that person to conceive of a goal or even a reason for one. Often, that person will create a new game. All too often their goal becomes the pursuit of a drug high or taking risks. Once a person is addicted, then the game becomes “how do I achieve this high yet continue to function.”
That may seem way too simplified, yet I have worked with individuals on the Narconon program since 1978. The last step of their program has always involved orienting the person towards creating personal goals and then helping them with a step-by-step program to attain them. When they are on the road to accomplishing their own chosen goals, more times than not we have a drug-free person, now playing the game they always want to play.
Again, this may be a simple answer to a complex problem, but I have observed this one aspect repeatedly in the last four decades. Once the person is stably off drugs or alcohol, getting them striving to achieve goals can be a very workable therapy.
