The predominant attitude towards drugs is negative, perhaps due one of the most salient points: most of them are illegal.

In the heart of Egham is a park infamous for the drug taking which goes on during the day, yet we turn a blind eye to in hope that this factor won’t tarnish reputations. This causes a vast majority of the population to remain ignorant towards the influence and power drugs have over us.

Media publications shape views on recreational drugs by exploiting negatives of overdose and death. We fail to recognise that causes of such unfortunate circumstances lie much deeper.

The pressure on young people, particularly students, is so intense that even those who believed they would never use drugs resort to them as a method of escape and release.

We judge - without questioning - the reasoning behind user’s actions and choices, instead blaming stupidity and peer pressure, but reasoning changes depending on the person and situation.

Considering that our preconceived views disallow us to make the connection that one drug can be both positive and negative, we must not forget that scientific drug developments now increase life expectancies and save lives.

As long as drugs have medicinal purposes they will be available and will impact our community. I believe that instead of ignoring those affected by drugs, more needs to be done to accept and aid their problems, to prevent them from feeling alienated in our community.