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According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the past 20 years, the number of arrests for drug abuse violations have gone up by over one million per year. This means that business is booming for drug dealers. But, what leads to this success? A large portion of it is the salesmanship of the drug dealers. Here are 10 things a drug dealer might say to you if you are purchasing drugs, and why they are untrue.
1. “This will make you feel better.”
The truth is that while drugs may give you a “high” or “rush”, it doesn’t last long. Additionally, most times you feel worse after coming down than you did before you used the drug.
2. “This is 100% pure.”
The chances of purchasing a pure drug are astronomically low. Drug dealers will look for any means of cutting costs and maximizing profits. This includes cutting their drugs with inert or harmful substances.
3. “This will make you cool.”
This is an especially effective marketing ploy when dealing to youths. However, the only thing it will really make you is a criminal. Purchasing drugs is illegal.
4. “This will help you get girls (or guys).”
This is a common refrain from dealers of club drugs, but there is no drug that will increase your desirability to the opposite sex.
5. “This will help you relax.”
Drug dealers will say anything to make a sale.
The anxiety and guilt that come with drug dependence or addiction are anything but relaxing. Unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, you should never take drugs to treat any mental disorder.
6. “This will help with (insert physical ailment).”
Again, you should never self-medicate to treat any condition. Only a doctor is qualified to tell you what drugs to use, how to use them, and in what doses to ease your ailment and prevent side effects.
7. “This is side effect free.”
No drug is free of side effects. The frequency and potency of side effects depends on each person’s body chemistry, and drug dealers are not qualified to make decisions on that.
8. “This is the best price I can offer you.”
It is unlikely that a drug dealer will purposely undercut themselves. They are in business to make money.
9. “There’s nothing in this that can harm you.”
All illicit drugs, by their very nature, are harmful. There is a reason that so many of them are classified as Schedule I drugs by the federal government. Namely, that they have no medicinal or research value, and are highly likely to be abused and cause addiction.
10. “I would never cheat you.”
This statement is common, and laughable. Drug dealing, like any business, thrives on dishonest marketing practices. If they are not cheating you, they are not making money.
According to the Foundation for a Drug Free World, drug dealers do not care about you, only your money. Essentially, drug dealers will tell you anything they need to in order to make more money. If you or someone you love is struggling with a drug addiction, the best thing you can do is get help. There are a number of treatment options available, from medication to rehab. The sooner you get the help you need, the sooner you can be on the road to recovery.