The decision to use drugs, if you are an adult, is pretty much up to you. But you may be at a place in life where you are not as sure of that decision as you used to be. Whether you are an addict or a recreational user, the way your drug use impacts those around you may help you decide to stop. 

Younger Family Members: If you have younger siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, they may look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps. While they are very young, they have no idea what you do in your spare time, but as they get older they will probably figure it out. Is it really the example you want to set? Or, would you rather show them that correcting the problem and moving forward can be accomplished? 

Parents: Whether you live with your parents or not, they love and worry about you. They want you to be safe, healthy and happy. If they know you are using drugs, it causes them stress. Those arguments that seem like judgments are actually masks of fear. They are afraid you will die, end up in prison or contract a terminal disease through drugs. Most parents love their children unconditionally, so whether you stop or not, that isn't going to change. But they would sleep a lot easier if they knew you were on the road to recovery. 

Spouse: For better or for worse takes on a whole new meaning when one is married to a drug user. You know the drill: lies, money problems, arguments and hurt feelings. What a wonderful anniversary gift it would be to stop using. 

Friends and siblings: It is hard when they can't depend on you. Broken promises and canceled plans get old after awhile. If you have noticed those people slowly distancing themselves from your life, it could be because of drugs. Do you want them back? 

Evaluating how drugs impact the lives of those around you and your relationships with those people may not be a pleasant task. But if you are honest with yourself about how things have changed since you started using, it may be the first step toward recovery.