If you are someone who travels, you might love the adventure of being in a new place. However, there are risks that take place no matter where you go. Even if you use drugs in an unfamiliar place, there are dangers and consequences that will happen.
This guide on travel and drug use is based on information from travel experts. If you are dealing with an addiction yourself at any stage, you want to hold off on any travel plans you have. Then head to Infinite Recovery and make sure you get the treatment you need.
Even if you haven’t used drugs, the risk of trying them out on vacation can be dangerous. Let’s go further into the guide and explain the details of what can happen.
Drug use and safety consequences
Someone can take drugs like MDMA while they are partying with friends and fellow travelers. While they are high on this drug, they can engage in risky behavior. This can result in them doing something that can seriously injure or kill them.
The healthcare system in one country could differ from the United States. On top of that, the procedures may also be different as well like how medics handle a patient safely. Imagine getting high and next thing you know, you’re awake in a hospital thousands of miles away from home.
You’re seriously injured and it can be a nightmare. Even worse, if you were to die from a drug-related incident, it can be a complex issue getting your body back home. This is why travel insurance is vital if you are going abroad (whether you decide to take drugs or not).
Not only that, someone may also be under the influence of drugs while unaware of their behavior. They may disrespect local customs, get lost in a place they are not familiar with, and even end up in seedy areas. Furthermore, they could end up in an area where robberies and violent crimes frequently occur.
There is also the presence of other health issues that can occur. You can contract infectious diseases and other blood-borne illnesses. To put it in simple terms, dangers and risks are everywhere.
It’s important to keep yourself aware and safe. Drugs will lower this amount of awareness and put a risk on your personal safety.
The potential of legal issues
Now, we take a look at the legal aspect of drugs and how they are enforced across parts of the world. The drug laws will vary from one country to another. A person in the United States could be incarcerated abroad for possession even of the smallest amount.
Even some places around the world will have strict penalties for drug related crimes. Possession of a drug that can get you a small amount of jail time in the US could be years in another country. Drug trafficking, a major crime, can be punishable by death in 38 countries in the world.
That’s why you want to check your bags before you leave the country of origin. The same goes for before you depart back home. You may possess drugs, even inadvertently.
It may be enough to warrant stiff penalties in accordance with their judicial system. This can cause plenty of headaches and frustration between the governments of both your home country and the destination. The communication will go through several channels, making it a difficult process to get you released.
The last thing you ever want to do is be incarcerated in a prison for drugs. Especially when you are on the other end of the world and away from home. Some penal systems outside of the United States may have less than ideal conditions.
It’s important that while you are in another country, you need to be aware of certain laws and customs. Plus, the police force in various countries may also be corrupt and cause trouble for you. Policing in the United States is different from most countries (depending on where you are traveling to).
Some may require bribes in order for you to be released. Note that bribes may be illegal in various countries. However, depending on how corrupt a police force is in a country, it may be enough to let you go instead of facing trial.
In the end, you may be settling for financial consequences. It may be better to be short on cash than being in jail.
What do you need to do when traveling?
Before we wrap this up, it’s important to go over a few things when you are planning your travels. Here are some tips that you’ll want to follow if you are going to a new destination:
· Who are you traveling with?
Are you traveling solo? If so, have contact information on where you’re staying. If traveling with friends, you’ll want to consider the idea of sticking together, if possible.
· Plan where you’re going
It may be a good idea to get a plan of where you may be going. What are some of the ‘unsafe’ areas of your destination, if any? What is the crime rate like?
· Say ‘no’ to drugs
Whether you are at a bar, party, or any place that serves alcohol or where many people gather, it’s important to say ‘no’ when drugs are offered. Keep your drink close to you and never leave it unattended. People may slip drugs in your drink when you are not looking.
· Leave any drugs (if you have them) at home
If you smoke marijuana, it may be legal in most parts of the United States. However, it may not be in your destination country. Other drugs that are illegal elsewhere should not be in your travel bag to begin with.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to a new place can be exciting. However, drugs can derail an exciting time for one reason or another. It can pose a safety issue or a legal one. Either way, make sure that you have a good time and not let drugs be a part of the plan.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
