DO APPROPRIATE RESEARCH ON ANYTHING YOU ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT.
Particularly, though, I’m going to talk about how I’m noticing some people obviously aren’t doing their homework for DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. This isn’t really offensive like getting mental illness or cultural stuff incorrect, but it’s still not good because it can be confusing for those who have done the research and/or have firsthand experiences.
Those people have their muses reacting realistically, then some people just write whatever they think is right, then their partner has to work with or around that incorrect information… which in turn can be confusing to the other and it’s a mess, actually.
It can also get misinterpreted by others who don’t know about the subjects either, and since they remember what one person was writing about it, they might feel like they don’t need the research. So it spreads… and therefore more mess.
look up the side effects and the dangers, longterm and short term
whether or not it’s actually addictive, plus withdrawal symptoms
what possible medical reasons they are meant to be consumed for
how it can react with alcohol and other drugs
if they’re over the counter or prescribed or made illegally
the ways they’re made and/or distributed
the ways they can be consumed (orally, inhaled, injected, etc.)
different names the drug can be called by
relevant laws in the location your character is at if applicable
the likelihood of a tolerance being built if its even possible
how much your character will be affected relative to their size and amount consumed
and possibly even the history of the drug
look up a bunch of different kinds, possibly even familiarize yourself with brands
understand the standard drink sizes
check the alcohol content of the drink your character is consuming
the side effects and the dangers longterm and short term
how it can react with certain drugs
learn about how someone of your character’s size can be affected, how a tolerance is built and how it’s developed by someone of your character’s size
definitely research alcoholism and alcohol abuse if your character is supposed to be an alcoholic or heavy drinker
make sure you know withdrawal symptoms for the above
research alcohol poisoning too
and relevant laws in the location your character is at if applicable
If you are writing someone who frequently uses a drug or drinks alcohol, and it’s a lifestyle for them, pretty much everything I just listed for both is necessary to know. Don’t only base stuff on what you’ve seen in shows and movies.
Not all of this information may be possible for you to find. If that happens, or any time you feel particularly uncertain, you can go to someone you know / ask around for someone who would be okay with sharing firsthand experiences. If they aren’t writers themselves, just explain you’re a writer!
AND REMEMBER! Doing research can really help you get to know your characters better, or even your partners’ characters better, and you can develop them much further.
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