DR. WALLACE: I've seen on the news recently that our country is trying to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs into our country through any means necessary, and apparently, they're particularly targeting fentanyl.

As a teenager who's not about to take drugs of any kind, I'm always bewildered at just how readily available drugs are in this country! Multiple times I've been offered drugs from people and sometimes they even try to sell it to me. I always just laugh and walk away and tell them they're making a big mistake to mess with illegal substances.

My question for you is, why are drugs so readily available at American schools and on the streets these days? — Not Interested in Drugs, via email

NOT INTERESTED IN DRUGS: Unfortunately, the primary reason there are so many drugs available in America is due to the principle of supply and demand. The demand for drugs is high here for a plethora of reasons, and this therefore creates what are attractive opportunities for those in search of fast money by importing, supplying and distributing illegal substances.

If our nation's demand were to be reduced dramatically, there would be a corresponding significant recession in the overall illegal drug trade. You are a wise teen to stay as far away from illegal substances as you possibly can — keep up the good work in that regard.

I SAW MY EX AND HAD A SURPRISING REACTION

DR. WALLACE: I had a steady boyfriend for over a year, but I finally broke up with him a little over two months ago. Our relationship had become dull, routine and I often felt I was being taken for granted. Let's just say there wasn't much of a spark left in the relationship from my end.

I don't have a steady boyfriend now, but I have dated four different guys with various degrees of success or failure. I'm in no rush to find a steady boyfriend again until I find the right guy. I actually ran into my ex last week and apparently he has a new girlfriend that he's been with for a little over a month. He introduced her to me, and we talked amiably for a few minutes. I was, of course, happy for him, and I was very polite and nice to her. But when I walked away, I had a little twinge of regret in the pit of my stomach that I had cut him loose. Do you think that is my subconscious telling me I had made a mistake? — Suddenly Reconsidering, via email

SUDDENLY RECONSIDERING: What you're going through is much more common than you may realize. Even when a breakup is the right answer for a relationship that hasn't worked out, has gone stale or needs to be ended for a variety of reasons, it's natural to think back and say "what if" from time to time.

This can be particularly poignant when you have your ex with a new partner right in front of you! I feel you did the right thing to be polite, engage in friendly conversation and wish them both well.

I trust your major decision a few months ago after a lot of very careful consideration, so my advice is to be happy for him. Take a deep breath, excel slowly and continue the delicious journey you're on, seeking to meet someone new who will be just right for you.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Nick Fewings at Unsplash