Adolescence is a tough time for almost everyone. Not only is your body going through an array of changes but so is your life. High School can be a difficult experience. Although many don't want to admit to it everyone will encounter peer pressure at least once in their lives. It is how you react to that pressure that matters.
Of course everyone wants to fit and be liked by their classmates. But who decided that in order to be liked you had to participate in destructive behavior? Friendship is such an important part of growing up. But if your friends are drinking and doing drugs and trying to get you to join them, then you need to make some new friends. Don't believe that "everyone does it, so it's not a big deal," because that just isn't the case. For starters not everyone is using drugs. Less than 1% of teens are regular cocaine users. In fact 98% of teens have never even tried cocaine. According to a study, four out of five 12-17 year-old youths have never even tried marijuana. Research has shown that 70% of people 12-20 haven't had a drink in the past month. Yet for those who decide to use drugs there are serious consequences. Cocaine interferes with the way your brain processes chemicals that create feelings of pleasure, so you need more and more of the drug just to feel normal. People who become addicted to cocaine start to lose interest in other areas of their life, like school, friends, and sports. Marijuana can limit your body's ability to fight off infection. Long-term marijuana use can even increase the risk of developing certain mental illnesses. Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, lowers your inhibitions, and impairs your judgment. Drinking can lead to risky behaviors, including having unprotected sex. This may expose you to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases or cause unwanted pregnancy.
Peer pressure is not the only reason you may choose to try drugs. Do you ever wish you had a different life? One with more money, a nice house, cool car and more importantly, different parents. Well you are not the only one. All of us have been or will be unhappy with our home life at one point or another. This unhappiness is not a reason to use drugs or alcohol. A temporary relief or escape from the situation will only bring more unhappiness in the future.
Today's youth are faced with many situations that previous generations did not encounter. Kids are growing up quicker and need to take responsibility for their actions. Ignorance is not an excuse, stay informed.
National Institute for Drug Abuse for Teens
Teen Central
Partnership for a Drug Free America
Freevibe (What's your anti-drug?)
Tobacco Free Kids Youth Action
Students Teaching Against Tobacco in Connecticut (S.T.A.T.I.C.)
The Truth
Street Drugs
AADAC Zoot 2
Just for Kids
The Cool Spot
Check Yourself
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