There are many warning signs that alcohol and other drug use has crossed that fine line. If alcohol and other drugs cause problems with parents, friends, relationships, school or the law, there is a definite problem.

       According to some recent studies, high-risk "binge" drinking on college campuses is increasing (14 percent increase since  1993). Teens who binge drink consume lots of alcohol, five or more drinks in one sitting, on a regular basis.

  Drinking often leads to car crashes, fights, violence, unwanted or unplanned sex, and poor grades in school. Cocaine use is linked with eating disorders, disability and death from heart attacks and strokes.  Marijuana  can damage your lungs.  Hallucinogens can affect brain chemistry and cause problems with learning new information and with memory.

   If you have any doubts about using alcohol and drugs, seek out more information or talk with a counselor.  When you seek help from a counselor, the information you give them will be confidential, they will not  contact your parents (except in life-threatening circumstances).