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DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
As we probably all know, the best way not to abuse alcohol or drugs
is to not use them at all.
Almost all of us are aware that
alcohol and other drug use is against the law, and most of us are aware of
the negative effects that alcohol and other drug use will have on our
bodies and minds.
Are you aware that despite knowing this, some teenagers use alcohol
and other drugs anyway?
Many have said their
use of alcohol and other drugs is not a problem in their lives, they just
do it to relax; to have fun; because everyone else is doing it; or because
there's nothing else to do.
I bet that sounds
familiar? What may not
sound so familiar is that the line between use and abuse is very fine.
Many teens, and this includes more and more middle school kids, who
think they don't have a problem with alcohol or other drugs actually do.
In fact, many teens have serious problems with alcohol and other drugs,
but don't recognize it. If they do recognize the problems, some are afraid
to get help.
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). Hot Lines: AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous), 12-step, self-help support groups for people who want to stop using alcohol or drugs; AL-ANON, 12-step self-help support group for friends and families of alcoholics and ALATEEN, anonymous self-help support group for teens who have alcoholic friends or relatives, should be listed in your telephone directory Drugs and Alcohol This
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