Q & A

1. All of my friends smoke pot and they told me im a square if i dont toke, how can I stay drug free and still be cool? See the Answer

   I totally understand where you're coming from! It's tough, but don't feel like you're the only one. Chances are that some of your friends who smoke don't actually want to. Unfortunately a lot of people do smoke just because it's "cool". I'm really proud of you for sticking with the right thing! One thing I've found helpful is just to avoid the topic until they ask you. Just hang out, do your usual thing and when they ask why you don't smoke just tell them the truth. Most people, especially your friends, won't be bothered by the fact that you don't smoke because like any other personal preference, that's your decision and yours only. Being an example in the group will also allow some of your friends the ability to approach you if they want help to stop smoking. I recently had one of my friends who smokes a lot thank me for being their one friend that doesn't smoke. They said they were glad to have someone to just be sober with while they are trying to quit smoking. I believe that you can be that kind of person for some of your friends too! Always stick to what you know is right and what is meant to be will fall into place. For more information about the dangerous effects, please go to www.justthinktwice.com.

   I hope things work out.

2. I have many friends in my school who smoke and take drugs. I also have cousins who smoke and take drugs. My friends try to pressure me into taking drugs. I don't want to take drugs but they keep trying to influence me. And it is hard because every time they ask me, i get closer. So it makes me want to take drugs but that's the wrong thing to do. So how can i avoid them in a way that will make me feel comfortable? See the Answer

   This is something a lot of people my age have trouble with. I think everyone goes through it and only some decide not to give in. So you've done a great job so far by staying strong! It's difficult when the pressure to smoke or do drugs is all around you.

   Constantly remind yourself of the consequences for these actions and you'll realize that you really don't need to get involved with it. When your friends or cousins pressure you, don't think of yourself as the only one not participating because it will make things even harder. Think of everyone in the world and all the people you love that can proudly say they are drug free. Feel confident that you are a part of that! When it comes down to it, your real friends will accept you for your beliefs and morals. Everyone else will be missing out on the opportunity to be a part of a healthy lifestyle and a great friendship. I know it's hard when you can't see that far into the future, but high school will soon be over. Soon you'll be able to confidently move onto the next portion of your life without having to worry about some of these pressures. From my experiences, I've learned that if you're a strong person, your friends will just respect you for that. Remember that being comfortable with your decisions is completely up to you and no one else! For more information, please visit www.justthinktwice.com.

   I know you can do it!

3. I know someone that does weed and also is a heavy drinker with a prior DWI Conviction. Someone like this obviously needs help. Is it ok to report someone that is using the drug, and not selling it, or don't the cops care?
   
   This is a very hard thing for me because this person works where I do and also was friend's with this person, but I think everyone needs to get help and I don't know how else you can get someone the help they need without reporting them because this person doesn't think they have any kind of a problem, which pretty much means it's an addiction.
   
   I appreciate your feedback.
   See the Answer

   I think it’s so great that you’re concerned about helping your friend and co-worker. It’s very smart of you to seek the most affective ways to help your friend, too!

   First, let’s address some of the legal questions you have. When someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol he/she is a safety concern for themselves and others. You may call the police which have discretion to place the person under arrest or ensure a safe environment for the individual not to hurt themselves or others. In addition, it is important to report to your supervisor and/or the police if one of your co-workers is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while working. Again, this is a big safety issue for all persons in contact with this individual such as co-workers, and customers. Someone may go to jail for drug use which helps protect the public and the person from any harm, but they won’t necessarily go to rehab. Unfortunately, there is no mandatory rehabilitation after going to jail for drug use. On occasion, the court may order rehabilitation but that depends on the state and state laws. The person must want to stop using drugs, and therefore, they must agree with attending rehab. Most often, people are influenced by their families in their decision to get clean and sign up for rehab. If you are not very close with your co-worker or one of their family members, it may be hard to persuade them to make this decision. Not to worry! There are always other helpful things you can do.

   It is very important to take baby steps when helping your friend. You don’t want to confront them right away or too directly because they may take offense or stop talking to you completely. If you feel comfortable enough, maybe you can bring up a casual conversation about why they choose to do drugs and why you chose to stay clean. Through simple conversations like this, they may have a change of heart. You also can confront some type of higher authority that you know will be confidential with everything you tell them. Telling your younger friends as well as theirs can lead to gossip, even though they may be close to you. A great person to talk to would be your school counselor, especially if you go to the same school as your friend. If your counselor knows your friend, they may be able to talk to them about their drug use or maybe just the importance of their future. It is always very confidential, so you can avoid the risk of their parents finding out and getting really mad at them.

   You can also gradually become better friends with them in order to put you in a better position to be a good influence. You can let them know about your hobbies and encourage them to come along. You can let them know you’ll always be there for them and they may eventually confide in you for help. Most importantly, you must stay true to yourself. Be strong with your decision to stay drug free and be proud of the positive life you live because of it. For me, that has been the most affective way I could ever help my friends. Seeing how much fun I have without the danger of drugs, my friends don’t feel as pressured to do drugs. Knowing you’re not alone is key to staying or becoming drug free. Just by staying true to yourself and asking for help, you have already been a positive influence on your friend. Keep up the good work!

4. Is stiffing paint to get high drug abuse? See the Answer

   Yes, sniffing paint to get high is considered drug abuse. Inhalant abuse can cause damage to the parts of the brain that control thinking, moving, seeing, and hearing. Inhalants are found in common household products that produce chemical vapors causing mind altering effects when inhaled. Paint is not meant for "sniffing" or "inhaling" and therefore should not be used for purposes other than its intended use. For more information about inhalants, please go to http://www.justthinktwice.com/drugs/inhalants.html.