Question: I have always wondered how many types of drugs to stay away from. How many types of drugs are there?

Answer: There are too many types of drugs to name. Also, they come in all forms and can be taken in different ways. What makes a drug, a drug is that it chemically effects your body. The only drugs that are okay to take are drugs prescribed by your doctor or over the counter drugs. Illegal drugs like marijuana, ecstasy, heroin, etc. are not okay under any circumstances to take. But even FDA approved meds can be dangerous if they are not taken as prescribed. If medicine is prescribed to you by a doctor, you must only take the prescribed dosage and follow instructions. Only take meds when they are prescribed to YOU -- not your friend or brother, just you. When it comes to over the counter drugs, only take them if you need to and follow the dosage directions strictly. Taking too much of an over the counter or prescribed drug can be just as bad or even worse than taking an illegal drug. It's not a good idea to take drugs from anyone because drugs can be disguised and altered to look like one thing, but it could really be something else. You may think that you are taking aspirin, but it could something illegal and very dangerous. If you're unsure about taking a drug, ask a doctor if its okay. Just always keep an eye out for yourself -- staying away from drugs means protecting your own body and life, which is the most important thing. I hope this helps Maria. Just keep being smart about decisions and asking for help when you're unsure and you should be great!

Thanks Tegan :)

Question: Hi, I'm Misty from Arkansas and a boy at my school was smoking pot! Any advice to tell my bffs to keep them from thinking about it?

Answer: Hi Misty,
I know that it may seem like kids smoking weed is becoming more and more common; however, the true percentage of kids smoking pot is low. Studies show that for the past 10 years, marijuana use has been declining. In the 8th grade, 10.9% of kids have smoked pot; 23.9% of 10th graders and 32.4% of 12th graders have smoked pot. Therefore, this boy that you saw is very much in the minority. Thinking about it and talking about it with your friends could actually really help to understand why the boy was doing it, and why you and your friends shouldn't. In most cases, teens smoke pot because they don't have something better to do. He might not have a positive outlet like sports, friends, family or clubs to be in. Talk to your friends about all the things you love to do, whether it's a school club or just hanging out at the mall and how weed could ruin all the great things you have going. Also it's illegal! And breaking the law will leave you nowhere you want to be. When you see things like this, it is good to talk about them so you're friends will be less likely to be the next ones doing it. I hope this helps.
:) Tegan

Question: Have you ever been pressured by an older person to do drugs? If so, how did you respond?

Answer: Hi, Courtney. Thanks for the question. I've been offered drugs from kids older than me, maybe as old as 22, but not older than that. It is always hard when it is someone who is older because you feel more pressured to do what they say, but you have to remember to stick to your guns and be strong. When offered drugs, there are various responses I use like, "No, I'm not into that stuff," or just an easy "No thanks," does it. I've learned that the less you say and move on to the next subject the quicker it gets them off your back. If they ever persist to pressure me, I'll be more forward and tell them "Seriously drop it, I don't want any. " In all the times I've been asked, people usually handle a decline pretty well; there are a lot of people who don't want to try drugs, no matter what some may think. If they ever kid around or tease you for saying no -- which I have also experienced -- just shrug it off and know you did the right thing. Just walk away. I hope this helps.

Question: Hello Tegan, my name is Shelly and I as well am a Senior in high school. I have always been the good one in my group of friends, I wanted my Senior year to be different and just not like always. I have a lot of friends, most that do thangs that I don't (if you get my meaning)…. I am always invited to go to partys and I want to go but how do I know which one to go to that way I have fun and not do something stupid like drink or smoke sumthang. I am a very good person in ppl's eyes in my town but I feel like im missing out by not going to the party’s my senior year. I don't want to regret not going. Do you have any advice?
Shelly in Arkansas

Answer: Hi Shelly. I have been down that road as well; I know I want a fun senior year with memories I can take with me for the rest of my life. When most kids go out and party on the weekends, it's hard to be left out. But if you look ahead at your future it is a choice you will not regret. To have fun I go to football games, dances, school events and just hang out with friends. I'm having a blast so far this year and don't want to mess that up by getting involved with things I know I shouldn't be doing. What I have realized is although my friends seem to pressure me to go to parties in the beginning; they know now that I'm not interested and respect that. My not going out is really no big deal to them and they leave it alone. Honestly from the party scene, I see going to a party is just as dangerous as doing the illegal stuff kids do there. Even if you do go, parties get broken up by cops, kids get into fights and even if you're sober it's not an atmosphere you want to be in. The one time I went to a party this summer with the same thoughts you are having, I stayed true to myself and didn't drink or do any drugs and really had a terrible time. Everyone was obnoxious and broke things. The cops came and about ten people asked me for a ride because I was sober. So my advice to you Shelly is to get super involved in school activities, sporting events and spend tons of time with friends and you will have a great senior year. I think you'd regret giving in to peer pressure and doing things you shouldn't more than not going to a party. People probably have a lot of respect for you and your reputation which is something you can really treasure from this year. So have an awesome senior year but stay true to your morals.

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