Just Think Twice

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What if you try to stay away from drugs but are pressured to take them because of people around you? See the Answer
I stay as far away as possible from drugs, but there have been times when I have been put into a situation where there were drugs at the same place I was. Even though I was around the drugs, I had no desire to try them or let anyone break me down to try them. You have to stay strong and be true to yourself. You know what's right and wrong for yourself. And, the best thing to do if you are being pressured is to say NO to drugs and alcohol! If you still struggle with being pressured, you may need to find a group of different people to hang out with. There is always an opportunity to remove yourself from a situation such as this. Just stay strong and don't let anyone break you down! :)
I wanna know how do people get attached to drugs. My friends are like that. Can u help me? See the Answer
Hi! Drugs can have a very strong effect on you mentally, emotionally and physically. Many people are unaware of all the horrible things that come along with doing drugs. People can get attached to some drugs by only doing them once. They think that just trying out the drug won't harm them in any way, but they're wrong. Addiction comes quickly with some drugs. The more you take drugs, the more your body craves the drug, and the harder it becomes to get clean. You should just be strong in saying no to drugs and be there for your friends because, they're at a time of need in their lives. I'll pray for you to be strong and fight whatever battles you may encounter.
Do you think the drug war is a justified or failed policy? See the Answer
I believe the drug war is a justified policy. Drug use is a serious problem that affects a wide range of the population around the world, from young children to older adults. Drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and heroin are illegal, and the drug policy address that fact and helps to educate the public about the harmful effects of drug use. Even though drugs are still around, this does not mean the drug war is a failed policy. Some policies are great in nature but cannot alone solve an entire problem, especially one as big as the drug problem. To solve the drug problem will also take the commitment and desire of the public not to use drugs. Furthermore, because a policy does not solve a problem right away, it does not make the policy faulty. Policies are not made to solve problems in a day; they are made to solve problems over time, whether it be in days, weeks, months, or years. In all, I believe the drug war policy is not a failure; the policy proves we are trying our hardest and using all of our resources to educate people about the dangers of drug use. I believe that we are moving toward success every time we educate people about drugs and every time just one person decides not to try drugs.
How does one go about ending up on your board? See the Answer
Volunteers for the Teens Ask Teens project are picked from the D.A.R.E. Youth Advisory Board. The D.A.R.E. Youth Advisory Board is comprised of one representative from each of the 50 states. To qualify, the representative has to be a high school student, support D.A.R.E. and its teachings, practice leadership, and possess positive qualities. Furthermore, to become one of the Youth Advisory Board representatives, candidates have to submit a resume, an essay explaining why they should be chosen for the their state's representative, and a letter of recommendation from their D.A.R.E. officer. Once chosen for the Youth Advisory Board, there are different projects that representatives can take part in. The Teens Ask Teens project is one of those groups. To be chosen for this project, candidates have to send their resume to the DEA, as well as an essay explaining why they should be chosen. If everything checks out and that candidate is the best candidate, he or she will be chosen for the project.
I just wanna know some of the effects on the family caused by ecstasy? See the Answer
The impact of ecstasy on a family could be devastating. Ecstasy is a very powerful, dangerous and harmful drug. If a family member is watching someone go through this sort of addiction and trying to get them help, there would no doubt be fear, sadness, and hurt associated with this. The user would likely distance themselves from their family, and they would feel really bad because or this. I think the family would also be very worried and concerned about the negative health affects that ecstasy could have, including overdose and the possibility of death. I hope you do not plan to ever use ecstasy because it could hurt you, as well as others around you. If you know a family member that may need help due to addiction to this drug, please speak to a D.A.R.E. officer, school counselor, adult relative, or friend that can help. Your Friend,  Jade
I want to know- if I smoke marijuana, will I die? THANX See the Answer
Marijuana effects are felt within minutes. Depending on the dosage and other variables, users can feel relaxed, and have altered senses of smell, sight, taste and hearing, distorted senses of time, shifting sensory imagery, rapidly fluctuating emotions, fragmentary thoughts, impaired memory and dulling of attention. High doses of marijuana can result in hallucinations. Marijuana smokers experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Extended use is associated with anti-motivational syndrome, lung damage, and risk to reproductive systems. While there have been no reported deaths from marijuana use, there are risks you do take when doing marijuana. I advise you not to do marijuana. It won't make you cool or anything like that, it will just harm your body and ruin your health. If you need anymore information, go to www.justthinktwice.com. It's where I got all my information!
Why do you think kids do drugs even though they know it is bad for them? See the Answer
I think some kids do drugs because they want attention. I know kids that do it just because they think they will become cool and everyone will want to be like them! I, for one, don't see why they think that because they are only hurting themselves. Please don't do drugs, it won't make you cool, it will only hurt you!!
Is D.A.R.E a good thing for teenagers? See the Answer
YES!! D.A.R.E. is a very good thing for teenagers!! It has been a big part of my life, and I'm so glad I went through the D.A.R.E. Program. It has made me think twice about my decisions, and I am so glad I made the choice to be apart of such a great program even into my high school years!! I hope you make the choice to stay drug free just like me and other D.A.R.E grads! To learn more about D.A.R.E., go to www.dare.org.
Your Friend,
Jade
What do you do when other teens ask you to smoke weed? See the Answer
Hi, I have never been asked to smoke weed before, but I know people who do and who have been asked to do it. If I was asked to smoke weed, I would say "no thank you" and walk away. Don't be rude, but at the same time say "no" in a way that will let them know that you don't want to and that you don't want to be asked again.
What would be a great D.A.R.E essay? See the Answer
For a great DARE essay, I think you should talk about what you've learned or maybe what was your favorite part of the program. Maybe even what you like about your DARE officer. For me, it was how he was always making me and my class laugh. But then, he would still be teaching us stuff at the same time. Phillip
What do you do and say when your so-called friends try to pressure you into taking drugs? See the Answer
I try to keep friends who share the same opinion on drugs as I do, but having a friend who experiments with drugs is sometimes inevitable. If one of my friends tried to pressure me into taking drugs, I would simply say no thank you and walk away or leave the party, or place they were at.

Sometimes, however, this is not enough. If they continued pressuring me to take drugs, I would explain to them why I don't want to do it, which is because drugs are damaging to your body and brain. Also, I would explain to them the negative effects of drugs and what could happen to them legally and medically if they continued using them. There is a lot of information on this website (www.justthinktwice.com) about the consequences of using drugs and how drugs affect your mind and body. I hope you take a look at this site to get some good information about the negative effects of drugs. Thank you for staying drug free and coming to us with your question! :)
What is marijuana made of? See the Answer
Hi, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana comes from cannabis plant. It contains leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. The main ingredient in marijuana is known as THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the ingredient that produces the psychoactive (affecting the mind or behavior) effects of cannabis.
My dad does drugs, and I want him to stop what should I do? See the Answer
Your love for your dad definitely shows, and I'm glad to help you with this situation. One thing that is really important is to let your dad know that his drug use is affecting you and even hurting you. Tell him you love him and want him to be around for everything in your life, like your high school graduation, and your wedding. The Just Think Twice website is a very good site to show him about the effects of drugs and what they will do to his body if he keeps using them. I don't know the extent of the situation, but you might want to ask someone at school, maybe a counselor or a teacher, for advice on places in your community where your dad can get help.
Do you like D.A.R.E.? See the Answer
Hi! Yes, I like D.A.R.E. because it has really impacted my life by teaching me to make the right choices about drugs. Being a part of this program has also given me many skills for my future. I've been involved in D.A.R.E. since fifth grade. When I got involved on the Youth Advisory Board a couple years ago, I got to meet a lot of other teens from all over the United States. I really enjoy the friendships I have made and also the support group that I now have if I ever feel pressured to participate in using drugs. Also, as a representative on the Board, I've gotten to speak to a lot of students about drug awareness and my decision to stay drug-free. These experiences have made me more confident in myself and have given me the ability to speak in front of a lot of people. In school, I'm on both the diving and golf teams, and I get good grades that give me many options for my future. If I had used drugs, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish the things I have. I also participate in clubs like Scientifically Speaking and the Harry Potter club. These are two of my passions, and I love participating in the activities that go along with the program. So yes, I like D.A.R.E., especially the message it sends to kids to make the right choices in life. I encourage you to get involved in D.A.R.E. in your local community, and I promise you it will be rewarding in many ways.
Have you ever had a close friend pressure you to do drugs? See the Answer
No, none of my close friends have ever pressured me to do drugs, but I have been asked why I am drug-free. When they ask me, I just ask why they do drugs and why they would allow toxic substances to damage their body. I respect my body too much to damage it by using drugs. You should too. Probably the most important thing you can do to keep yourself healthy is not to do drugs. If you have a close friend that pressures you to do drugs, maybe you should evaluate your friendship. If they are a good friend, they would not pressure you to do anything that you don't want to do -- especially to take drugs. I do not have to deal with a lot of pressure to do drugs because I make sure I surround myself with people who share the same drug-free philosophy as me.
I have always wondered how many types of drugs to stay from. How many types of drugs are there? See the 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. Just keep being smart about decisions and asking for help when you're unsure and you should be great! :)
Have you ever been pressured by an older person to do drugs? If so, how did you respond? See the Answer
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.
What is the most popular drug? See the Answer
According to some sites, "the most popular drugs used today are caffeine, nicotine and alcohol." However, in schools, the most commonly used drugs would probably be marijuana and prescription drugs. Lots of teens get these drugs from their friends. People use drugs for many reasons. Some use them just because they are curious. Others may try it for the first time with friends, or people they want to "fit in" with. And of course, there are those who think that the drug is an "escape from reality," as if using it will take all their problems away -- it doesn't! As a matter of fact, drugs add even MORE problems to a person's life. Most drugs can cause physical dependence (You feel like you just HAVE to have them or else...!!!) And the withdrawal process is not fun at all. It's not worth the risk or the pain. The worst part is, not only are you harming yourself in the process, but you're also hurting your family, friends, and others who care about you. So, the best thing to do is just stay away from them. Always remember, the very first time of using some drugs can be fatal. And, even if the consequences don't seem to catch up to you right away, you will feel them later on in life. It's totally not worth it...
What do you do if someone puts something in your cup (drink) and someone saw them do it and didn't say anything? See the Answer
If someone put something in my drink, I would try to focus more on my own well-being and the person who might have actually did it verses the people around who might have seen it happen. It's important to first ALWAYS tell your parents and/or a trusted adult. Tell them EVERYTHING that happened that day----where you where, who you were with, the people you were around, who you suspect, and especially, how your body felt after you drank from the cup. If you had a headache, your stomach hurt, or you felt weird in any way, make sure your parents take you to the emergency room right away! Even if you're not feeling any different, but suspect something happened to your drink, you should still go to the doctor just to make sure nothing's wrong.

If someone puts something in your drink without your knowledge, they may be trying to confuse you or take advantage of you. Most of the time, the drug Gama Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) is used to cause this effect. If you think that you have been drugged, it is best to contact the police and file a report - with your parent's consent, of course. Drugging people with GHB or any other substance is a crime. Anytime someone takes a chance of harming your body, you have the right to take action.

In the midst of this, always remember to put your safety first. Do not communicate with the person you suspect tampered with your drink, or the people who may have watched—let the police handle that. Your job is to tell your parents (trusted adults), and have a routine check-up with your doctor.

For future reference, be sure to never leave your drink unattended. Even if you just leave for a moment to use the restroom or speak to a friend, do NOT drink from the same cup. Just get a new one. Your life is very valuable. That means if you can potentially save your life just from getting a new cup, then that’s what you do!
I just today found out my mom has been using meth for a couple months and she has lied to everybody saying it was pain pills making her all dizzy and not able to walk strait. She told me that she isn't that far into it and she can quit. Plus, apparently, she is almost out. I worry about her because of all the things I know about meth. The worst part is, she doesn't want me telling anybody. Please help. See the Answer
First of all, I have to tell you that I am really admire you for writing in---doing so really does show a lot about how much you care for your mom...And trust me, you're not alone.

When I was little, my father also used drugs. It seemed like the more he became involved in it, the more my family fell apart. I cried myself to sleep many days because I hated seeing the effects drugs had on him. He was often irritable, irresponsible, and just, well...not himself. He would also tell me the same thing your mom tells you, "I'm not too far in it and I can ALWAYS quit." Yet, sometimes it felt like that "quitting day" would never come. After a few years of painfully watching my dad literally fall apart, I learned the ultimate secret...We shouldn't hide our feelings from our parents!!!

As kids, we often tend to think that there is absolutely nothing we can do to help our loved ones. However the truth is, there's A LOT we can do! First, I learned to "EXPRESS" myself. Don't "bottle up" emotions concerning your mom -- time let her know how much you hate her use of drugs. Secondly, be "PERSISTANT"--- I never stopped telling my dad how much his drug use was hurting me as his child, as well as tearing our family apart. Also, keep researching the facts about drugs. Let your mother know that meth is addictive, and users can develop a tolerance quickly, needing larger amounts to get high. In some cases, the user won't even eat or sleep. Meth can also cause strokes, heart attack and even death.

Really stress to your mom the effects meth can have not only on her life, but on yours as well. Tell her how much you love her and need her to FULLY be there for you. Parents tend to have "soft spots" for their children's concerns. However, we have a way of overtaking that. So, what you have to do is slowly kill those "barriers" with a mother's love. There's a lot hope that she'll come around...My dad did COMPLETELY! Those who meet him now would never think to imagine his past...Just keep hoping, praying, believing, talking and LOVING.

Finally, one additional thing. Sometimes our parents need more help than what we can give. So, if you ever feel in danger or feel your mom can not stop using meth, please tell another adult you trust. Even though we kids have influence, your mom may need more professional help.
Hi, I am from a country outside America. I recently started smoking pot, and I've seen an increase in my school grades and I have become much more vocal in class. I also enjoy acting a lot more. Can you please explain this to me? See the Answer
I know some people who say the same thing you do. They feel that after smoking pot, there's an increase in their performance for many things. I would be happy to explain why.

The purpose of a drug is to bring a person to another "level" and give them a high. I'm sure you've noticed that when people do drugs (or alcohol), they start to act much differently. They are no longer in their own true character because smoking pot gives them a false sense of confidence . People who smoke it find it...stimulating. However, the reverse usually ends up happening. The high gets tired after a while. At some point, you have to look in the mirror, realize you ARE worth more than drugs and alcohol, and understand that you can be just as good -- even BETTER-- without the drugs as your "motivation." You have to learn how to go for life naturally because the truth is, your "high" will not last. You will start to feel like you need more and more marijuana to get the same high you started off getting. And before you know it, you become an addict, and later on in life, you will find yourself wondering where it all went wrong, and how you could have changed the situation.

THIS is the time to make that change. In the long run, long-term use of marijuana will kill those same memory cells you feel are getting you those better grades. You figure, one marijuana plant contains 400 chemicals and 60 of them are cannabinoids (compounds that deal with the psyche (mind)). All forms of marijuana also contain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active chemical in marijuana, which alters the way the brain works. So, of course the drug is going to have some impact on you if it's dealing with the fluids surrounding your brain. Studies have proven that the chemicals in marijuana bring cognitive impairment and troubles with learning for the user. "Smoking causes some changes in the brain that are like those caused by cocaine, heroin, and alcohol. Some researchers believe that these changes may put a person more at risk of becoming addicted to other drugs such a cocaine and heroin." (http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1808)

So please, the next day you light up, remember that your central nervous system and brain will be at risk. That's why it's best to just stay away from drugs. It's not worth the outcome.

Hope this helped you. -Always remember, you're cool just as you are. You don't need drugs to "enhance" you because all a drug can do is limit you from being who you truly are. You're worth more... Let people get to know the REAL you! :)
~Amber~
(P.S. If you have any more questions, dare.com & justthinktwice.com are good sources for answers.)
If you say no to someone who tries to sell you drugs and he keeps following you, what do you do? See the Answer
People are asked everyday whether they want to smoke, drink, or take drugs. However, most of the time, the people asking you won't actually "follow" you around after you CONFIDENTLY say no to them. I'm not sure if you've ever had D.A.R.E, but during classes the D.A.R.E. officers try to teach us ways of confidently saying "No." Examples of that would be the "cold shoulder", "the repeated approach" (when you consistently say "No" over and over), and even the silent treatment. Just make sure that in any way you decide to say no, that you do it with a lot of self-confidence. Always hold your head up high and make sure that you give a strong "NO!" verses being shy and timid. If the person offering you those drugs or alcohol sees that you are truly sticking to your answer, and that your mind can't be changed, then they normally will leave you alone. If, however, someone actually follows you around, make sure you stay in a public place where there are lots of people because there's strength in numbers. If you're in school and someone continues to follow you or mess with you, go find a trusted adult or teacher and tell them what's going on. Your parents are a good source of help too. Don't be afraid to tell them because you think you're snitching. You're not! Your safety is #1 priority, so take care of yourself. Speak up and speak out to someone that can help you. Don't worry about the rest. And always remember, if things get too out of hand, the police are always there to help you as well.
What happens if you try to stay away from drugs but are pressured to take them because of the people around you? See the Answer
Hi!
I stay as far away as possible from drugs, but there have been times when I have been put into a situation where there were drugs at the same place I was. Even though I was around the drugs, I had no desire to try them or let anyone break me down to try them. You have to stay strong and be true to yourself. You know what's right and wrong for yourself. And, the best thing to do if you are being pressured is to say NO to drugs and alcohol! If you still struggle with being pressured, you may need to find a group of different people to hang out with. There is always an opportunity to remove yourself from a situation such as this. Just stay strong and don't let anyone break you down! :]
Miranda
Hello, how did you get people involved and the people that go to the schools because when I was in 5th grade, I did DARE and everyone took it as a joke. I am in 6th grade and want our school to trust us. We have to have the police come to our school with dogs to sniff our lockers and that is just wrong, so I want our school to trust us. If you have any answers please e-mail me back thank you. I would love to be friends. See the Answer
When I was in 5th grade, I did not take D.A.R.E. as a joke. I loved having the D.A.R.E. program in my school and having someone to look up to when I was 11, my D.A.R.E. officer. It is sad that your classmates don't take the class serious, but what truly matters is that you take the class seriously and know how to take a stand for yourself against drugs and alcohol. As you get older, the temptation will always be there if you allow it to be. Don't let that happened though, take what you've learned in D.A.R.E. and run with it. Let others know how you feel and that you can be trusted. Make it about you being trustworthy and not everyone else. They'll see you shining bright and want to be just like you, so eventually they'll catch on and follow in your foot steps!
Hi I'm 17 and I would like to be a part of this. I have used drugs for years but am now clean, and I just want to lend a hand to anyone in need. so please let me know what I can do. See the Answer
Thanks so much for writing into Teens Asking Teens. I think that it is great that you want to help out just like we do. There are a number of ways that you can get involved in helping others in your community -- and community coalitions are a great place to start. Go to http://www.gdcada.org/coalitions.htm to learn more about drug prevention efforts -- and hopefully some of them are close to where you live. I would also suggest that you contact your local DARE officer, or try and find another local program or youth-serving agency or organization where you could volunteer.

It's great that you want to help out. I bet you've got an effective story to tell others about how dangerous drugs are, and the effects they have on your family and friends. I hope that you find the right program to work with.
Hello, I've actually got a couple of questions, and I'd really be happy if you could help me. I'm doing a drug project for my health class, and there are two questions I still can't answer, they are: What are some strategies to reduce the influence that popular music has in creating an environment portraying drugs as "normal" everyday life? And, the other is: List some things that can be done in a community to raise awareness on drug issues. If you could just help me a little, I'd greatly appreciate it. See the Answer
This project seems really intriguing. As for your first question, "What are some strategies to reduce the influence that popular music has in creating an environment portraying drugs as "normal" everyday life." The first strategy I would say is to suggest that people actually listen to the song lyrics. Whenever drugs are mentioned in songs, there are usually other dangerous and violent aspects included in the songs, such as names of guns, shootings, and other criminal acts like robbery. By listening closely to the words of the song and figuring out what the artist's intentions for the song is, it will be easier for the listener to realize that this is not normal everyday life for themselves, or for most of the people in the world. Hopefully, actually hearing and understanding the lyrics will help reduce the influence on that individual, as well as others.

Another strategy I would suggest using is looking up background information on the artist singing the song and the producer of the song. By doing some research, the listener will have more information as to why the artist/producer sang/wrote the song. The listener can then see what events caused the song to be written and performed and realize that those events and the song are not truly normal every day life.

One more strategy is for the listener to distinguish the difference between the words in the song and everyday life. This can be done if the listener does not try to completely relate his/her life to the entire song. If the listener just listens to the music for entertainment purposes and not live the situations expressed in the song, the influence of the song should be minute.

As for your second question, "List some things that can be done in a community to raise awareness on drug issues," there are plenty of things you can do. Every year in my community around prom, the town places a car that was involved in an alcohol or drug related crash in front of the high school. There is also a sign near the car that states how the accident occurred and how many people were injured and killed. This is a really sad, but accurate, way to raise awareness on drug issues. Another thing you can do is start a club about the drug issues in your community. You can ask your D.A.R.E. officer to help you start, run, and promote the club to people in your community. Moreover, you can talk to your D.A.R.E. officer about initiating an annual day dedicated to the D.A.R.E. program that the whole community is involved in. In my community, we have an annual "D.A.R.E. Day." This is where all of the students, D.A.R.E. officers from the community, parents, and neighbors can come to learn more about the D.A.R.E. program, drugs and other substances, new issues that are arising, and new approaches to stop the drug issues. There are also games and food available. It is a fun and educational day for everyone involved. Another thing you can do is to go to www.dareamerica.org, to see how other students and D.A.R.E. representatives have raised awareness about drugs in their communities.

I hope I helped! I wish you all the best of luck with your project!
My boyfriend smokes marijuana and I told him I didn't care, but now he does it a lot and it's really starting to bug me. I don't know what to do because if I tell him to stop, he'll just do it behind my back. I won't break up with him for that because I love him too much. Please don't tell me what everyone else says, "If he loves you, he'll stop for you" because I know he does love me, we just have different views on this sort of thing. But I really just don't know what to do. Help. See the Answer
Thanks so much for writing to Teens Ask Teens. As a starting point, I believe you should let your boyfriend know why you want him to quit smoking marijuana. These reasons can be both personal and scientific, telling him how much his smoking habit bothers you and telling him facts about the consequences of smoking marijuana. You should let him know that you want the best for him and that you will be there for him and help support him. By showing how much you truly care about him and his health, he may realize that quitting marijuana is the best choice he can make. More information about marijuana can be found at justthinktwice.com/drugfacts/, www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/marijuana.html and teens.drugabuse.gov. These websites will definitely help you with the scientific aspects and help strengthen your case on the reasons why he should quit smoking marijuana. By using a combination of reasons, I believe you will be able to successfully reach your boyfriend about his smoking habit.

You can also talk with a parent or guidance counselor. I was once in a situation where my best friend was purposely hurting herself. I tried talking with my friend and being there for her and even though it almost worked, I ended up going to my mom with the situation. My mom talked with her parents and everything turned out okay. She was not angry with me because she realized that I had her best interests and her health in mind. Telling a parent or another adult figure is not "telling on" your boyfriend, since you are only trying to help him. I wish you the best of luck with this. I hope I helped!
Hi, I have a question. Do you think having other activities in high school, even though you are surrounded with people who use, can really help your decision not to use drugs? See the Answer
Thanks for your question. Yes, I strongly believe that having other activities in high school can help your decision about not using drugs. If you have other activities that you are involved in, such as sports, clubs, jobs, and extracurricular classes, you will realize that it does not matter who is using because you will be so involved in your activities. Also, by having other hobbies, your ability to make the right decision about drugs is increased because you are surrounded by people who do not pressure you negatively.

As a personal example, I know some kids in my school that use drugs and alcohol. Even though I am surrounded by these kids day-to-day, I have other activities that I love, including dancing and ice skating. I know that drugs and alcohol will mess up my life, especially when I dance or skate. Because I have these activities and a few more, I also do not have too much time to think about taking drugs or alcohol. If you are involved in activities that you really enjoy, with people who inspire you to be the best that you can be, than your decision not to use drugs should be easily made -- even if you are surrounded with people who use. I hope this helps!
What about Psilocybin Cubensis and peyote? My friends recently came back from the southwest with some cactus cuttings and the above fungus.
See the Answer
Peyote is a small, spineless cactus. The ingredient in peyote that makes it active is the hallucinogen mescaline. Peyote and mescaline are not legal in the United States. Psilocybin is a chemical obtained from certain types of fresh or dried mushrooms that are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Psilocybin mushrooms are not legal in the United States.
I want to get the information straight. My health class teacher told us that marijuana is not addictive and does not give you cancer like cigarettes or is not as dangerous as the other drugs like cocaine, meth, etc. Is that true? Why is it so bad to smoke marijuana if it's not that bad for you? See the Answer
Not only is marijuana illegal, but it can also cause many health problems. Marijuana smokers can experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers, such as increase of bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Extended marijuana use increases risks to the lungs and reproductive system, and marijuana users typically lack motivation. Here are some sites that might help you to understand how marijuana affects the body and mind: www.nida.nih.gov; which is for the science of drug abuse, teens.drugabuse.gov, which is the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) teen website, and www.justthinktwice.com, click on drugs and marijuana. I hope these sites help you to understand the health risks involved with smoking marijuana.
Hi, I have a 20 year old brother and his friends are trying to get him to smoke and do drugs. He tries to get away, but they do not let him, and he tells people, and they do not do anything. What should I tell my brother? See the Answer
Although I don't have a brother who is older than me, I have guy friends that are like my brothers and that are also around that age. It sounds like your brother is doing the right thing by saying no and trying to stay away from all that stuff. If I were you, I would tell your brother not to give up hope. Tell him to keep saying no and eventually his friends will learn that your brother doesn't want to and will not do drugs. If he wants info about the drugs his friends are doing, tell him about the just think twice website (www.justthinktwice.com). Also, the next time his friends ask him if he wants any drugs, tell him to ask them if they know what those drugs can do to them...that might make them think twice! But, if he does that, make sure he knows the answers as to what those drugs can do to them. It's always good to shoot a question right back at someone, when they ask you to do something you don't want to do!:)

It sounds like you really care about your brother and that you two are really close -- I like that! I also want to say that you are a great little sister to be doing this for your brother -- I'm proud of you! Keep up the great work, and I hope this will help you!
Hi, I'm very scared of what one of my friends' does. I'm a pre-teen, and I am just very scared of one of my guy friends. He smokes weed. I don't know what to do. Should I tell the counselor? Do I need to talk to him about this? What do I do? He's like a brother to me, and I don't want to get him in trouble. I have never smoked or done drugs in my life, and I don't plan on it. I am just confused. I have never been on this site, and I remembered the other day about what we learned in DARE. He is influenced by rap songs and his big brother. I love him like a bro, and I really need to make him stop. I can and I know he won't hurt me. Also, one day I was teasing him and I said, ya I want some weed man -- and I said JUST KIDDING (I know its not cool to joke around about that) and I asked him why he does it, and he says its cool and I should try. Well of course I'm going to say HECK NO!! I would never get near that nasty stuff haha. See the Answer
I understand how you are feeling, I would try talking to him first before you go to anyone for help. Show him the www.justthinktwice website and the Teens Ask Teens questions so that he can see what weed can do to him. Don't try to push it on him because then he might not listen, just take it one step at a time. If that doesn't work, then go to your mom or dad or someone that you can talk to about it and see what they will do to help you, because they will want to help!
I am so proud of you for saying no to smoking weed and for wanting to help someone you love to stop smoking it! I can see that you really do care about your friend and that is amazing! But like I said, don't push him into it, take it one step at a time. If he is the best friend you say he is, I'm sure he will listen to you and hopefully he will try to stop. You said he does it because of the rap music he listens to and his big brother...you can't stop him from listening to rap music and you can't stop him from hanging out with his brother -- but you can try to help him and show him what smoking weed can do to him!
Good luck and hope this helps!
Ok I just was browsing the Internet and I couldn't find anything other than gossip that marijuana is bad, but on the other hand in my little research I found many studies done to prove that its not a gateway drug, not addictive, and has no long-term effects other than the smoking it (which all smoke is). To get to my point, I want to know where you get your information. I'm not trying to insult you or D.A.R.E. or anything, I respect the organization, but from the stuff I have read on 20+ sites, I don't think it should be illegal and for medical purposes such as cancer patients and other conditions. By the way, I don't smoke, but hang with potheads and I pretty much fit in with them even though they smoke and I don't. Please give me a link to your information sight with an actual study that proves or disproves it and not just blank statements without a reason why. See the Answer
Hi, There are many sites that give good information about why marijuana is bad for you. Even though you don't smoke it, there may be temptations if others around you are doing this. I understand they are your friends, but you don't want your friends to ruin their lives by smoking marijuana. Here are some sites that might help you to understand how marijuana affects the body and mind: www.nida.nih.gov; which is for the science of drug abuse, teens.drugabuse.gov, which is the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) teen website, and you might want to also try www.justthinktwice.com. Hope these sites help you understand the health risks involved with smoking marijuana.
Hey Jade, I'm 19 years old and a freshmen in college. Although you have chosen not to try marijuana, which is respectable, have you noticed any significant long-term differences in people in your school who do drink and smoke? To this day, I have not noticed any difference between my peers who smoke, although I can not say the same for alcohol users since they often have to deal with the effects of them making dumb drunk decisions. Undeniably, the majority of high schoolers either drink or smoke, and 100 million Americans admit to smoking marijuana (1/3 of the entire united states population); polls show the majority of the country would like to see marijuana decriminalized. My questions to you, since we have different views on these substances, are these- Do you think the effects of marijuana on its users are worth over 30 BILLION dollars a year in tax payer money well 89% of these marijuana arrests are for non-violent possession charges only? Also, do you feel that marijuana is a bad enough drug to leave a black spot on peoples records that stays with them for rest of their life? Lastly, do you think students from lower and middle income families should not receive help paying fro college because of such a charge? Marijuana use has not significantly went up in states that have decriminalized and marijuana use has not went down since the drug war began. I was just wondering your view on this since you are strongly against these drugs, and I was wondering if you think its bad enough for all those consequences. Please keep in mind that these resources, if marijuana were decriminalized or legalized, could be used to go after harder drugs and the black market connection that makes it easier for marijuana users to go to harder drugs from marijuana essentially eliminating any "gateway effect" marijuana or alcohol may have. See the Answer
To answer your question, marijuana is a dangerous drug and its long-term affects should be taken seriously and our society should continue to fight to keep it illegal. Although you make good points about what you may "see" in your friends' drug use and its effects, keep in mind a couple of key things. First, alcohol itself can certainly harm the body if not consumed in extreme moderation, and it is illegal until the age of 21. And second, marijuana has a number of health effects that aren't always seen at first glance, including increase of bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Extended marijuana use increases risk to the lungs and reproductive system, and marijuana users typically lack motivation.

Some people have to learn things the hard way and if that means them having a black spot on their record, well, then I think its okay. As for your question about college, I do think that even people who make mistakes should have an opportunity to pull it together; therefore, I believe situations should be taken on a case-by-case basis. If a student is going to make an effort to lead a healthy lifestyle, I think they should still be considered for funding.

Thank you so much for your questions and good luck in college!
Hi Jade, we have been warned about the substance called "Meth" which is made of Battery Acid, Drano, Antifreeze, Sudafed, Kitty Liter, Lye, and Lithium Battery and has laid a path of destruction through the Midwest. Additionally, the medical facts state that when a batch is made correctly a person can get addicted with just 2 to 3 hits...and then has a 13% chance of ever getting sober because of the hideous effect it has on the brain's neurotransmitters. My question is why do you think this substance is being presented as the same "Crystal Meth," "Ice," "Speed," "Methamphetamine," and many other names that have been around for years, but surely has not caused the magnitude of damage the new substance does. Doesn't that lead people to believe that it is one thing when it is clearly a completely different drug? See the Answer
Meth is indeed a seriously dangerous drug and is spreading rapidly across the nation. Meth comes in various forms and each form has its given name. For example, when meth is smoked, it it called Ice, Crystal, Crank and Glass. All forms are made with some of the same ingredients and all attack the central nervous system. I don't believe that the experts are trying to mislead us about the drug, I just think they are trying to educate us on the dangers of the deadly drug and its many forms and names. I hope this helps. There are many web sites that you can visit for additional information about meth. I'd suggest you begin with www.dea.gov, www.teens.drugabuse.gov and www.justthinktwice.com. Please help me in educating everyone close to you about the dangers of meth.
I thank you all so much for the advice that you give people, and I was hoping you could do the same for me. I have an older friend who says he just "socially" does drugs. But I can see it is taking over his life. He is using it whenever people offer it to him, and the worst part of it all, is that it can be any drug. He doesn't care. He often tells me he just does it socially, like how people socially drink. And he also comes back with saying how he never buys the drugs, which he is giving off the message that how can he really be addicted? But I know better. This has just recently started this summer, and I can see it is getting worse as time goes on. I and some of his other friends have tried talking to him. But we get nothing but him telling us to just calm down and stop worrying about things. What can I possibly say to him? See the Answer
Like you, I know people that do drugs "socially." If I were you, I would do some research about the drugs he is taking and show him what those drugs are doing to him. He needs to know that drugs can ruin his body. Have him sit down with you and some of your friends and talk to him about what he is doing. Show him that you care about him and the direction he his headed if he keeps this up. Maybe by you telling him that you care about him and by showing him what these drugs can do to him, he will stop. Good luck and I hope it all works out! Keep your head high and whatever you decide to do don't give up!

P.S. encourage him to visit our DEA website -- www.justthinktwice.com -- it has some great information about the consequences of drug use, how it affects your health, your family and friends, and even the legal problems that it can cause.
I have a very important question. Do permanent markers count as inhalants? Me and my friend were goofing off and sniffing permanent markers because they smell good, then I felt dizzy. I almost fainted. I also had a headache after. I then read that you could die smelling an inhalant your first time. Was I doing inhalants? I promise, I will never do that again. See the Answer
I have done a little research and found that permanent markers do count as inhalants. The reason is due to something called solvents that are in the markers themselves. When inhaled these solvents can cause pretty much exactly what happened to you. I'm glad that you won't do that again and that you weren't hurt by this experience.

For some quick information about inhalants, you should go to the Just Think Twice site and http://www.dare.com/home/DrugInformation/Storyd4f0.asp?N=DrugInformation&M=11&S=22.
Hi! Recently, I found out my biological father was a drug-and-alcohol-addict. He abused and cheated on my Mom and his past four girlfriends. I've also very recently told my Mom I wanted no further contact with him. Not just for my safety, but for the sake of my self esteem /confidence. You see, he used to sexually harass me and he lied to me regularly. I haven't seen him for about a year. Do you blame me for not wanting further contacts with him? See the Answer
Of course I don't blame you for not wanting contact with him. It seems like the situation is not very safe for you, and your safety is the most important issue here. You are not responsible for your father's actions, and I think you made the right decision. Unfortunately, you are not the only teenager in this situation. Many people fall into drug and alcohol addiction, which can lead to actions like your fathers'. Just remember this and know that you are worth respecting your body, mind, and the people you love by not abusing drugs and alcohol. If you need any other help, I encourage you to talk to someone in your community you can trust. A teacher or a school counselor may be able to help or point you in the right direction.
I would never even think twice about using or hanging with people that do use Marijuana, but why would it be illegal when people are aloud to buy a whole store of alcohol and drink till death, or going and killing other people in car accidents? When you can Smoke Marijuana ALL DAY LONG??? It is also a plant just like tobacco?? See the Answer
Wow, this is a really tough question. That's a very controversial issue in the United States right now. Yes, alcohol is legal and it can have dangerous effects such as liver poisoning and cause drunk driving accidents. The fact of the matter is, it is legal to drink alcohol at 21. Because it is legal, it puts the responsibility on those who drink alcohol to make the right choices. Marijuana on the other hand, is illegal. I don't think it should even be a question whether or not to legalize marijuana. The fact that alcohol is dangerous but still legal is not and should not be used as an argument to legalize another dangerous substance. Yes, marijuana is a plant, but that does not mean it is harmless. Many dangerous drugs are made up of substances extracted from plants. For example, opium is extracted from poppies. Marijuana specifically, can cause lung damage including emphysema, lung disease, and bronchial asthma. Some of the effects of long-term use include anti-motivational syndrome, and damage to the reproductive system. Thank you for this question and for staying drug-free! :)
Hi, I was wondering what it takes to be able to become part of the DARE Youth Advisory Committee. I was wondering if I could possibly join and help other teens. I found the "Teens Ask Teens" link while helping my little brother with his DARE essay. I thought that it would be nice to help other teens with problems they may be having. Please respond with any information that you could. See the Answer
It's great that you want to help out in your community with DARE. The Youth Advisory Board has one advisor from every state who can serve anywhere from one to four years on the board while in high school. These advisors attend an annual Youth Advisory Board conference in Quantico, Virginia, where we learn about new drug issues, how to interact with the media, and how to speak to people in public. We also make friends that we stay in touch with. It's a good support system if you ever need advice on how to treat a situation involving drugs. In California, we have a CA DARE Officers Association that the CA Youth Advisor serves on as well. Not every state has one, but I'm sure you can find that on the DARE website. The selection process is different for every state, but if you want to get involved, you should talk to your local DARE Officer. There's also more information at http://www.dare.org/youthadvisoryboardmission.asp. I would also recommend contacting Jill Roberts at jill.roberts@dare.org. She's the National Director for the Youth Advisory Board. Good luck!
Hi, I am in 5th grade, and we are doing are DARE essay. It is due April 1st, and I know you don't do this kind of thing for younger kids, but could you tell me what smoking marijuana can do to your body, or what different kinds of peer pressure can do? You just seemed like the best to ask out of all of the girls. Thank you! See the Answer
Thanks for the question and thank you for supporting the D.A.R.E Program. Marijuana causes some of the same health problems that smoking tobacco does. Marijuana smokers can get bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma, all of which are diseases of the lungs. If someone smokes marijuana for a long time, they can get lung damage and damage to their reproductive system. Also, marijuana use is associated with anti-motivational syndrome, which is when someone can't motivate themselves to do anything, so they just sit around all the time.

There are a lot of different types of peer pressure as well. Sometimes teens have a bad life at home and want to escape their home life so they use drugs as an escape. Other times, people who already use drugs pressure teens into using them by saying that they're not 'cool' if they don't do it, or they say that everyone is doing it. Unfortunately, teens are influenced by what they see on television and listen to on the radio as well. We hear all the time about celebrities drinking, partying, and doing drugs, so teens think it's okay to do this. They do not realize what drugs can do to a person until they are too far into them. If you need more information, this website is full of information on what other drugs do to your body. I hope you are enjoying your D.A.R.E. Program. Good luck on your essay and thanks for staying drug-free. Your life will be full of great experiences and opportunities because of it! :)
School has really been stressing me out. What can I do to stay on task and not let the stress get to me? I really want to do good. Please help. See the Answer
I've definitely been in the same situation as you have. For me, when I have a ton of schoolwork and other responsibilities, I sit down and think about what I need to do to get them all done. Planners and to-do lists are great! You can organize your thoughts and your tasks and take them one at a time instead of feeling overwhelmed with all of them at once. As for the stress, finding an outlet is the best thing. Having one night off from your busy schedule is essential -- a night to hang with friends or just relax by yourself. This also gives you something to look forward to so you know when you get all your schoolwork done, you can do something you enjoy. Also, for me working out and reading is a great stress reliever, everyone has their own thing that calms their nerves. Figure out what yours is and give yourself some time to do it each week. Just keep your main goals in mind and stay organized, and you'll find it much easier to stay on task to achieve what you want to. I hope this helps! Thanks for writing. :)
Hi, a boy at my school was smoking pot! Any advice to tell my bff's to keep them from thinking about it? See the Answer
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. :)
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? See the Answer
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 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.
Hi, my ex smoked marijuana and would get angry when I asked him to stop. After he eventually dumped me, I was distraught and started huffing household chemicals to stop the pain. I nearly got addicted to it and stopped, and now I try to be a positive influence on others and educate them about drug abuse. When I tell them my opinion of pot I am always yelled at or attacked for my beliefs. How can I make them understand what drugs can do? Thanks for being active in DARE and for any help you can give me. See the Answer
I want to tell you how proud I am of you for putting an end to your huffing and for using your voice to try and tell people what drugs can do. My advice for you would be to not give up on trying to help others, as drugs can be so harmful. Look up information and even get pictures of those who have done drugs as evidence and continue to stand your ground. Often our friends think they are invincible and that they can't ruin their lives by doing drugs. But, they can. Addiction is harmful to all involved and often tragic. You are heading in the right direction though with trying to help your friends. There is a ton of information on justthinktwice.com and the D.A.R.E. website, www.dare.com to help you. I wish you luck!:) Here's to a healthy lifestyle.
Hi, I wonder if you say no to someone who tries to sell you drugs and he keeps following you, what do you do? See the Answer
People are asked everyday whether they want to smoke, drink, or take drugs. However, most of the time, the people asking you won't actually "follow" you around after you CONFIDENTLY say no to them. I'm not sure if you've ever had D.A.R.E, but during classes the D.A.R.E. officers try to teach us ways of confidently saying "No." Examples of that would be the "cold shoulder", "the repeated approach" (when you consistently say "No" over and over), and even the silent treatment. Just make sure that in any way you decide to say no, that you do it with a lot of self-confidence. Always hold your head up high and make sure that you give a strong "NO!" verses being shy and timid. If the person offering you those drugs or alcohol sees that you are truly sticking to your answer, and that your mind can't be changed, then they normally will leave you alone. If, however, someone actually follows you around, make sure you stay in a public place where there are lots of people because there's strength in numbers. If you're in school and someone continues to follow you or mess with you, go find a trusted adult or teacher and tell them what's going on. Your parents are a good source of help too. Don't be afraid to tell them because you think you're snitching. You're not! Your safety is #1 priority, so take care of yourself. Speak up and speak out to someone that can help you. Don't worry about the rest. And always remember, if things get too out of hand, the police are always there to help you as well.
I wanna know how do people get attached to drugs? My friends are like that. Can you help me, I'm begging for help. See the Answer
Hi! Drugs can have a very strong effect on you mentally, emotionally and physically. Many people are unaware of all the horrible things that come along with doing drugs. People can get attached to some drugs by only doing them once. They think that just trying out the drug won't harm them in any way, but they're wrong. Addiction comes quickly with some drugs. The more you take drugs, the more your body craves the drug, and the harder it becomes to get clean. You should just be strong in saying no to drugs and be there for your friends because, they're at a time of need in their lives. I'll pray for you to be strong and fight whatever battles you may encounter.
I recently started dating this boy and have been for a month now. It's perfect, except for the fact that he smokes weed so much. And I admit to smoking with him a few times, just so I don't feel left out or he'll think less of me. But the thing is, when I say I don't want to smoke, he's totally okay with it. So, being pressured it isn't quite the problem. I just am worried about him because he does smoke so much. And I know we've only been dating for a short while, but I'm still concerned. Should I get involved? What could I even say? See the Answer
Thanks for your question. I noticed you said you don't feel pressured into smoking with him so it goes to show that he respects your decisions; therefore, I think you should talk to him and let him know how you feel about him smoking marijuana.

I totally understand your concern , because one of my close friends was in the same situation. She didn't know what exactly to say to him without offending him or making him upset. So, without being pushy, let him know what would be best for both HIM and you. By talking with him and letting him know how you are feeling, he might come to realize that quitting marijuana would be the best choice.

For more information on marijuana you can visit these websites http://www.justthinktwice.com http://www.dare.com and http://teens.drugabuse.gov/. If you really think and plan out what you are going to say before you talk to him, I think you will successfully reach out to him. Best of luck. Hope I helped!
Hi. My mom is on meth what can I do to help her?? See the Answer
You can help your mother in many ways, and asking this question proves you are willing to do whatever it takes. The first step can sometimes be the hardest step to take; my suggestion is you should talk to her first. Let her know this is hurting you, and you feel that it would be better if she quit. Now, this may not always work; Meth is a high energy drug; therefore, it is harder to stop using. This does not mean that it is impossible, however.

In this case, if talking to your Mom does not work, talk to an adult you trust such as a counselor or a family friend that you feel can help. Another outlet would be to find your local crisis center. It is free, and they will be able to provide someone for you and your mother to talk to.

By taking this step towards helping your mother, you are taking a stand against drugs, and that alone is a sign of a true leader.
I'm about to be a freshman in high school. I know a lot of people at my high school smoke marijuana and people always tell me there is nothing wrong with it. What are the bad things about it? I don't want to smoke, and I don't want my friends to smoke weed either, so I want to be able to tell them all the bad things about it. Could someone fill me in so I don't have to search the internet and get misinformation? See the Answer
I'm really glad you came to us for information rather than just searching the internet. There are a lot of websites that don't tell you all the facts. It's good that you recognize that. It shows that you're a really smart person who makes good choices.

Let me start by saying that although you might think that a lot of people at your school smoke marijuana, just know that many, like you, don't. For the teens who do smoke, they set themselves up for a lot of medical issues and they become disoriented and have slurred speech. But the worst effect of all is the decisions they make when using pot. They just aren't themselves and they don't have good judgment when they're high. There's not much stopping them from hurting the people they care about, verbally or physically. Not only are they destroying their body, but they're destroying their relationships with family and friends. To find out more about the effects of marijuana, a good website to check out is www.justthinktwice.com.

There is one more major issue with Marijuana that a lot of people don't know about: It causes addiction. The contents of Marijuana itself are not addicting, but the feeling of being high becomes addicting and it causes people to keep using Marijuana. They want to get as high as they can, but eventually Marijuana isn't enough to do the job because their body has become accustomed to the poisons in the drug. The user then decides to move onto a stronger, more dangerous drug which poses new threats to their health and could potentially kill them.

It's very encouraging to know that you don't want to use Marijuana and that you want to help your friends. I live by the motto of "Be a Voice, Save a Life." By speaking up and letting your friends know what they're doing to themselves, you could end up saving their life. So thank you for making the right choice, not only for yourself, but also for your family and friends. You are a Hero in my eyes. :)

I hope you have a fun, safe, and amazing freshman year!
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!
Sometimes my dad and my uncle want me to drink beer. I try to tell them no but they laugh at me and call me a sissy. I did drink it but it taste awful. They laughed when I spit it out. I'm afraid they want me to keep on drinking it. What can I do to make them stop? My counselor is helping me write this letter. I am 10 years old in the 4 grade. See the Answer
I'm really sorry to hear that your family is asking you to do something you don't want to do, but I'm extremely glad that you know that it's bad for you. It is also illegal to drink when you are under 21 years of age, and illegal for your father and uncle to serve you alcohol.

A lot of kids your age are curious about drugs, alcohol and tobacco because they see it on TV and hear about it in songs. They wonder what it would be like to try them and whether or not they'd be able to feel like the movie and music stars who talk about how great it feels. But you're different. You are smarter than that because you know that all it can do is hurt you.

Now to help you with your family, you can come up with excuses as to why you can't be around them when they're drinking so that they can't ask you to try it. For example, if your dad and uncle are sitting in the living room drinking and watching TV, you can always go and clean your room. It might not be fun, but it'll give you something to do and they probably won't try to stop you. You could also study for your spelling tests, take your dog for a walk, play video games, talk on the phone, or anything else that will get you out of the room.

I know it's hard to say no to your family, but you're making a really good decision and I'm very proud of you. One day you'll look back and be very proud of yourself as well.

Also, I think you should continue to talk to a counselor or an adult you trust. If you are being pressured too much, another adult that you trust should be able to help you.

You're a really awesome kid and I'm really glad you're making such good choices at a young age! Next year you might get to go through DARE, and you will be ahead of the other students. You will be a leader!
I have a really close friend. We are seniors in high school and we have always been really close. Recently she started dating an older guy who drinks and smokes and even does drugs. She has fallen to his habits and has started to do the same things. When we were younger we always promised each other that we would be there to help if something like this ever happened. I just simply do not know what to do to help her. I love her very much and i don't want anything to happen to her. Do you have any suggestions? See the Answer
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend! It sounds like she has lost sight of her priorities, but you're doing a great thing by trying to help her!

I have actually been in the same situation. I'm a senior as well, and my best friend is a girl. We've known each other for a very long time and we made a similar promise to keep each other safe. During our sophomore year, she started dating guys who treated her badly, wanted sex rather than compassion, and tried to get her to drink and use drugs with them. I watched as my best friend became a whole different person -- someone I didn't know -- without being able to stop it. I tried talking to her several times, as i'm sure you have, but the responses I got were always the same: hallow regrets and empty promises. It was tearing me apart to watch her destroy herself, so I did the only thing that I knew would help her. I sat down with her mom and explained what was happening. Her mom, who had seen the change as well, was very upset to finally know the truth behind why her little girl was changing. She did what she could to help her, including taking her to therapy, restricting her privileges, and making sure honesty was a priority.

My best friend was very mad at me for a few weeks, but the feeling I got from her being mad at me was far better than the feeling I had when she was ruining her life. After a few weeks she apologized to me and told me how much she appreciated what I did for her.

Sometimes the best love is tough love. If talking to your friend isn't working, you need to keep your promise and do what you can to help her. Talk to her parents, talk to her guidance counselor or teacher. Let someone know what's going on so they can help. She'll be upset with you to begin with, but just remind her that you love her and don't want to see her hurt. Eventually she will forgive you.

And as for you, it's not going to feel very good having your best friend upset with you, but just remember that it's better for her to be alive and upset because you stepped in, than dead and gone because you didn't. You're saving her life, just like a best friend should. Just like me, you will be living by the motto of "Be a Voice, Save a Life."

Finally, for more information about the dangers of drugs, please go to www.justthinktwice.com for more information.

I wish you the best of luck. You are the world's greatest best friend!
My friends have said that doing cocaine is like getting alot of sweets! but, my friend says that drugs are really bad and can lead to many consequences and health problems!?? i have heard of drugs at school, but at parties, my friends that encourage drugs, party all night!!! WHO SHOULD I BELIEVE? See the Answer
Hey thanks for writing! It is good to see that you have questions! Its hard at times to choose what to believe, but I'm glad you came to us for help!

I can surely connect with you on this situation, when I was a freshmen i had this group of friends that would always tell me how great partying was, and what I'm "missing out" on! I was really curious to see why these drugs were so great, because i have always heard, like you, that drugs are bad for you. Well your friend Gisselle is right, drugs, especially cocaine, are highly dangerous. You can never predict the effect the drug has on you, just because your body can handle other things doesn't mean it will handle this drug well; Everyone and everybody is different. Cocaine is highly addictive, which means each time you take it your body is going to want more than the dose before, until your body has had enough,in which it causes severe health problems, at times even death. Just because your friends that do drugs party all night doesn't mean that they will be okay in the morning. Drugs, especially cocaine, cause mental and physical exhaustion and depression, which can last several days. If you look at the big picture one night of partying, is not worth all consequences after. Yes, i know that it is hard being left out of your friends conversations, when it comes to partying, but it also your job as friend to help them out. After researching info about drugs i was perfectly fine with not feeling how my friends did when they partied, because i knew that it was not worth it!

I know you will make the right decision. It may be hard, but just think of your future and what you want for yourself, and the decision will come to you! if you have more questions or want more info on cocaine,or any drug, go to justthinktwice.com!
My sister started smoking weed with her boyfriend she told me she only did it once and she was done but after they broke up she got a new boyfriend whose smokes weed and when i go over to visit she is usually hungover i don't know what to do with her and she keeps on pressuring me to try it one time with her because its fun and harmless i don't know if i should follow my sister and smoke, she's my sister and is supposed to help me make the right decisions in life so is she helping me make the right one now? See the Answer
I know most of the time, siblings are supposed to tell us what's right and what's wrong but thats not always the case. Sometimes we have look to someone else for help or guidance. Also, smoking weed is not harmless. Please go to justthinktwice.com to read about the harmful effects of marijuana. If she keeps pressuring you just tell her no or find some way to get out of it. If you need to try to talk to a parent or to someone you can trust to help you with this situation.
my big sister is hooked on heroin. Its really hard for me to see her like this, she doesn’t even talk to me so much anymore. I really miss her, and I don’t know what to do to help, I don’t want her to get mad at me, but I want to be there for her and help her get better. Please help me? See the Answer
To give you an idea what heroin is, it is highly addictive, and is produced from morphine. Most users mistakably believe that snorting or smoking heroin will not lead to an addiction, which is false. All heroin users—not just those who inject the drug—risk becoming addicted. You can find out more about heroin at www.just thinktwice.com, click on Drug Facts (Learn the Truth), then scroll down and click on Heroin. There you can find an overview of this drug substance.

As a sister of three, I can understand how you are trying to help your sister while still trying to stay on her good side. In these circumstances, talking to adults may appear to be hard, considering it is personal. However, my advice to you is; talk to someone about it! At this point, someone needs to be notified about her addiction problem so they can help you seek out professional help. There are many professional ways to help her addiction, one of which is commonly known as rehabilitation. This allows your sister to get the proper and adequate help she needs to eliminate her drug problem. You need to let your parents or guardian know what is going on so they can be aware of her drug problem. Also, one of the best people to ask in your community for any type of assistance is your school guidance counselor.

While helping your sister may not make her happy with you at first, one day she will look back and thank you for everything you have done. In many ways, you are helping her future, and maybe even saving her life. I want you to remember the last sentence you wrote in your question; “I want to be there for her and help her get better.” At times its going to be frustrating and you’re going to want to let the frustration erase that from your memory but continue telling yourself that sentence over and over. I understand that you are in a very hard situation to deal with right now, but stay strong! Your sister is incredibly lucky to have someone who cares for her as much as you do!

Best of luck to you and your sister!
I smoke Marijuana every day. I don't consider myself addicted, yet I can't stop. I enjoy it too much. It's ALWAYS on my mind. People who say Marijuana isn't addictive are wrong, it's very Psychologically pleasuring. Is there any way I can stop without going into treatment? See the Answer
Thank you for contacting Teens Asking Teens! You're off to a great start by getting factual information from a source you can trust.

Like you mentioned, Marijuana is not considered addictive when compared to other illegal drugs, but the substance still causes addictive tendencies. This is because other narcotics cause a physical addiction, while Marijuana's addiction is more psychological. When you experienced your first high, you felt a sensation that can only be brought on naturally during special occasions -- a Runner's High for example. You enjoyed the feeling of the high, so you smoked again. But I bet you weren't able to reach the level of pleasure you felt during your first high, and so you smoked more. Marijuana users smoke more and more each time they light up because they are chasing that first high; trying to reach that level again, but it's impossible. This is why Marijuana is considered a gateway drug. When users realize that they will never be able to feel that high again using Marijuana, they move on to other, more dangerous drugs such as cocaine. So in essence, you are not physically addicted, but your brain won't let you stop. It wants to feel that high again.

There are a few ways you can go about quitting Marijuana without seeking rehabilitation treatment. The first is to simply quit smoking cold turkey. I know that it sounds like it might give you an anxiety attack just thinking about it, but that's the most extreme consequence that could result from stopping. Unlike other drugs, Marijuana does not have strong physical repercussions when you give it up. There may be a few headaches, minor shaking, and some sleep loss, but this is to be expected when you are weaning your body off of any chronically used substance. In order to do this, you will need to change your lifestyle to fit your new habits. For example, find a friend that doesn't smoke, and who you can talk to when you have the urge to light up. Use them as a support system, and hang out with them often. If you surround yourself with people who do use Marijuana regularly, start to create a boundary with them. You don't have to bail on them, but if you know they're going somewhere to smoke, pass on going with them. Hang out with them when they're sober; when they are being who they really are. If your parents know about your issue, talk to them and let them know you're ready to give it up and ask them if they know of any ways to help. If they happen to smoke as well, let them know you're done with it and that you'd like them to respect your new values by not doing it around you. If you can't talk to your parents find a teacher, DARE Officer, or another adult that you can talk to who will be able to help you through the process. Telling someone does not mean that they will make you go to rehab. When you talk to them, let them know that you have a plan and that you would like their help in making sure you get all the way through it. Sometimes advice from an adult can help you see issues that you might not have thought of.

If you want to feel that high again, take up running, bicycling, or a similar physical activity. Scientists have made a connection between the high you get from smoking Marijuana to the feeling you get when you exercise. When you exercise for a period of time, your body's anandamide level increases and causes what is called a runners high, and is equivalent to that obtained by the THC in Marijuana. This is a much safer, healthier, and more positive decision for you to be making to feel "high." Not to mention, running can help get you into college, Marijuana cannot. You could do this as a hobby to help keep your mind off of smoking.

Also, please keep in mind that treatment is not necessarily a bad option. There are several types and options, and you might find one that fits you if you decide that you can't give up Marijuana cold turkey. You could find all of the options you have here: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

I am glad that you recognize that Marijuana is not a good choice for you, and I would like to wish you the best of luck in beating the habit! Remember, there is always someone willing to help you when you need it! For more information, check out the rest of the Just Think Twice website. DARE to be strong, DARE to be yourself!
I found out last night that one of my best friends smokes pot. I've NEVER done it, and don't plan on doing it. I'm just extremely worried about her. She doesn't see what's wrong with weed, and me and some of her friends try to explain to her that it's wrong; but she doesn't understand. She's very smart, beautiful, and everything. I don't understand why she does it. She tells me EVERYTHING, and her life doesn't very stressful, or worrisome at all. I don't know. I guess I'm just worried about her safety and health, and maybe I'm worried she'll try to get me to do it. Any advice? See the Answer
Hey, thanks for the question. I know that seeing one of your best friends get into drugs is a hard thing, but I'm glad you care enough to try and help her. I noticed you said you've never done drugs and you don't plan on doing it, and that's GREAT!

As for your friend, life does not have to be stressful or worrisome for her to use drugs, some people are just curious and others feel pressured to try drugs. No matter what the reason may be, the result of trying drugs can be damaging.

You could share with your friend the effects Marijuana has on the brain and body. THC is a chemical compound that produces the physcoactive effect. When THC is in the brain it connects to a site called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are often found in the parts of the brain that control memory, thought, pleasure, concentration and etc. You can go on http://www.justthinktwice.com; http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/concern.htm for more information on Marijuana.

The best thing you can do is continue to be a positive influence and be there for your friend. One last thing, if she tries to get you to smoke marijuana I hope your able to make the right choice to continue to be drug free because your health and well-being is so important and helps you to help others. Good luck, I hope things work out for the best! (:
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.
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!
How many people have died from an overdose of marijuana? See the Answer
So far, no death has been reported due to marijuana overdose. Even though no one has died from an overdose that does not mean smoking marijuana is considered safe. Marijuana has numerous effects on the body and can lead to serious medical problems. You can get more information about Marijuana at http://www.justthinktwice.com, http://www.abovetheinfluence.com, or http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/concern.htm
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.

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