Topic: There are solutions

Just because there is addiction in your family doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good, healthy life. Just say, “no.” Stay away from alcohol and drugs.  You also know that a teenager’s mind is not completely formed just the way the rest of your body has not stopped growing. Therefore drugs/alcohol can do damage to your brain which is still developing. Pick friends who also do not want to drink or take drugs. If you are in a situation where you are offered drinks or drugs be firm.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has the following advice for teenagers.

Say no and let them know you mean it.

    Stand up straight.

    Make eye contact.

    Say how you feel.

    Don’t make excuses.

    Stand up for yourself.

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Think through how you feel. Do you want to say, “I don’t drink -period.” Discuss what you might say with your other friends who don’t drink.