…be different.
Yeah, you’ve heard it before. But think about it. Most kids experiment with drugs because other kids are doing it. You may not realize it now, but being just like everyone else is not a great thing. It kind of makes you invisible, part of the crowd, even typical. Who wants that? Why not be the person others wish they could be? Growing up is tough, and it’s hard to be different from those around you. It’s much easier to go along, not resist, fade into what you’re told is the “norm”. But if you look at this as a challenge, something you can push yourself to figure out how to do, the reward is unbelievable. You’re an individual, with interests and strengths and talents all your own. You’re independent, a revolutionary thinker. This is the kind of person most people don’t have the strength and drive to become, the kind who changes things – one little bit at a time.

…get mad.
Mad at the way drugs are being normalized. Mad at the way people are accepting their presence at school, at home, in movies, on TV shows, on t-shirts, on bumper stickers. Get mad, and then get motivated to make a difference. Don’t take drug experimentation and abuse lying down. Take a stand against normalization and legalization.

…feel confused.
It’s just not OK to stay confused. There are a lot of mixed and conflicting messages flying around today about marijuana, safe drug use, etc. Realize that these are coming from drug legalization groups that use a confusion tactic to throw you off balance and disguise the dangers of drug abuse to individuals and society by clouding the real issues. You have to shake it all out, don’t take anything at face value, do your research and TALK TO YOUR PARENTS. Sort it all out, ask questions of those you trust. Educate yourself – it’s the best way to clear up any misconceptions about just how dangerous illegal drug abuse is to you and everyone you love. And it’s also the best way to arm yourself against the pressures of those who try to push drugs and experimentation as the “norm.” Redefine the term for yourself.

…care.
A lot of people think it’s easier not to, but there’s nothing wrong with caring. Caring about your community, about your school and the people around you every day. You have to live in your world, so why not make it better? Why not make it safer? Why wait for someone else to do it for you? One person can’t do it alone, but one person who cares enough can kick start others to follow. It’s so easy to say, “Who cares? It’s not my problem.” But drugs ARE your problem – they’re everyone’s problem. They bring a community, school, family, etc. down and cause nothing but pain and wasted opportunities. Don’t take the easy way out. Who cares? You do.

…need help.
You can’t do everything on your own. It doesn’t make you weak or helpless to need and accept help. The people who care about you want to be there for you, for good and bad. You won’t be judged or ridiculed or made to feel inept, whether you’re using drugs and need help getting away from it or are having a hard time dealing with the pressures of friends and classmates who are experimenting. Ask for help and you’ll get it. You don’t have to feel alone.

…ask for help.
The asking is the hardest part. You should not be embarrassed or ashamed. We all need help at one time or another and we all have the opportunity to help others, so it all balances out.

…help someone else.
You know how hard it can be to ask for and accept help when you think you can do everything all alone, so patience is key here. The person who needs help the most is usually the last person to face it and you may be fought tooth and nail the entire way. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. And that’s OK. Maturity comes with realizing that there’s a responsibility to give of yourself to others. When all is said and done, we’re all in this together.

…have problems.
There is no shame in admitting and facing a problem and getting help before a crisis point. It actually takes a lot more courage to face a problem head on than deny it, ignore it and dig yourself into a hole. Just think about it and know that using drugs and alcohol to “forget” problems or to get out of your own head isn’t smart. It’s like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. By talking to those who care about you instead (parents, relatives, mentors, professionals) and addressing your problems, you avoid creating new problems by experimenting with drugs and alcohol to numb the pain.

…be happy.
There’s a strange notion that in order to be creative and interesting, you have to be intense and troubled. The starving artist, the struggling actor…..It’s OK to be happy with who you are, where you are, with what you have. Intensity doesn’t go hand in hand with hardship. And creativity doesn’t come from cynicism. Being comfortable in one’s own skin is one of the most desirable traits people look for in others. Drugs, alcohol and other destructive temptations are really nothing but tools people use to try to fit in, to be a part of the crowd, to escape the things they don’t want to stand on their own two feet and face. Just try and be happy. Make THAT the new thing that makes you different.