ALCOHOL & DRUGS

Myths & Facts

Myth:
"Everybody is doing it!"

Fact:
Not "everybody" is doing it. In fact most teens are NOT doing it. Those who do "do it" do so infrequently, at parties or on "occasions". Most teens do not drink or do drugs regularly.

Myth:
"It can’t hurt to try it."

Fact:
Yes, drinking and drug experimentation are generally looked at as "rights of passage", something that teens try on the road to adulthood. But the reality is that most teens don’t try drugs or alcohol until they are in college (if ever). High school use is the exception not the norm. It can hurt to try these things. You may fall victim to addiction, may do something you regret while under the influence, you may get violent or be the victim of violence, in extreme cases you may even die. There is a high correlation between frequent drug or alcohol use and teen suicide rates. If you really think that it can’t hurt to try, think again.

Myth:
"Only burners and freaks do drugs or alcohol."

Fact:
Lots of social groups include drugs or alcohol in their chosen recreational activities. You can not avoid being exposed to those who choose to use. They may not be a majority, you may not encounter them often, but when you do you need to be prepared. What do you want to do? What are your values? What values have your parents expressed to you? What are the consequences? Have a firm grasp on where you stand on these issues before you get put in the situation to choose. Know what you are willing and unwilling to try and get lots of practice dealing with peer pressure. Role playing with family or friends is good for this.

Myth:
"I can quit whenever I want."

Fact:
Most teens who try drugs and alcohol do so because they want to fit in with peers who are already indulging or because they are curious about what will happen. Peer pressure is a big factor. Some teens feel slighted by peers and turn to the intoxicants as an escape. Others try it when their peer group pressures them to for fear of being ostracized. It is very easy to give in to the urge to try these things and not so easy to stop once you start. People who start drinking or doing drugs in their early teens (15 and under) are four times more likely to develop an addiction. Binge drinkers are more likely to die from an alcohol related event; be that overdose, accident or suicide while under the influence. Anyone who has to say, "I can quit when I want to!" already has a problem, and this assertion is evidence of that.

Myth:
"My parents drink and they are hypocrites to tell me not to."

Fact:
It is legal for parents to drink. Parents are not breaking the law when they do this. They are not hypocrites in telling you not to drink because the situations are legally different.

Myth:
"My parents drank as teens, they are hypocrites to tell me not to."