Let's play a little game of true or false — Marijuana is natural, so it's safe…..right?

You might feel the peer pressure to join the crowd and start smoking marijuana and they might even tell you it's natural…..which could be true or untrue. The truth is that smoking marijuana can have lasting negative effects on your brain.

What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a plant, it derives from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa and contains the active ingredient THC. This is the chemical that affects your body the most by going through your blood stream and to your brain. It could even cause you to hallucinate. Marijuana can also act as a depressant in some people.

Why it's Dangerous
At the age that most people are experimenting and using marijuana (adolescence), the brain is still developing and marijuana effects the brain in a big way. There are both short and long-term effects.

Short-Term Effects:

• Problems with memory and hearing
• Difficulty solving problems
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety
• Poor motor skills

Long-Term Effects:

• Cancer
• Gateway to other drugs
• Depression
• Mental health problems

Whether the marijuana is synthetic, medical or it's natural, these effects on your body are the same. So even if all of your friends are doing it, you see it in the movies or you think that it will make you look cooler….don't do it. Keep yourself healthy and make sure that you stay drug free in order to do well in school.

To learn more about LiveFree! and our mission to reduce youth substance abuse, visit our website.

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Dangers of Driving After Using Marijuana
Marijuana Use is Increasing Among Teens

Parents, Students, Teachers, Youth and Community members — please save the date: for our annual town hall meeting!

LiveFree!, along with WEDU and numerous other partners from our community will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting, titled: Kids and Alcohol and you're invited!  We will be taping the meeting for an upcoming show to appear on WEDU! We would love for you to be part of the audience! The Town Hall Meeting will take place at the Palladium Theater at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21.

This informational meeting will discuss topics on the issues of underage drinking in Florida. Our main goal is to increase the awareness of substance abuse and the problem that it is causing among teens in Florida. Some of the topics up for discussion will include:

• Underage alcohol use
• Synthetic marijuana use
• Prescription drug misuse and abuse
• Peer Pressure faced by our youth

Those are just a few topics we will be discussing and please, if you have any other topics you want discussed or specific questions you would like answered at the meeting, contact livefree@operpar.org.

So, don't forget to save the date for the Town Hall Meeting: Kids & Alcohol — March 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palladium Theater. The Palladium Theater is located at 253 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg FL.

If you would like more information on this event, please contact livefree@operpar.org or you can visit LiveFee! online. And if you want to join our mailing list, just text LIVEFREE to 22828 and don't forget to include your email address!

We hope to see you there!

Related Post:
Marijuana Use is Increasing Among Teens

Is there really such a thing as a gateway drug?

When you're surrounded and influenced by your friends, it's sometimes hard to make good choices. Don't give into peer pressure. Just because everyone else is doing it — that doesn't mean you have to! And a lot of times, once you start…you can't stop.

What exactly is a gateway drug?
When a drug, such as marijuana, alcohol or tobacco, opens up the door for other harder drugs like cocaine and heroin, it is known as a gateway drug. According to drugfree.org — 50 percent of teens in the U.S. have access to marijuana by the time they are 16. In some cases, this is the first drug that young teens are introduced to.

Remember that alcohol is also a drug.
Although, a study from the University of Florida found that alcohol is the gateway drug that is leading teens and young adults down the wrong path and exposing them to harsher drugs, many people unfortunately don't really consider alcohol a drug.

Don't become a victim of peer pressure.
How can you avoid becoming a victim of gateway drugs? Well, the simplest solution would be to just say no. If and when you are offered any type of drug (even alcohol), make sure you refuse — even if you are afraid of peer pressure.

Click here for more information on resisting drug abuse and what you should do. To learn more about LiveFree! and our mission to reduce youth substance abuse, visit our website.

Related Posts:
5 Damaging Myths About Addiction
Top "Reasons" People Use Drugs & The Truth Behind Them

It can be hard to sit back and watch a friend who is caught up in drugs. How do you know if they have a problem?

The use of drugs among teens is rising every day.  It may not seem like a big deal because you see it all of the time, but it can lead to big problems. If you notice that a friend is abusing drugs, make sure you get them help while there is still time.

How will you know if a friend had a drug problem? There are many things to look for and you may not have to look very far. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse website, there are signs that you can look for that will tell you if a friend may be addicted or abusing drugs:

• He or she may take the drug more often or in large quantities.
• He/she may have tried to quit, but can't resist the craving.
• He/she may spend an excessive amount of time trying to find the drug.
• He/she may continue to use the drug even though he/she knows it's harming them and others.
• He/she might give up other things they enjoy for the drug.

If you spot any of these changes in your friend, get them help right away. You can talk to your friend and tell them how much you care about them, but don't try and help them on your own — enlist the help of a counselor, teacher or parent to help. And remember, withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be dangerous, so it's important for them to seek medical help after they stop using them.

For more information on drug abuse and what you should do, click here. To learn more about LiveFree! and their mission, visit their website.

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These three scenarios were created by the LiveFree! Club of Dunedin High School to be used as conversation starters between parents and youth at meal times. Choose one and get the dialog started today! See Part I of our Dinner Dilemmas here.

Situation 1:  You decide to go the beach with your friends, but when you decide to leave, your friends tell you that if you don’t at least smoke once, they won’t loan you money for the bus (you have no money for the bus).

Dilemma:  On the one hand, if you don’t smoke, you can’t go home and you will get into trouble. On the other hand, if you do smoke, you get to go home, but your mom will be able to tell you were smoking and you will be in trouble. You could have avoided all of this by staying home and telling your friends that you couldn’t hang out, but you didn’t know they would make you smoke.

Discussion:  What decision would you make and why?

Situation 2:  You go to a party with lots of people, and they begin to offer you drugs and alcohol.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you could do the drugs and drink the alcohol (look cool). On the other hand, you could decline the drugs and alcohol (look lame).

Discussion:  What should you do and why?

Situation 3:  Stephanie and Hector have been arguing constantly at practice. Terri overheard one of their arguments.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, Terri could say something to them to help them work out their problems. On the other hand, Terri could ignore them and pretend like she doesn't’t know they are arguing.

Discussion:  What should Terri do? Why?

LiveFree! is a coalition of community members with a vision to reduce substance abuse in our community by creating a safe, healthy community through public and private collaborations to educate and create public awareness, promote advocacy and develop healthy solutions to issues of youth substance abuse.

These scenarios were created by the Dunedin High School LiveFree! Club to be used as conversation starters between parents and youth at meal times. Choose one to get the dialogue started today!

Situation 1:  Your parents are out of town and your friends tell you they want to throw a big party at your house, but you don’t want them to have a party at your house.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you could disobey your parents’ rule about no parties and please your friends. On the other hand, you could tell your friends you are going ahead with other plans and not have the party (it’s against your parents’ rule).

Discussion:  Should you please your friends or your parents?  Why?

Situation 2:  Your friend is in an abusive relationship and she shares her secret with you.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you could tell a trusted adult to help her.  On the other hand, you could be a good friend, keep the secret, and hope for the best.

Discussion:  What should you do? Why?

Situation 3:  You’re out in the mall and your friends want you to “grip” (steal).

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you don’t want to disappoint your friends by walking away and doing the right thing. On the other hand, you don’t want to disappoint your parents by being sent to jail for stealing.

Discussion:  What should you do?  Why?

LiveFree! is a coalition of community members with a vision to reduce substance abuse in our community by creating a safe, healthy community through public and private collaborations to educate and create public awareness, promote advocacy and develop healthy solutions to issues of youth substance abuse.

You’re invited … to a party! Parties are a time for socializing, games, and fun. However, some people like to ruin the carefree atmosphere with drugs and alcohol. Many teenagers are curious about the altering effects of drugs and alcohol. They may want to fit in with a crowd or seem cool.

The problem with using drugs or drinking alcohol is the loss of control and the risk for dependence. When you drink or do drugs, you are no longer yourself. You can’t truly experience and enjoy anything while under the influence. Don’t live behind a hazy cloud. Be yourself and really enjoy a party. Here are some ways you can have fun and throw a great party above the influence.

• Choose a theme. Dress in costumes, styles from a particular era, or just more formally than usual. The potential for fun starts in the wardrobe planning. You can hold a contest for best outfit or even a fashion show. Having something fun to focus on will give everyone something in common to talk about. No need for drugs or alcohol to take the runway.

• Provide a great spread of food. There’s nothing better than a good meal with good friends. Plan a menu with exotic and comfort foods, go pot luck, or splurge for a fancy caterer. Make the meal the central focus of the party.

• Some people like the idea of drinking because of the interesting concoctions and mixtures that can be made and garnished with a little umbrella. Go fun and healthy with smoothies or other frozen drinks that don’t need alcohol to perk them up.

• Plan some games to amp up the fun. Interactive video games let you have a tennis or bowling tournament in your living room. Want to gamble, but not with your health and safety? Set up a poker game with the losers having to clean up. You’ll need all your wits and focus to win. Don’t “deal in” drugs and alcohol.

• Hook up your iPod and blast the latest tunes. Get everyone on the dance floor. Once you start moving to the beat, you’ll get that natural high. Drugs and alcohol don’t come close to your own natural happiness. Afraid you don’t have the moves? Start the party with some simple lessons to put everyone at ease.

• Search online for other fun party games that don’t require drinking. Try card games, sports or outdoor games, swimming and pool games, even games that let you swap secrets and dares.

Being a teenager doesn’t last long. Make real memories with your friends that will last. When you’re older looking back, it won’t be much fun to say, “Remember that big summer party…” “No, I don’t remember it because I was drinking and doing drugs.” Make every party one to remember. Be a leader and party without drugs or alcohol. LiveFree can help you get involved.

Sources:
101 Ways to Party Without Drinking
How to Enjoy Yourself at a Party Without Drinking

Related Posts:
Finding Healthy Alternative “Addictions” to Drugs
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Being a big brother or sister is a big responsibility. Your younger siblings look up to you, even if they don’t always act like it. Being a good older sibling means leaving footprints to follow along the path to success.

School
It’s important to set a good example at school for your siblings, whether you attend the same school or not. Your family may discuss your grades or assignments at home. You want younger siblings to hear a message of excitement, positive attitude, and dedication. School may not be your favorite place, but your attitude will inspire younger siblings. In today’s competitive workforce, the dream jobs are going only to people with the highest levels of education and the best work ethics. You don’t want your siblings to miss opportunities because they didn’t think school was important.

A bad attitude surrounded by bad behavior could leave your younger sibling in a real mess when he or she meets your former teachers. Leave behind a positive legacy so your siblings will be proud to share your name.

Social Scene
You didn’t get to choose your siblings, but you do get to choose your friends. Choose people who share your values and goals. Surrounding yourself with good friends will show your younger siblings how to foster positive, meaningful, and lasting relationships with their peers.

Drugs & Alcohol
Monkey see, monkey do. If you experiment with drugs and alcohol, your siblings may want to be just like you and do the things you do. Talk to younger siblings about the importance of saying NO so they can grow up healthy and strong.

Around the House
Your home is the center of your family. If you have chores or other responsibilities at home, make sure you keep up with them. Help younger siblings learn how to do their part to make your house a safe and comfortable home.

Your siblings will be flooded with new ideas and information from school and friends. Middle school is an especially impressionable time where kids may choose a path to success or a big mess. Help your younger siblings to navigate the world and become the best people they can be. Check out the Community Resources from LiveFree! to learn more about how to be a good role model and older sibling.

Sources:
How to Be a Good Brother or Sister
Study Offers Parents New Insights into When and Why Teens Choose Drinking, Drugs and Sex

Related Posts:
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Tips for a Safe and Successful School Year