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.

Related Posts:
Helping a Friend With Addiction
Talking to A Friend About Using Drugs and Alcohol
Is Your Friend Using Drugs?

You go to a party. You have a few cocktails. You’re ready to leave. Are you really ready to drive? Driving under the influence is dangerous for you, as well as other people on the road, and it’s illegal. It may not seem like a big deal at the time, but that’s because the drinks you’ve had are impairing your judgment.

How much is too much?
The legal limit for drivers under age 21 is .02 blood alcohol level. This means that even one drink is too much. For drivers of legal drinking age the limit is .08. For most people, your body can process one drink per hour. If you measure out your drinks that way, wait an hour after your last drink to drive. Females or other smaller people may need to drink even less to be under the legal limit.

What can happen while drunk driving?

· Your judgment is impaired so you may make poor decisions about stopping time, following distance, or even just taking the right route.
· You may be in a car crash (30% of U.S. drivers killed in crashes are under the influence).
· You may damage property or your own car.
· You may injure or kill a pedestrian or other drivers and passengers on the road.
· You may injure or kill yourself.
· You may injure or kill the passengers in your car (possibly your own children).

What are the possible consequences of getting caught the first time?

· Loss of your license for 180 days or more
· Up to $500 fine
· 50 hours of community service
· 12-hour drunk driver education class
· Probation for one year
· Jail for up to 6 months (9 months if there is a minor present in the car)
· Increase in car insurance premiums
· Lawyer fees that must be paid

If you injure someone or damage property, you will be liable for costs.

If you kill someone, you will have to live with the intense guilt for the rest of your life.

If you get caught driving drunk a second time, you will face even steeper consequences.

How can driving drunk be avoided?
If you’re not sure how to play it safe, here are some ideas.

· Take a taxi or public transportation to an event that will involve drinking, or at least take it home.
· Arrange a car pool with a designated driver who will not drink; be sure to thank your driver.
· If you find yourself unexpectedly intoxicated at a friend’s home, spend the night even if it means a lumpy sofa.
· Call a friend or family member. This person may be upset with you that night, but you’ll both be glad to be alive and safe in the morning.
· Use a local designated driving service; check online to find one in your area.
· Don’t drink alcohol to excess in the first place. And if you are under age 21, don’t drink alcohol at all.

LiveFree! Youth Clubs can help you make good choices. Spread the word about the dangers of drunk driving. No party will ever be worth the monetary, physical, and emotional cost of a drunk driving accident.

Sources:
Drunk Driving Penalties in Florida
Drunk Driving Statistics:

Related Posts:
Say No to Supervised Drinking
Setting an Example for Younger Siblings

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
Say No to Supervised Drinking

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:
Saying “No” to Drugs—Even to Your Friends
Tips for a Safe and Successful School Year