YAB Teens Are Talking About Summer Plans, the Party Scene and How Parents Can Help Teens....

YAB Teens had a busy school year and are looking forward to the summer break.  Here, they are talking about taking a break, plans and the party scene.

Q.  What are your summer plans?  And, what are you looking forward to over the summer break?

Teens Answer:

• I’ll be busy working and preparing for college.  And, I’m looking forward to not having school!
• I plan on hanging out with my friends and going on college tours.  I’m looking forward to having time to relax.
• I’m doing a leadership program in Chicago, working, sleeping in… and college applications.  I’m looking forward to literally just having a break.  School is tiring.  Also, I can’t wait for our summer events;  Battle of the Bands, Movie Nights and Day on the Town!

Q.  In your opinion, what is the summer social/party scene really like for teens?  Can you go places where there isn’t the influence of alcohol or drugs?

Teens Answer:

• It is possible to avoid.  There are many places without those influences.
• I’m not super involved in the summer party scene, so it’s very possible.  You can go to the movies, pools, or just hang out with friends who don’t drink or do drugs.
• Many people do bonfires, go up north, or go boating.  It is possible to have sober hang outs and common for that matter.  But people do still drink more over the summer and teens need to be careful of finding themselves in those situations. It can take just the use of one time to get into serious trouble OR to become addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Q.  What should teens do if they find themselves in a situation where others are drinking or doing drugs?

Teens Answer:

• They should think about the many consequences of drug use and decide whether or not they are willing to accept those consequences.  It should be a personal decision.
• If teens find themselves in a situation where others are drinking or doing drugs, they should leave so they don’t have to involved.
• Just leave or get picked up.  That is what I do every time.  DON’T be embarrassed!

Q.  How do you think Parents can help their teen if something like this comes up?

Teens Answer:

• Parents can help by providing their teens with different opportunities and by encouraging them to pursue a project or job over the summer.
• Parents can help their teens by giving them a ride home or teaching them how to say “No” to others in a situation.
• Parents should show unconditional support and always let your child know you will be calm and helpful in a bad situation. 

 Final thoughts from a YAB graduating senior:  

Q.  What is your main take away from your high school experience?  And, what will you take with you as a motto or value as your transition to college?

 Answer:

• My main takeaway from high school is that the years pass very quickly and one should appreciate and take advantage of all the learning opportunities in their youth.  My goal for college is to try new things and to challenge myself.

 
                             #summer#timetotakeabreak#what'syourinfluence#livedrugfree

Teens talk about Addiction, Harm and What Parents and Teens NEED to KNOW….

Q.  What do you think are the physical harmful effects from alcohol? Marijuana? Rx drugs?  Other drug use?

Teens Answer:

• Alcohol, marijuana and RX drugs all affect the brain in negative ways if used frequently and incorrectly, there are negative long and short term effects of both. 
• Vomiting, memory loss, damage to the brain cells and impaired vision.
• I think the physical effects include brain cells dying and a lack of proper functioning in different organs and brain structures.
• For all of them it slows down the brain functions and can affect your overall wellness and performance in school and sports.      
• Damage to your memory, your heart, your liver.  They can also cause behaviors that can put your entire life at risk.
• There are many harmful effects from drug and alcohol use.  The decisions you make as a teen today can and will affect who you are in the future.

Q.  What do you think addiction means? 

Teens Answer:

• Addiction is a brain disease that is the result of persistent use that alters the brain chemistry and reward system.
• I think addiction means when you have a constant wanting or necessity for something.
• Addiction means not being able to get through a certain amount time without using a substance.
• Addiction means that your body starts to think that it needs the substance and you start to NOT function -- you are consumed by your addiction.
• An addiction is when you don’t know your stopping point.  You don’t know when your body has had enough.
• Addiction means that you no longer have control over you own body.

Q.  What does it take to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs?

Teens Answer:

• There are many factors that determine one’s susceptibility to addiction.  The two main factors are genetic disposition as well as social environment.
• It can take just the use of one time to become addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• Recklessly overusing the substance.
• Repeated us over a period of time.
• It only takes one time – one sip of alcohol, or one time smoking marijuana to become addicted.
• There are genetic factors, but there are more influential environmental factors as well:  your family, your community, your friend group.

Q.  Do you think teens today think there is harm from alcohol or other drugs?  Why or why not? 

Teens Answer:

• I think they know there is harm but it does not persuade them from participating in risky behavior.
• Yes, but they don’t think it’s harmful enough to make them stop using these substances.
• No, teens are ignorant to the facts.  They see a lot of people who do it and turn out fine, so they think it can’t hurt them.
• No, they do NOT think of the repercussions and teens do not think that drinking will have a negative effect.
• Many teens are aware of the harmful consequences of drugs and alcohol, but they have that “invincible” mindset that nothing bad can happen to them.
• I think teens have a mindset that nothing bad could ever happen to them when in reality it can and will.
• I think they think there is harm, but the instant “pleasure” in doing drugs or using alcohol trumps the long-term harm.

Q.  What do Parents NEED to KNOW about teen substance use today?

Teens Answer:

• They need to know that habits formed at a young age can be difficult to break.  Teen substance use can be a phase or turn into long term use with future problems.
• That teens ARE doing these illegal activities more than they think and they are doing them at younger and younger ages.
• It happens more than they think and they need to talk to and educate their children.
• That it’s happening in their neighborhoods and it’s THEIR job to get involved, step in and do something about it.
• How to properly educate themselves and their children on the effects of substance use and abuse.   They need to know how to talk to their kids about it.

Q.  Do you think Adults, Schools, Parents and the Community do what’s needed to cover harm and addiction?  What more can be done?

Teens Answer:

• A lot more can be done with much more involvement from people in the community.
• No, I believe the topic is ignored and teens do not truly know the dangers of these substances.  People/adults need to focus more on talking about the issue.
• A lot is being done, but prevention is important and can always be improved.
• Yes, but they could try to increase awareness of the harmful effects.
• I think the YAB does a tremendous job, but we just need to keep working to spread the message further.
• I think much more could be done to educate youth on the subject of substance abuse.  It’s NOT a topic that should be avoided.
• There MUST be an emphasis on long-term harm consequences.

  

What's Your Influence?

#lchoosetolivedrugfree

Teens are talking about Spring Break and House Parties

What BOTH Students and Parents NEED to know….

Q.  What are your plans for break?

 Teens Answer:

• For Spring Break my family and I are visiting colleges in New York.  I’m really looking forward to visiting NYU and Columbia University. 
• For spring break I plan on going on vacation with my family. 
• To RELAX.  I plan to do something that will be approved by my parents but will also be fun.
• For spring break I will be going to tour Columbia and Yale Universities.
• For spring break, I’m going to Disney World with my closest friends, and other places around Florida. 

 Q.  What do you do to keep busy and have fun without the influence of drugs or alcohol? 

Teens Answer:

• Focus on my goals and doing things I am interested in and exploring new things.  
• Lately I’ve been trying to get back into reading and working on my blog. 
• Reading, hanging out with friends and going to the movies.
• I hang out with my good friends that are a good influence.  I also try to stay busy.

 Q.  There are parties on the weekends, so what do you do if there is alcohol or drugs at a party you are at?

  Teens Answer:

• Make sure that I’m making good choices, being safe and having fun.  If that’s not possible, then I leave  
• Not partake in the use of any illegal substances
•  I just do my own thing and refuse to use drugs or drink alcohol.
•  I would probably leave and not touch anything. 
• Avoid the people who are making the choice to do drugs or drink.
•  If there is but I can’t seem to leave, I don’t condone the use, and do not use, and, try to convince others of making better choices.

 Q.  Do you think there are a lot of Parents who host parties with alcohol? 

Teens Answer:

• Yes, of course, I know personally of instances when parents have turned a blind eye to what is going on in their home.  
• Yes, MOST parties occur in households.
•  When police come to a party with alcohol the students will either be convicted or let off with a warning, but the parents will most likely be prosecuted.
•  I feel like some parents allow it but sometimes the kids’ friends’ bring it in and the parents’ don’t know how to shut it down.
•  I know of a few – I hope they think about their actions and the consequences.

Q.  What do you think happens if the police come to a party where there is alcohol?  What happens to the students?  To the parents?

Teens Answer:

• I know of several students who have MIP’s though I rarely hear of consequences their parents withstand.  
• The students might get MIP’s, if they are participating in drinking.  The parents will face some legal consequences as well.
•  Police will question the people that are there.  The students will get in trouble along with their parents. 
•  The students deal with punishment with the law and at school -- which could be gossip and very negative.  The parents should be treated equally.  Giving minors alcohol is NOT okay, especially not a bunch of kids at a party you may not know.  

Q.  What do you think Parents NEED TO KNOW about throwing a party for their kids and their friends?

Teens Answer:

• That there are almost always illegal substances involved.  Make sure you talk to your students and then trust that your children understand the consequences and will make good choices. 
• They will get in trouble with the law if the police come and there is illegal activity OR if a child gets hurt in their vehicle after the party.
•  They need to know how to stop the flow of alcohol or other drugs into the party.
•  They need to know that THEY are responsible.  I know a Mom that hosted a party where a girl got alcohol poisoning and their daughter tried to cover it up for her parents sake.
• That kids can make bad decisions and to make sure they know what’s going on.
•  That it is NOT safer for kids to drink at home or with adult supervision.

 

 #what'syourinfluence?#Ichoosetolivedrugfree#youthinaction