ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE IS AT RISK FOR DRUG ABUSE

Drugs are an increasing problem in youth today. Whether it's
marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, mushrooms, crystal meth or other such
terrifying drugs, they're all out there, and easily accessible to
anyone that wants them. It's the scary truth, and youth everywhere are
giving in to the influence.

Fortunately, I have not and do not plan on using drugs. I've heard
about the "crazy highs" that people have had, and I've occasionally
wondered what they must be like; however, I have never been tempted to
use drugs.

I've been brought up by two caring parents who have steered me in the
right direction, taught me the difference between right and wrong, and
encouraged me in everything I've done. The only "instability" that
I've experienced is not living in the same place my whole life. Yes,
moving around can be hard, but we always stayed in one place for at
least four years, so it's not too bad. Many teens don't have the great
home life that I've been privileged with, so they find it easier to
give into the pressures of society.

It's not just about having a less than perfect home life, though. In
fact, there are numerous people in the world that have grown up in a
home where their parents don't really care, or with other negative
circumstances present, who turned out to be great people with no
history of substance abuse. These people found other ways to get past
the pain, such as surrounding themselves with positive people, getting
involved in sports and other activities, and setting and working
towards positive goals for themselves. Then, there are others that
have such a "perfect" life that they find the need to "rebel" by
drinking or using drugs. In reality, everyone is at risk for drug use,
regardless of their backgrounds. The determining factor is being able
to say no, and some people have more trouble with this than others.

Freevibe.com put these great ads and commercials out asking teens,
"What's your anti-drug?" They give examples such as music, family,
biking, pets, and fashion - things that teens are passionate about.
These ads encourage teenagers and young adults to find their
"anti-drug," and to remind themselves that they could simply "throw
away" their passion by using drugs.

According to the Website, the ads are intended "to get people thinking
about the consequences of doing drugs."

According to a survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction
and Substance Abuse, teens that are often bored are 50 per cent more
likely to smoke, drink, and use drugs than those that are not often
bored. Many teens might say, "Well, it's Revelstoke. There's nothing
to do, so that's why I'm bored." In reality, there's so much to do
here! There's a multitude of activities, groups, and clubs that anyone
can get involved in. For those teens that are active, there are both
community and high school sports teams to get involved in. If you're
more solitary, than you can go work out at the gym, go biking,
running, walking, skiing, snow-shoeing - the list goes on! Those
interested in fine arts can audition for community plays, sign up for
dance, or check out the high school jazz band, the community band, the
community choir, or find some people to jam with. There are also
groups such as Girl Guides of Canada, Scouts Canada, church youth
groups and Cadets. It doesn't end there, either. At the present
moment, I keep myself busy with activities such as band, Air Cadets,
youth group, and grad executive. Somewhere in there I also manage to
find time to study and work at maintaining my school marks.

Does keeping busy guarantee a drug-free you? No, but it helps. In my
opinion, the bottom line is simply that drugs ruin lives. You can't
exactly expect great results from something made from all sorts of
disgusting chemicals in a dirty bathtub, can you? Yes, the effects of
marijuana and cocaine are going to be different, but how do you know
your dealer isn't selling you something laced that's going to be a lot
more dangerous to you than regular pot? Why would you even take that
chance, knowing it could go so far as killing you? You can trust your
dealer though, right? They're your friend, so they wouldn't do
anything to hurt you. Wrong. Drug dealers are really only out there to
make money. Chances are that your local dealer doesn't produce their
own drugs, but they get them from a higher source. These people don't
know you, and they're generally not concerned with the quality. How
can you put your lives in the hands of people like that, who could
basically care less about your well-being? I certainly could not.

Rise above the influence - say NO to drugs.

Alison Morris is a work experience student from Revelstoke Secondary
School