DEAR ABBY: HELP FRIENDS AVOID ADDICTION

Dear Abby: I am a 14-year-old girl and a pretty good student. My problem: I
have friends who like to drink and do drugs. While I have no interest in
getting caught up in that stuff, I don't want to lose their friendship.

They know I won't hang with them when they're drunk or high on something.
I've told them that numerous times, and they know how I feel.

Abby, I've grown up with these kids. They mean a lot to me. Can you please
give me some advice so they'll stop these bad habits before it's too late
and something really tragic happens?

- - Worried in Rhode Island

Dear Worried: It's painful to see people you care about do risky things,
but your friends must decide for themselves about their alcohol and drug
use. However, you can get information to help them understand the many
serious consequences of substance abuse. The National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information has a series of "Tips for Teens" brochures
about alcohol, tobacco and drugs, and other free materials. You can call
the organization toll-free at (800) 729-6686 or visit the Web site at
www.health.org.

Whether your friends are willing to learn and reconsider their current
choices is up to them, but you will have offered them sound information to
help them make their decision.

You could also send a confidential letter to your school principal
suggesting the school sponsor an assembly about drug and alcohol addiction.
If possible, the assembly should include personal testimonials and warnings
from older teens and young adults who have conquered their habits. I can't
imagine a more powerful motivator for your friends and other young people
to avoid the pitfalls of addiction.