The Eighth Annual Western South Dakota Youth to Youth Conference was held last week in Rapid City. The conference aims to use positive peer pressure to steer young people away from alcohol and substance abuse.

"[Alonna] Fry said discussing drugs and alcohol with fellow students makes her take the issues more seriously. 'It's nice to know there are other people my age that choose not to be involved with drugs,' Fry said. 'That's what we need at our age.'"

The conference begins with some games that are designed to help the students get to know and feel comfortable with each other. Later in the conference, discussion groups tackle serious issues of drugs and alcohol that face today's teens. The students are also encouraged to make pledges to remain drug free and be role models in their schools.

As your teenager transitions into adulthood they may still need some guidance and structure, especially if they're in recovery. NorthStar Center is an aftercare program for young adults in recovery. Learn more at NorthStarCenter.com.

Labels: friends, influences, pressure