For seven years now, Macomb County (Michigan) Sheriff Mark Hackel visited with a class of eight-graders to talk about peer pressure and the dangers of giving in to it and to curiosity about teen drug and alcohol abuse.

"After telling the story of a recent drunken driving accident that took the life of 18-year-old Armada High School senior Emilee Floer, he let the group try on a pair of Fatal Vision goggles, which simulate the vision of a person who's highly intoxicated, and made them 'walk the line,' heel to toe."

All who tried to take the test failed miserably, and one student commented that he "never wants to feel like that again". Read more at CandgNews.com.

Labels: experimentation, pressure, prevention

A new study published in the Journal of Prevention Science finds that the reason a teenager drinks is important as to whether or not he or she becomes an alcoholic.

Lori Palen, chief researcher in the study done at Pennsylvania State University, surveyed 1877 high school seniors and found that 75% drink. One-third said they drink for the thrill of it, 36% to experiment, and 15% to relax.

However, the minority (18%) reported drinking for multiple reasons, such as an inability to deal with anger and frustration, experienced more problems with alcohol. They were more likely to have started drinking as early as sixth grade, and more likely to drink on a daily basis.

Teens who have difficulty controlling their emotions and dealing with their feelings may benefit from a residential treatment center that offers therapy and academics. SunHawk Academy is a residential treatment program in a boarding school setting that caters to the needs of teens with substance abuse problems.

Labels: alcohol_abuse, pressure, risky_behaviors

In this Q&A from the LaCrosse Tribune, Family columnist Colleen O'Reilly advises a parent who's worried about her 15-year-old daughter and the friends she's making. How do you talk to a daughter whose friends are using drugs? How do you help her avoid the same pitfall?

"Since your main concern seems to be avoidance, I suggest that you make a date where you will not be interrupted. You want this to be important. During your date, you will express your honest concerns for your daughter and admit you are powerless to make her decisions. Continue by saying that you want her to know she can use you as an excuse if she is invited to partake. Many teens like being able to say that their parents will 'kill them if they use.'..."

Getting a teen involved in extra-curricular activities can help, too. Most school clubs and teams have strict rules about drug and alcohol use, which gives a student another great "out" if approached about trying an illegal substance.

NorthStar Center offers adolescent drug treatment to teens and young adults.

Labels: friends, pressure, prevention

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