As a teenager, you might face situations that you’ve never had to deal with before. These can be good or they can be bad; they are all part of our development into healthy adults. The best way to resist negative peer pressure is to think about what you might do beforehand. That way, if you’re ever in a situation where someone offers you drugs or alcohol – or just plain wants you to do something you don’t want to - you can be prepared to say no.

DRUG FACTS

Below are some interesting facts and statistics about the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on the body. Drugs and alcohol are harmful to all body types but especially for children and adolescents (i.e. teens), because teenagers’ bodies are still developing. It’s like throwing an obstacle in the path of a runner; it messes up the flow of development in the body and is really, really hard to get back on track. I’ve posted some interesting info below, but there’s a ton more that you can access just by clicking the links.

ATOD Facts & Effects on the Body

Know Someone with a Problem?

Unfortunately, it’s a possibility that someone you know may develop a problem with alcohol or drugs. Our research shows us that teens who think they have a problem are most likely to go to other friends for help. Obviously, if a friend comes to you and tells you that they may have a problem with alcohol or drugs, you’ll find yourself in a confusing and stressful situation. But the most important thing is being the type of friend that is there to offer support.

If your friend is doing one or more of the following, there might be a problem with drugs or alcohol:

  • Gets drunk or high on drugs often

  • Stops doing things they used to do – like sports, music, hanging out with friends

  • They start hanging out with new friends who use drugs

  • They lose weight quickly, and change eating and sleep habits

  • They have problems getting along with their family and friends

  • They start missing a lot of school and grades drop

If you think...

...You or someone you know may have a problem with alcohol or drugs please check out the following resources for information on how to get them the help they may need.

Treatment and Recovery

  • Lifesteps: We offer substance abuse education, prevention, intervention, and treatment.
    Call us at     (512) 246-9880 for more information on any of the services we provide.

  • NCADI (National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information): For free information about drugs and locating treatments centers near you.

  • Phoenix House: provides inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment and support.
    Call (512) 440-0613 or log onto    www.phoenixhouse.org/Texas

  • Shoal Creek: provides family-centered outpatient treatment for adolescents ages 12-17.
     Call (512) 324-2039 or log onto www.seton.net

Online Information

  • www.painfullyobvious.com! It’s interactive, and has a lot of great information. If you’re looking to learn more about the effects and dangers of drug abuse, log onto this website. Great resources!
  • www.MyLastDip.com: a series of unique Web-based interventions that have been designed to help chewing tobacco users quit for good. One program is specially designed for chewers ages 14-25.  

  • www.freevibe.com: a great website for learning how to talk to a friend you’re worried about.

  • www.drugfree.org: a helpful place full of statistics, info, and resources on drug use, prevention and treatment.

  • www.thecoolspot.gov: a site all about alcohol and resisting negative peer pressure.

  • www.teens.drugabuse.gov: log on to learn about how drugs affect the brain.

Phone Numbers and Hotlines

  • National Drug Information and Treatment Hotline: This is a 24-hour hotline that can tell you how and where to get help with alcohol and drug problems. Call 1-800-662-HELP

  • Al-Anon/Alateen Hotline: This organization provides hope and help for young people who are the relatives and friends of a problem drinker. Call 1-800-344-2666 for a meeting time/location near you, or just to talk to a helpful representative. You can also log onto www.al-anon.alateen.org

  • Anti-Drug Campaign: For more information or to talk to a specialist who can refer your friend for help, Call 1-800-788-2800.

  • National Cocaine Hotline: This hotline answers emergency questions about cocaine use.
    Call 1-800-COCAINE.

SURVEYS

Surveys coming soon...

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Whaddaya Know? Think you know all about alcohol and peer pressure?

Brain Games Exercise your brain and test your knowledge of drugs and the way they affect the brain.