Alcohol.

According to the 2007 Student Drug Use Survey, 52% of Newfoundland and Labrador teenagers drank alcohol in the past 12 months.

The stats tell the story. A lot of teens are experimenting with alcohol in this province and peer pressure can be tough to ignore, but just because there are a lot of people doing it doesn't mean that everyone is. In fact, about one third of students have never tried alcohol at all.

Did you know...

Teenagers who lack social skills and self-confidence are the most vulnerable to drug use and addictions. So I guess not all the cool kids are doing drugs. Are you a leader or a follower?

Here's some more stuff about alcohol...

Everything in Moderation

People drink alcohol to relax, to help them socialize, to fit in, to be cool. In moderation, drinking alcohol can be an enjoyable experience, for adults. But like all drugs, alcohol can cause problems depending on the way it is used, and like other drugs, it is addictive.

So what's the damage? Get up on it!

We all know what can happen if you drink too much:

loss of coordination
poor judgment
slowed reflexes
distorted vision
memory lapses
even blackouts

And then you wake up in Hangover City where vomit flies, your head pounds and you missed the last bus out of town until tomorrow.

In more serious cases, too much drinking can lead to more than a hangover. It can cause alcohol poisoning, coma and death. Alcohol can damage every organ in your body. It is absorbed directly into your bloodstream and can increase your risk for a variety of life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

Too Old for a Babysitter? Guess Again.

Ever found yourself babysitting a drunk friend? Cleaning up vomit, taking them home, keeping them out of trouble? Not the most fun way to spend an evening is it? Or worse, have your friends had to baby-sit you?No one wants to be "that friend".

The Dangers of Second-hand Drinking

Even when you're not the one drinking, alcohol can still be dangerous to you. Drunk drivers kill people, and teenagers are one of the groups most vulnerable to drunk-driving fatalities. Sadly, many students in this province don`t think twice about riding with someone who has been drinking. Please don't be one of them!

Why Do You Think They Invented Bouncers?

Alcohol is also linked to violent behaviour, and being around people who are drinking gives you an increased chance of being affected by violence. Ever heard of a "Bad Drunk"? Well, it`s not a myth.

Get Up on the Warning Signs and Symptoms

When someone is using drugs or alcohol there are stages and signs that can help you determine if it's time to get some help, whether it's you, your friend or a family member. Get up on the signs and stages so you can get help if you need it.

CRAFFT: A brief screening test for Teen Substance Abuse:

Answer Yes or No to the following questions:

C - Have you ever ridden in a CAR driven by someone (including yourself) who was "high" or had been using alcohol or drugs?
R - Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to RELAX, feel better about yourself, or fit in?
A - Do you ever use alcohol/drugs while you are by yourself, ALONE?
F - Do your family or FRIENDS ever tell you that you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
F - Do you ever FORGET things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
T - Have you gotten into TROUBLE while you were using alcohol or drugs?

*2 or more yes answers suggests a need for further assessment. Please get in touch with one of the Addictions Services Offices in your area.

Make a Plan

There are always some risks with drinking. If you make the decision to drink, there are ways to reduce these risks. Plan ahead and stay safe!

Make a plan for getting home (have money and a phone number for a taxi, or call your parents or a friend whom you trust).

If you drink at all, it is best not to drive. This means a car, motorbike, ATV, snowmobile or any motorized vehicle.

When getting a ride with someone else, make sure you know if the driver has been drinking before deciding to go with them (this includes rides with adults too).

When people drink too much, too quickly or on an empty stomach, it can be dangerous. Anyone can overdose on alcohol or choke while throwing up in their sleep, especially if they're too drunk.

[Alcohol - The Full Story]

Weed can make your heart speed up by as much as 50%.