Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jun 2002
Source: Buffalo News (NY)
Copyright: 2002 The Buffalo News
Contact:  http://www.buffalonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61
Author: Abigail Van Buren and Jeanne Phillips
Note: Dear Abby is written by Pauline Phillips and daughter Jeanne 
Phillips. Write to Dear Abby at P.O. Box 69-440, Hollywood, Calif. 90069 or 
at www.DearAbby.com.

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.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Ariel