Alcohol

PYMNTS. (2019, July). Alcohol Sales Banned On Facebook, Instagram. Retrieved November 13, 2019

Alcohol refers to any alcoholic beverage and it becomes legal for purchase at age 21.

  • Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the United States.
  • Youth who start drinking before age 15 are six times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after 21 years.
  • Binge drinking health problems include injuries (car crashes, falls, violence), alcohol poising, and sexual activity.
  • Alcohol reaches the brain in 1 to 6 minutes after entering the human body.

7 warning signs

Stop Alcohol Abuse is part of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD). 7 Warning Signs for Underage Drinking. Retrieved November 12, 2019, from:

Most young people don’t use alcohol

Stop Alcohol Abuse is part of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD). Infographics. Retrieved November 12, 2019, from:

Underage drinking detour

Stop Alcohol Abuse is part of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD). Underage Drinking can Detour Academic Success. Retrieved November 12, 2019 from:

 

Additional sources:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, November). CDC-Fact Sheets-Underage Drinking-Alcohol. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  2. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (2015, July). Alcohol & Drug Information. Retrieved on August 4, 2016.
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H50, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4927. Rockville, MD:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2015.
  4. Heidelberg, U. H. (2009, June 26). From The Glass To The Brain In Six Minutes. Retrieved July 20, 2016, from Science Daily:
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, March). Fact Sheets – Age 21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age.  Retrieved July 28, 2016.

Drugs

Drugs

There is never a legal age for drug use. All drugs are illegal for minors unless dispensed by and as directed by a medical professional or parent. Examples of drugs include opioids, fentanyl, and marijuana. Drugged driving is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.

Drugs kill more than cars, guns and falling 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH). Drug Overdoses Kill More Than Cars, Guns, and Falling. Retrieved November 6, 2019

Drugs and your body, it isn’t pretty

Scholastic and National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Drugs + Your Body: It Isn’t Pretty (Poster/Teaching Guide). Retrieved November 10, 2019

Teen brain under construction

Scholastic and National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2004). The Teen Brain: Under Construction. Retrieved November 13, 2019

Drugs and Your Body, It Isn’t Pretty

Drugs and your body it isn’t pretty (boy) Scholastic and National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2002) Drugs and the Body- It Isn’t Pretty. Retrieved November 12, 2019

National Institute on Drug Abuse.  (2014). Mind Over Matter: Prescription Pain Medications (Opioids).

Opioids:

Some opioids such as Vicodin, morphine, and codeine can be prescribed by doctors and may be helpful when taken correctly. However, when these drugs are taken incorrectly they can be dangerous and addictive.  Heroin is an opioid that is never prescribed.

  • Approximately 80% of current heroin users got started by first misusing prescription opioids.
  • The death rate from heroin overdose has grown four times greater in the past 10 years.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overdose Graphics. Retrieved November 14, 2019

National Institute on Drug Abuse.  (2014). Mind Over Matter: Prescription Pain Medications (Opioids).  

Scholastic and National Institute on Drug Abuse.  (2016).  Prescription Pain Medications: What You Need to Know. 

Fentanyl:

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic (human-made) opioid that doctors can prescribe to patients who are in extreme pain. It is extremely dangerous if misused, and is sometimes added to illegal drugs sold by drug dealers.

  • Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine
  • Illegal fentanyl is responsible for many fatal overdoses in people who thought they were taking another drug.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overdose Graphics. Retrieved November 14, 2019, from:

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens is part of the National Institutes of Health. (2018, May). Fentanyl: A Big Danger in Small Amounts.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens is part of the National Institutes of Health. (2019, May). Prescription Pain Medications (Opioids).

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens is part of the National Institutes of Health. (2018, August). Opioids: Just the Facts.

Marijuana:

Marijuana is the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. The chemical THC in marijuana is responsible for many of the drug’s mind-altering effects. Non-medical marijuana is illegal in Ohio.

  • Marijuana can be addictive and it changes how the brain works
  • Research shows it can lower IQ if smoked regularly in the teen years
Scholastic and National Institute on Drug Abuse. Marijuana: You Receive a lot of Mixed Messages. Retrieved November 14, 2019

Additional sources:

 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH).. Drugged Driving. Retrieved November 14, 2019

The National Institute on Drug Abuse(NIDA) is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH).  (2015, May). Marijuana Facts for Teens. Retrieved July 18, 2016

The National Institute on Drug Abuse(NIDA) is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH).  (2019, September). Marijuana. Retrieved November 14, 2019,

The Responsible Choice Video Series

The Responsible Choice Video Series

Welcome to The Responsible Choice video series featuring teens like yourselves. The Responsible Choice video series attempts to direct students toward making healthy decisions with respect, responsibility, self-control, courage, and honesty.

The Responsible choice videos will provide looks at character traits, dating, premarital sex, alcohol and substance abuse.

Dating and Relationships

A Discussion on Dating and Relationships with Cydney

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

A Discussion on Alcohol and Substance Abuse with Kayli

Character Traits

5 Character traits with Karyn:

5 Character traits with Kayli

Premarital Sex

A Discussion on Premarital Sex with Diamond

A Discussion on Premarital Sex with Tyler

A Discussion on Premarital Sex with Kayli

A Discussion on Premarital Sex with Asia

A Discussion on Premarital Sex with TiJonae

A Discussion on Premarital Sex with JaSean

Make The Call – Get Help Now

Make The Call – Get Help Now

The following websites and phone numbers are available for teens in crisis or in need of help. Please do not hesitate to use these resources.

National Institute of Mental Health. Shareable Resources on Suicide Prevention. Retrieved November 15, 2019

Crisis Text Hotline 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Click here for more information

Trained counselors will help move people from a hot moment to a cool calm, guiding you to create a plan to stay safe and healthy.

24 Hour Hotline

Reach an Rape Crisis Center specially trained advocate by calling the
24-hour hotline 877-906-7273 or 330-434-7273.
Visit Race Crisis Center and Hope & Healing

Advocates will provide non-judgmental information about legal or medical options, therapy, crisis intervention, support, and referrals.
To request anonymous help or to anonymously report a suspected human trafficking, call the

National Human Trafficking Resource Center (Polaris Project) Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to BeFree (233733).
Click here to visit online

Pregnancy Choices
Visit Pregnancy Choice online
Pregnancy Testing
2780 S Arlington Rd. Suite 203, Akron, OH 44312
(330) 915-6321

Pregnancy Choices offers free STD testing and results appointments. Trained and licensed medical professionals can test for the following:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• HIV screening
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Yeast infections
• Urinary tract infections

For more information or to make an appointment,
call 330.455.7500 or text 330.961.1772.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday
Visit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

 

It’s OK to Ask for Help

It’s OK to Ask for Help

Real life doesn’t get any more real than some of the experiences Concerned About Teen Success members use to make the point and connect with you.

Getting Help

We all go through times as teenagers when we need to get help and not give up.

Let me ask you a big question. Have you been through something you thought you would never get through?

I have.

My family’s home burned down.

When things happen in your life, you might go through some sort of depression. You might be sad, and just want to give up. But don’t give up. GIVING UP IS NOT THE ANSWER!

GETTING HELP IS NOT A BAD IDEA. Even if you feel like you don’t need help, sometimes you do. I know through my house fire that help from people I trusted and loved really helped me get past it. Don’t think if you get help, that you are weak.

It takes a strong person to admit they have a problem, and want to get help! So never be ashamed if you need some help in your life, and in anything you are going through. You never have to go through it alone.

Now, through hard work and lots of love, we are building our dream home!

So what was my main point in all of this??

No matter what you go through, you don’t have to be alone, and you don’t have to struggle in something and feel like no one knows how you feel. There are people who are there for you and want to listen to you. And no matter what you go through, there will always be a way to fix it.

  1. Say that you need some help.
  2. Get someone to talk to about it.
  3. Move on, and be happy.

Thank you for thinking about what I’ve learned.

Poetry

Poetry

Teens similar to you have chosen abstinence and written about their choice through poetry. Enjoy these powerful poems that share real emotional insights about saving sex for marriage.

“Lifetime of Pain”

At one point in time,
it was set in my mind
That I’d one day find,
that Prince Charming of mine!
He would be, the man on the court
Excelling in sports,
Witty and tall
In high school, I found out
What most boys were about
And though sex was their game
I choose to abstain!
If you’ve had sex before
It’s not too late to regain
Because one night of pleasure
Is not worth a lifetime of pain

“When the Odds are Against You”

When all is lost and hope has fled
When fear is strong and strength is dead
When love and joy abandon you
When mental anguish grows in you

When the last of efforts fail to save
When your fate is ill, your mind enslaved
And when your head hangs low in misery
This is when you’ll find the key

A single ember from deep within
Burns hotter and hotter, as flames begin
The fire of truth will light the way
And help you fight, this lonely day

The battle is long, the struggle is rough
Never regret not giving enough
For when we offer our very best.
Our very soul is put to the test.

Stand tall and true and you’ll prevail
Just hold on tight and never bail
You will survive if you don’t quit
Victory is there, if you reach for it

One day in the future, you will look to the past.
And know you had what it takes to last
So never give up and good things will come.
Not just honor and pride, but a job well done.

“Forever Never Lasts”

You say you’re together forever, but forever never lasts.
You end up movin on, and the things you used to say was just a thing in the past.

Love is a strong word, so don’t use it if you truly don’t mean it.
Sometimes the more you say, “I love you,” the relationship will most likely end quick.

People make themselves believe they know what they’re talking about, but they don’t.
They act like they would make any sacrifice, but deep down inside they won’t.

Some aren’t meant to be.
They don’t understand that, it’s so hard to recognize and see.

I learned some relationships are life lessons.
You think that little angel is some kind of perfect blessin; no one’s perfect, so ask if she has any confessions.

Someone real wouldn’t go behind your back, but they don’t care about that they just worried about where all the fun is at.

It’s the 21st century people don’t care about other’s feelings anymore.
For all you know, the person you call your girlfriend can be some kind of sleazy whore.

Be sure you don’t mix love with lust.
You gotta be careful who you spill your feelings for, you must.

You do something wrong, they don’t like, they wanna argue and fight.
But once they do something wrong and crazy, it’s alright.

The more you say you’re going to be together forever, it might not last.
So be careful who you say ‘Love’ to and don’t rush things so fast.

A successful relationship begins with just being friends.

You never know you might begin a relationship, love might expand, learn to be committed and you’ll never end.

I’m not trying to control your life I’m just sayin’.
If you truly feel this message I’m bringin’ to you, think about it…

Sitting, listening to music, thinking about my past made me write Forever Never Lasts.

“Pre-Marital Sex “

Say no to pre-marital sex and peer pressure
You’re actually getting hurt when you think you’re getting pleasure.

One word gets you further than you see
It can prevent herpes, AIDS and other STDs

Say no because STDs are less than what you’re worth
Wouldn’t you rather wait to have sex than in nine months be giving birth?

There’s a safer way to be protected than birth control and condoms
So live an abstinent lifestyle and avoid all those problems.

Saying no keeps you from becoming addicted
So make boundaries, establish them and keep your body restricted.

Say no until you’re a groom or bride
You can look at your partner, friends and parents and still stand with pride.

So once again, speak and you’ll be heard.
No one can say it for you. Use that simple word.

“After the Fact”

Lying here thinking what have I done,
I’m not even sure if this one is the one.

Of course it felt good, for a while,
But the consequence, this I must reconcile.

Was it worth the risk of having a child unprepared,
Forever bound to this person through a single moment shared?

Why did I let physical desire prevail
What I thought was love was just infatuation’s spell?

I could have avoided this risked STD
That may now be dwelling deep inside of me.

Lying here thinking what will I do,
What if the contraceptive did not come through?

But wait have an idea and a 100% chance it will work.
There something I can go to and I won’t feel like a Jerk.

Now I can rejoice, I have another chance
I’ve decided to regain my Abstinence.

I’m not saying a day, a month, or a few years.
I’m saying until on my love’s finger there is a rock so clear.

“Self Esteem”

What is Self Esteem?
Is it something we all redeem? Is it important at all? Or is it a just a flaw?
In fact it is useful, when we’re either bright or dull.
It’s who we are. Self-esteem is us.
Without it, we wouldn’t be
Who we are today.
It’s who we are, day by day
Be happy with, who you are, because one day,
You’re gonna go far!
Trust me, I know it’s hard.
But in the end,
You’ll be a star! I agree to be, not only myself,
But risky behavior free!

“Forever Never Lasts”

You say you’re together forever, but forever never lasts.
You end up movin on, and the things you used to say was just a thing in the past.

Love is a strong word, so don’t use it if you truly don’t mean it.
Sometimes the more you say, “I love you,” the relationship will most likely end quick.

People make themselves believe they know what they’re talking about, but they don’t.
They act like they would make any sacrifice, but deep down inside they won’t.

Some aren’t meant to be.
They don’t understand that, it’s so hard to recognize and see.

I learned some relationships are life lessons.
You think that little angel is some kind of perfect blessin; no one’s perfect, so ask if she has any confessions.

Someone real wouldn’t go behind your back, but they don’t care about that they just worried about where all the fun is at.

It’s the 21st century people don’t care about other’s feelings anymore.
For all you know, the person you call your girlfriend can be some kind of sleazy whore.

Be sure you don’t mix love with lust.
You gotta be careful who you spill your feelings for, you must.

You do something wrong, they don’t like, they wanna argue and fight.
But once they do something wrong and crazy, it’s alright.

The more you say you’re going to be together forever, it might not last.
So be careful who you say ‘Love’ to and don’t rush things so fast.

A successful relationship begins with just being friends.

You never know you might begin a relationship, love might expand, learn to be committed and you’ll never end.

I’m not trying to control your life I’m just sayin’.
If you truly feel this message I’m bringin’ to you, think about it…

Sitting, listening to music, thinking about my past made me write Forever Never Lasts.

 

 

“Lifetime of Pain”

At one point in time,

it was set in my mind

That I’d one day find,

that Prince Charming of mine!

He would be, the man on the court

Excelling in sports,

Witty and tall

In high school, I found out

What most boys were about

And though sex was their game

I choose to abstain!

If you’ve had sex before

It’s not too late to regain

Because one night of pleasure

Is not worth a lifetime of pain

When the Odds are Against You

When the Odds are Against You”

When all is lost and hope has fled
When fear is strong and strength is dead
When love and joy abandon you
When mental anguish grows in you

When the last of efforts fail to save
When your fate is ill, your mind enslaved
And when your head hangs low in misery
This is when you’ll find the key

A single ember from deep within
Burns hotter and hotter, as flames begin
The fire of truth will light the way
And help you fight, this lonely day

The battle is long, the struggle is rough
Never regret not giving enough
For when we offer our very best.
Our very soul is put to the test.

Stand tall and true and you’ll prevail
Just hold on tight and never bail
You will survive if you don’t quit
Victory is there, if you reach for it

One day in the future, you will look to the past.
And know you had what it takes to last
So never give up and good things will come.
Not just honor and pride, but a job well done.