By an Anonymous Mom
Hey students! Making plans for that bonfire with a keg this weekend? Maybe wondering how to get that acid in time for the concert? Finding out who’s parents are going out of town so you can party there? Is that your goal for the week- how drunk or how high or how many times?
I was once told “but it’s fun mom”. Is it really fun to wake up in jail? Is it really fun to have your friends mad at you for things you’ve said or done the night before that you only vaguely remember? Is it fun to wake feeling embarrassed or ashamed, or too hung-over to go to school or work? When was the last time you truly had fun drinking? Try going to a party sober, and see what idiots your friends turn into when they are drunk or high. Is this you? Scary, isn’t it?
Those, really, are minor worries. What matter if there is fear or that you hear a few angry words from parents, police, teachers or friends when the alternative may be boredom?
But, boredom does not kill- boredom does not maim.
Look at your best friend. Imagine that person broken or bleeding with a smashed in face as a result of an alcohol or drug-related accident. Imagine being responsible for the pain, responsible for that terrible hurt. Imagine you or your best friend dead or paralyzed for life. Yes it can and possibly will happen to you. Maybe not this week. Maybe not this month. Maybe tonight. It can happen faster then it takes you to go get another beer or fill up your pipe.
Are we having fun yet? Perhaps it is way past time to redefine “fun”. Do you use alcohol or drugs to cope with life- happy, sad, lonely or scared? But all your friends are drinking or smoking weed?
There are thousands of teens out there who are having fun without drugs or alcohol. Don’t know any? Sober fun is only a phone call away; AA and NA. It’s easy. Try it-you may like it. Why wait until after a tragedy strikes someone you love? Why wait until it’s too late? What do you have to lose?
What do you have to gain? Your best friend’s life.
And if you continue with your behavior, and you find yourself too disabled to go to the bathroom by yourself, you can bet the rest of your life on the fact that the Captain won’t be there to help you- he’ll be laughing all the way to the next fool who believes the Captain is his best friend.
Yes, you do have the courage to change.
What do you have to gain?