And guess what – it's addictive, too.

You want to know something else? Smoking kills more people than drugs or AIDS or murder. All the news is bad. The reasons to start aren’t worth it. Don’t start so you don’t have to quit.

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Alcohol and Drugs
Why do kids want to drink and do drugs? Because they think it’s cool. Because their friends do. Because they think it will make them feel better. Kids have lots of "reasons."

But drinking and doing drugs causes so many problems, some that can last your entire life even though you started out with a few little drinks.

When people have had too much to drink they use bad judgment, like having unsafe sex, driving cars and taking all kinds of chances.

Alcohol and drugs can destroy relationships with family and friends, as well as destroy careers. If you are having problems, talk with someone about it: a parent, friend, school counselor – someone you trust.

It’s not going to be the hardcore drug dealer who’s going to get you smoking pot, or snorting cocaine, it’s going to be your friends.

You’ve got to think about whether or not those people are truly your friends.

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Violence
We all want strong, healthy relationships in our lives. But sometimes you may come across people who have a different approach – a more aggressive approach – to relationships.

Some people may be used to hitting, punching or yelling in their own homes and think that is part of a normal relationship.

Take good care of yourself. Do not put up with any kind of violence. No one has the right to harm you in any way, whether it is physically, emotionally or sexually. Get away from that person.

If you are having problems at home or at school and need help, you can always call 911 or talk with someone at school with whom you feel comfortable.

For more information on domestic violence and how victims can get help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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Sex and Other Issues
Nearly half of all teenagers say that they have had sexual intercourse. Unfortunately many in that group are taking big chances. They are having unprotected sex, having babies and picking up sexually transmitted diseases, all of which have consequences that they may wrestle with for the rest of their lives.

Sexually active teenagers don’t always have accurate information about sex. For example, they may think that their ability to get pregnant or get a disease may be related to the number of times they have intercourse.

Not so. It only takes once. Many teenagers are inconsistent in their behavior. They might use a condom one time and not the next.

Not having sex is the only way to guarantee those things won’t happen. Using latex condoms can help prevent pregnancy and disease, but it is no guarantee. Using birth control can help prevent pregnancy as well.

Slow down and take your time. People rush into sexual relationships long before they are ready, long before they have the emotional equipment to handle them. If you need help concerning sex and related issues, find someone you can talk with about it. These are very serious issues.

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Mental Health
Teenagers feel a lot of pressure these days. They feel pressured about school, jobs, friends, sex, alcohol, drugs and more. As a result, a lot of kids are stressed out.

You may feel anxious at home and fight with your parents and siblings. Stress may be piling up and getting you depressed.

What can you do about it? Start by taking good care of yourself. You can’t do a good job or take care of other people or do well in school if you are stressed, tired or sleepy.

Make sure you eat balanced meals that give you energy and strength (see Grubbin' & Groovin'). Get some exercise, even if it is just 20 minutes a day – you’ll feel better. Besides, there’s nothing like smashing that tennis ball or pounding the pavement to work out a little stress.

You need lots of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation says that around half of kids age 10 to 18 go to bed at 10 p.m. or later on school nights, even though they have to get up early. Adults need about 8 hours of sleep each night, but most school age kids need about 10 hours.

Bedtime activities like watching television and playing on computers are keeping people up. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and do something relaxing before you go to sleep, like taking a long, hot bath.

Talk to your friends about what is bothering you. They may have some ideas. Make lists of what you need to do each day. Set aside time for yourself to chill.

Do something that makes you feel good or do something nice for someone else – it helps you forget your troubles.

If you find that you are overwhelmed and depressed and cannot climb out from under the mountain, talk with a counselor or family member.

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