Beech Tree News Network

1.     1. Don’t be afraid to say NO!! Sometimes, our fear of negative reaction from our friends or others we don’t even know, keeps us from doing what we know is right. Real simple, it may seem like “everyone is doing it,” but they are not.

2.     2. Connect with your friends and avoid negative peer pressure, pay attention to who you are hanging out with.

3.     3. Make connections with your parents or other adults. As you grow up, having people you can rely on, people you can talk to about life, life’s challenges and your decisions about alcohol is very important.

4.     4. Enjoy life and do what you love, don’t add alcohol. Learn how to enjoy life and the people in your life, without adding alcohol.

5.   5.   Follow the family rules about alcohol. As you grow up and want to assume more control over your life, having the trust and respect of your parents is very important.

6.  6.    Get educated about alcohol. You cannot rely on the myths and misconception that are out there among your friends and on the internet.

7.     7. Be a role model and set a positive example. Don’t forget, what you do is more important that what you say.

8.     8. Plan ahead. As you make plans for the party or going out with friends you need to plan ahead. You need to protect yourself and be smart.

9.     9. Speak out/speak up/take control. Take responsibility for your life, your health and your safety.

1010.  Get help! If you or someone you know is in trouble with alcohol, get help. Don’t wait. You don’t have to be alone.