An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If my sister Laura had honored this pledge, her dangerous dance with alcohol and drugs would never have begun. Life is too precious. Take the following pledge and let us know. Our initial goal is 25 pledges to match the number of years my sister Laura struggled with her addiction. In his book High Society, Joseph A. Califano Jr. states, “A child who reaches twenty-one without smoking, using illegal drugs, or abusing alcohol is almost certain never to do so.” Nearly every child will be offered one of these substances from a friend before high school graduation. Close to 25% of America’s college students meet the clinical criteria for drug and alcohol addiction.

Laura’s Pledge
I will live my life to the max. I will honor my mind, body, and spirit by not smoking, using illegal drugs, or drinking alcohol before my 21st birthday. I will educate myself about these dangerous substances and live my dream without them. If tempted, I will speak with my parents or a trusted friend. I will communicate my thoughts and feelings and stay strong.

When asked to participate in drug or alcohol-related activities, peer pressure can seem overwhelming. Here are some helpful techniques to honor yourself and your friends, and still effectively decline the invitation.

1. Ask questions … Slow down … (who, what, where, when, how) We know that quick decisions get us into trouble.
   
   
2. Name the trouble – out loud or in your head. (that’s smoking, that’s cheating)
   
   
3. Name the consequences – out loud or in your head (I won’t be able to run at practice if I’ve been smoking. I could get an F if I’m caught cheating.)
   
   
4. Name an alternative. (Let’s talk to Jane – she understands the stuff that’s going to be on the test – maybe she can help us.)
   
   
5. Get out of the situation ASAP – reject the behavior not the friend. (I’ll be at Mr. Smith’s if you want to meet me there, I’ll be talking to Jane if you decide you want help.)