Student Resources

Do you worry that your friend or brother or sister has a problem with drugs or alcohol? Maybe he or she seems like a different person since starting to drink or get high.

Don’t walk away.

You can help your friend now before something really bad happens.

If you decide to sit down with your friend or brother or sister, you may not know what to say. You may wonder how he or she will respond. People with drug or alcohol problems usually defend their use or make excuses for it.

It’s hard for people to admit that they have drug or alcohol problems.

How to Start the Conversation

Start by telling your friend how much she means to you and that you are worried about her.

Give him examples of when his drug use or drinking has caused problems or affected you or others.

Let her know that you want to help and tell her what you will do for her.

Discuss this issue when your friend is not high.

If you aren’t comfortable having this conversation with your friend by yourself, get some other friends to help you out. There’s safety in numbers. Be careful not to “gang up” on your friend.

Try talking in confidence to an adult that you trust before talking to your friend. There are many people that can help you figure out the best approach – a trusted family member, teacher, coach, school counselor, family doctor, school nurse or faith leader.

If you are not comfortable talking with your friend face-to-face, try writing a note or an e-mail.

Remember that talking with your friend is only the first step. It may take several conversations before he or she understands how serious you are about the drinking or drug use. Don’t give up if he or she doesn’t stop after your first conversation.

For examples of how to address your friend’s drug use and drinking and to hear from kids who have been in your situation, go to Freevibe.

It’s Not Your Fault

Helping a friend with a drug or alcohol problem is hard work and can be a very difficult experience for you as well as your friend. It’s important to know that your friends’ drug or alcohol use is NOT your fault. Remember that it’s ultimately up to your friend to make the change and you can’t do that for him. Sometimes, as much as you may try to get your friend to quit or seek help, you just can’t seem to make it happen.

If you find yourself in this situation, you should do one of the following:

· seek support from other friends or trusted adults
· limit the time you spend with your drug- or alcohol-using friend
· remember that your friend’s use may also be putting you at risk
· start thinking about yourself, get out and participate in activities that you enjoy

What if I Think I May Have a Problem?

Talk with a trusted friend or adult! Talk with your school guidance counselor, social worker, or Chemical Health Consultant!

The important thing is to remember that there is help out there and you don’t have to face this alone!

Follow this link for Alcoholic Anonymous's self-assessment quiz on alcoholism.

Or, evaluate your own relationship with drugs and alcohol by going online at www.checkyourself.org.

Go here for a list of resources to help you.

Where Can I Get Help?

For more information on drugs and addiction and for advice on how to talk to your friends about their drug and alcohol use, go to www.freevibe.com.

For information or to talk to a specialist who can refer you or your friend to help, call 1-800-788-2800 or go to www.health.org.

For science-based facts about how drugs affect the brain and body, go to www.teens.drugabuse.gov.

For information about underage drinking and alcohol problems, go to www.thecoolspot.gov.

Spanish Service of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign

Information for this page taken from the "Step Up" brochure.

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