I used to run a lot of drug groups (support groups) at the high school I work at, but our district now has a program for students wanting or needing help. But every once in awhile I talk to a teen about drug use and this always comes up. It was my motto when doing the groups and it still stands true today. When talking to a teen about drug use I would ask “Are you being safe?” This means are you making choices that keep you safe like not driving under the influence of anything. Or can you limit your use so you don’t become completely out of it. It can also mean taking care of those around you so no one gets hurt. Then I would ask “Are you being smart?” Ask yourself if you are making smart choices. It’s pretty hard to say anything is a smart choice when talking about drugs and alcohol. But this is a real question to ask. It might help you NOT do something you might later regret. And last but not least is “Are you being real?” If you are under the influence of something how real are you really being? How can you be your true self if your self has been altered? If it is important to you to be real and true to yourself then drugs and alcohol cannot be a part of that plan. If you are so far from knowing yourself enough to answer these simple questions then help may be needed. But if you keep it simple and ask yourself these questions when drugs and/or alcohol are in the picture, you may be able to say, “No thanks, I like who I am and like to be in control of myself. It’s a little scary to be altered in any way and I want to stay safe, smart and be the real me. Unaltered.” I had a banner in my office and group room to remind students regularly of this message. You could write it down somewhere too so you don’t forget about it. It really might help you make better decisions so you can be safe, smart and real. Always.
BE SAFE BE SMART BE REAL