Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol and drugs are funny things - you don't know if you are susceptible to addiction until you have actually tried them, hence the saying "Just say no!" YOU are ultimately in charge of your own choices.

"Addiction" starts out with a feeling that you enjoy and want to repeat. The problem is that it takes more and more to repeat the feeling you had in the beginning. Then addiction becomes all about the chase for your substance of choice: how are you going to pay for it; how are you going to keep from being arrested if it's illegal; how are you going to manage school and/or a job; how are you going to manage your relationships with other people?

When an individual becomes addicted they feel flat, lifeless, and depressed without the craved substance and they need to take more and more to feel normal, and higher doses to get high—often risking an overdose.

You have a choice about using drugs or alcohol. Choosing to use and abuse substances is one way to give up the control you may enjoy over your own life. Be wise—use this information to make good choices, educate your friends, and STAY IN CONTROL.

Here are a few definitions to help you to start thinking through the subject of substance abuse:

Addiction is the physical and psychological compulsion for a substance that develops into a dependency and continues even though it is causing the addicted person physical, psychological and social harm. Addiction is a chronic condition that gets progressively worse if untreated.

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of problem drinking that results in health consequences, social problems, or both. If you wonder whether drinking alcohol is effecting your daily living click here to take a quick and personalized screening.

Alcohol poisoning occurs when a large amount of alcohol is consumed, usually over a short period of time. The human body can process 1 to 1.5 ounces of alcohol an hour, the amount contained in a single standard drink. Symptoms include: being unconscious (person can't be woken up); breathing is less than 12 times per minute; skin and/or lips are cold, clammy, and pale or bluish in color. Call 911 immediately.

There are more definitions and information on DHMC’s site on "Alcohol & Drug Treatment Options": www.dhmc.org.

Online Information

Alcohol & Drug Treatment Options in the Upper Valley
www.dhmc.org
Extensive list of Upper Valley treatment and support services, slang terms, stories, animation and more.

Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs
(802) 295-8835
www.healthvermont.gov
226 Holiday Dr., Suite 37, White River Junction, VT
Substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment information — open to Vermont residents.

Students Against Destructive Decisions, Inc. (SADD)
1-800-SADD-INC
www.sadd.org
255 Main St., Marlboro, MA
SADD’s mission is to address underage drinking, drinking and driving and drug use, and also other destructive behaviors, including violence, suicide, alcohol poisoning, and AIDS.

US Department of Health and Human Services
www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
Straight facts about drugs and alcohol.

Peer Education & Leadership Training

The NH Teen Institute
(603) 889-1090
www.nhteen.com
112 West Pearl St, Nashua, NH 03060
State-wide prevention and wellness-focused conferences, retreats, and educational services for middle school and high school youth.

Green Mountain Prevention Project
(802) 863-8451
www.gmppvt.org
1233 Shelburne Rd. Suite E-6, South Burlington, VT
Helping teens make good choices by providing them with information on substance abuse prevention, healthy decisions and leadership opportunities.

Saying "No"
to friends isn’t as hard as it seems. You do not have to explain your reason for saying "no." The most effective way to say "no" is to do so quietly, firmly, and then move on to the next topic of conversation.

Creative Ways to Say NO!

No! No thanks!
Drugs aren’t my thing!
No, I could lose my job!
Drugs are not in my plan!
Sorry, I lost a friend to that!
Sorry, it’s against my religion!
I don’t want to pollute my body!
No thanks, it would ruin my image!
I can’t because of sports!

Hotlines

Headrest TEENLINE
1-800-639-6095 or (603) 448-4400
This is the place to call locally for most of your serious needs.
www.headrest.org

Al-Anon Al-Ateen Information Line
1-888-425-2666
www.Al-anon-Alateen.org

Alateen—Vermont
1-802-860-8388
For family and friends of alcoholics.

Alcohol Abuse Hotline
1-800-234-0420

Narcotics Anonymous
VT (802) 773-5575
NH (603) 645-4777
www.na.org

National Institute of Drug Abuse
1-800-662-4357
teens.drugabuse.gov
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Service