BEFORE YOU RISK IT ...

Know the law:   It is illegal to buy or possess alcohol if you are under 21 years of age.

Get the facts:  One drink can make you fail a breath test.  In some states, people under the age of 21 who are found to have any amount of alcohol in their systems can lose their driver's license, be subject to a heavy fine, or have their car permanently taken away.

Stay informed:  "Binge" drinking means having five or more drinks on one occasion.  About 15%  of teens are binge drinkers in any given month.

Know the risks:   Mixing alcohol with medications or illicit drugs is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidental death.  For example, alcohol-medication interactions may be a factor in at least 25% of emergency room admissions.

Keep your edge:  Alcohol can make you gain weight and give you bad breath.

Look around you:  Most teens aren't drinking alcohol.  Research show that 70% of people 12 to 20 years of age have not had a drink in the past month.

KNOW THE SIGNS ...

How can you tell if a friend has a drinking problem?   Sometimes it is tough to tell.  But there are signs you can look for.  If your friend has one or more of the following warning signs, he or she may have a problem with alcohol.

• Getting drunk on a regular basis
• Lying about how much alcohol he or she is using
• Believing that alcohol is necessary to have fun
• Having frequent hangovers
• Feeling run-down, depressed, or even suicidal
• Having "blackouts" -- forgetting what he or she did while drinking
• Having problems at school or getting in trouble with the law

What can you do to help someone who has a drinking problem?

Be a real friend.  You might even save a life.  Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional help.

If you drink--stop!  The longer you ignore the real facts, the more changes you take with your life. 

It's never too late.  Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher or another adult you trust.  Do it today!

Look for more Teen Tips in a few days...Thanks