POWER OF YOU(TH) ® You have more power than you think when it comes to saying no to alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. We want to give you the information you need to make safer and smarter choices. We are not here just to tell you how dangerous alcohol, cannabis or other drugs can be, but to explain why these drugs are dangerous to youth and give you tools you can use to stay alcohol and drug free.
Alex Otte - Change Maker
In my life, I have been greatly affected by other people’s decisions regarding alcohol. When I was 13 years old, I was run over by a drunk boater. I lost my leg and broke a lot of the bones in my body, including my neck, and also sustained a severe brain injury. My life was changed forever, to no fault of my own, but still I am thankful. Since then, I have received
Miss Kentucky visits UK ICU
massive amounts of support from my friends, family, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. For many years, I thought that the event that would forever have the greatest impact on my life was the result of another person’s choice. Only years later did I learn that my greatest strength came from the choices that I made for myself, not the ones that someone else made for me. When you are young, it might be scary to stand up for what you believe in. It is important to make sure that the choices you are making now align with
the future you want to have and the person you want to be. When I was a teen leader, I never would have imagined that I would become MADD’s youngest National President, but when you set your mind to something – no matter how young you are – it can make a huge difference in your life and in your community! My work to save lives continues as I now serve as a local MADD leader, spreading our lifesaving message.
You might already know that it’s against the law to drink alcohol and use cannabis before someone is 21 years old. But do you know why? There is a lot of research that shows that the law requiring people to be 21 years old to drink alcohol, also called the 21 Minimum Drinking Age Law, saves lives on and off our roadways. It’s biology, not maturity. The brain is not fully developed until your mid-20s. That’s one reason, but there are a lot more that explain why drinking alcohol or using other drugs is so harmful and dangerous for youth. Also, it is against the law and very dangerous for ANYONE to drive when they are drunk or high. There is good news! Research shows that most teens don’t drink alcohol or use other drugs! It’s important that you understand and share with your friends that you are not alone when you take a stand against underage alcohol and drug use. You can positively influence your friends and community by being an example of what making healthy and smart choices looks like.
Unanimous passage of KY Ignition Interlock Law
Talk to your friends about the dangers of alcohol, cannibis and other drugs, become a MADD Teen Leader, share this booklet, and promote Power of You(th) at your school. Take A Stand
Volunteering as a MADD Teen Leader
MADD National President - in D.C.
MADD Regional Executive Director
National Presenting Sponsor
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Power To Take A Stand
Power of You(th) ®
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