MADD Teen Influencer
September 2025
Staying True to Your Values & Not Succumbing to Peer Pressure
Back-to-school events like parties, football games, and dances are fun ways to reconnect with friends after the summer, but they can sometimes come with peer pressure. At parties, it’s common to feel pressured to drink or vape if that’s what others are doing. However, staying true to your personal values is much more important.
If you plan on attending an event, think about bringing your own drink to prevent people from offering you one. Or, if you drive, use that as an excuse. If you don’t drive, make sure that you have a trusted ride home to prevent being in danger. Always remember that having fun doesn’t
require substances, and if it feels like that, maybe you’re surrounding yourself with the wrong people. True friends won’t care whether you use substances or not. And if you or
someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for free, confidential support.
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