Empowering youth for a thriving future POWER TO TAKE A STAND
powerofyouth.com
Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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 of You(th) ®
ALCOHOL
MEDICATIONS Prescription Drugs
Alcohol is a drug that slows down the activity in your brain and nervous system, also called a depressant. Its effects start with the first sip. It enters the bloodstream and travels to different parts of the body, including the brain. Alcohol is a substance that can change the way the brain works, and that’s why it affects how someone thinks, feels and acts. Binge drinking is a pattern of consuming lots of alcohol over a short period of time. When someone drinks in this way, it increases their chances of having bad grades and engaging in risky behaviors such as getting in a car with a driver who has been drinking alcohol or using other drugs. Binge Drinking
Prescription drugs are medicines that a doctor orders to help treat an illness or health problem. They can only be given to you if you have a special order from the doctor.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are drugs that you can buy from a store without a prescription from a doctor. These drugs can help with regular problems such as headaches, colds, allergies and pain. Even though these drugs can be helpful, some may not be safe for youth. This is why some stores will require you to be a certain age before you can buy them. Over-the-Counter Medications
For youth, binge drinking means drinking between 3-5 DRINKS within 2 hours depending on your age and size.
Both types of medication can be helpful when used correctly. They can help us live longer and be healthier people, but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly or abused. So, it is important to take medicine exactly like your doctor told you or exactly how it is written on the package. Never take prescribed
CANNABIS
medication that is not yours or give your medication to others. Not only is it ILLEGAL, it’s dangerous.
Cannabis is the dried petals and leaves from the cannabis plant. It has certain chemicals in it, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that can change how you think and feel. Using cannabis can affect your memory, attention and learning abilities. Additionally, using cannabis at a young age can increase the risk of mental health problems later in life.
Legalization Some states have passed laws to make the use of cannabis legal for adults over 21. This doesn’t mean it’s “safe” for youth to consume. No matter where you live, it is in all states for anyone under 21 years old to use cannabis without a medical prescription.
POLYSUBSTANCE USE Polysubstance use is when two or more drugs are taken together, like drinking alcohol and using cannabis. Polysubstance use increases the risks of serious side effects, including both physical and mental health issues.
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THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL & CANNABIS ON THE BODY
CONSEQUENCES In addition to the impact on your brain and body, choosing to drink alcohol or use cannabis before you are 21 can cause serious
problems in a lot of other ways. Imagine being caught after making that choice. Having your family embarrassed or disappointed in your choices doesn’t feel good. But feeling the same way about your own choices can feel even worse. Add that to a list of other ways that those choices cause problems to your home life, school life, and future goals.
Your brain and your organs are growing and changing every minute. Did you know that your brain is not finished growing until your mid-20s? That means the part of your brain that helps plan, think ahead, and resist bad decisions hasn’t fully formed yet. Because of this, you might not think about what dangerous things could happen after making an unsafe choice or taking chances. For example, you might not think about how drinking alcohol or using cannabis can hurt your body both today and in the future. Check out some of the ways that these drugs can impact your developing body. It’s Biology, Not Maturity
Life Changing
Social & Academic Legal & Financial
Bad grades or failing scores Impact to your permanent record School suspension or expulsion Being kicked off a sports team or out of a school club After school detention
Increased risk of addiction Hurting or injuring yourself or others Increased risk of sexual violence, unsafe sex, or unplanned pregnancies Permanent IQ loss and brain damage Death from alcohol poisoning or car crash
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Expensive fines and legal fees Mandated community service hours Court ordered classes Juvenile detention • • • •
• Difficulty concentrating • Slower reaction time • Passing out / coma • Headaches / dizziness
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Brain
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• Bronchitis • Lung damage
Lungs
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• Stroke • Heart attack • High blood pressure
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Heart
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• Increased risk of liver problems
Liver
REFLECT: None of the consequences above are worth the risk. Think about the life you want in the future and how any of these events could prevent you from getting there.
Stomach
• Nausea / vomiting
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Power of You(th) ®
NEVER RIDE WITH AN IMPAIRED DRIVER
It can be hard to say no when it feels like everyone else is saying yes. But don’t forget, most teens don’t drink or use other drugs! By making the choice to take a stand against underage drinking and other drug use, you have the power to influence those around you. THE ART OF SAYING NO
Impairment When the way someone thinks and acts is affected by alcohol, cannabis, medications, or other drugs. Driving after drinking alcohol, using cannabis or taking other drugs is not only unsafe, but it’s illegal. It puts you and other people on the road at risk.
Refuse to use
No thanks. I’m cool.
I don’t like the taste or how it feels to be high.
Get Home Safe
I don’t drink/ smoke. It’s not my thing.
YOU ARE PRECIOUS CARGO! Remember these tips if you are ever in a situation where the driver has been drinking or using other drugs.
Suggest other things to do
If your ride chooses to drive after drinking or using cannabis or other drugs, never get in the vehicle. One of the hardest, but the safest things that you can do is call 911 and report that they are driving impaired.
CAll or Text your parent, guardian, or another trusted grown up to pick you up. They might be worried about you at first, but they will be relieved you will be home safe.
Think ahead. If you cannot call a parent or guardian, think of another grown up who you trust. It could be someone like an aunt, uncle, neighbor, a pastor, or even a school resource officer.
I’m hungry for sushi. Let’s go get some.
I really want to see that
movie that just came out; let’s see what time it starts.
Want to go play basketball, instead?
I can’t drink. I have to be somewhere later.
What If I Don’t Have A Choice?
If you find yourself in a vehicle with someone who you think might be impaired by alcohol or other drugs...
I’m going to leave; my mom is on her way to get me.
I have practice early tomorrow morning. I’ll see you guys later.
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Sit in the backseat
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When you make it to your destination, tell a parent or guardian, family member or another trusted grown up such as a school counselor, a school resource officer, or a religious or community leader.
Always wear your seatbelt
Leave
Move everything from the seat to the floorboard Stay quiet and don’t distract the driver
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Power of You(th) ®
Talking to Your Parents or Guardians LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
We might not like to admit it, but our parents or guardians have a big influence on our choices, including our choices around alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. Try talking to them about these substances, so you can get on the same page and make sure you both understand what’s expected of you.
What does my family expect of me when it comes to alcohol and other drugs?
Talking with Your Friends or Peers
Healthy friendships are based on mutual respect, trust and care. Real friends want to keep their friends safe. Take the next step and start the conversations below with your friends.
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Make a Pact – Make the commitment together not to drink or use cannabis before 21. Have a Plan - Talk about ways to keep each other safe if you are ever in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation involving alcohol and drugs. Pay Attention - If you think your friend is using alcohol or other drugs, talk to them or a trusted adult to keep them safe. Call for Help - Never ride with someone who has consumed alcohol or other drugs. It’s never ok for ANYONE to drive impaired. Call a trusted adult for a safe ride home or call 911 in an emergency.
Each decision you make, each conversation you have, and each person you impact makes a difference. Decide that you won’t leave your future to chance. Take a stand against underage drinking and other drug use by committing to the pledge. Share it with your friends and loved ones and use the tools in this booklet to protect your future.
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Power To Take A Stand
Power of You(th) ®
About Power of You(th) ® MADD’s Power of You(th) program focuses on reducing underage drinking and other drug use. At MADD, we know that our hopes for a safer future are riding on tomorrow’s drivers. By getting today’s youth off to a good start, we are taking a giant step toward fulfilling our vision of a nation without impaired driving. That’s why we’re focused on tackling underage drinking and other drug use, a problem that threatens the safety of our kids and endangers entire About Mothers Against Drunk Driving ® Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving ® (MADD ® ) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. Visit madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
communities, now and down the road. Visit powerofyouth.com to learn more.
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© 2023 Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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