Lead the way.
Change the conversation
Be a positive influence.
Everyone’s
NOT
Doing it.
Did you know that most Maine middle school and high school students do not drink, vape, use cannabis or misuse prescription meds? Did you know that most have never even tried them?
Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way, but it’s true. Knowing the facts about drugs and alcohol can help you make healthy decisions for yourself and be a positive influence.
Know The Facts
More than 9 out of 10 students do not currently drink alcohol
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More than 9 out of 10 students have never vaped
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More than 9 out of 10 students currently do not use cannabis
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More than 9 out of 10 students have never misused a prescription pain medication that was not their own
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More than 9 out of 10 students do not currently drink alcohol
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More than 8 out of 10 students have never vaped
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More than 8 out of 10 students currently do not use cannabis
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More than 9 out of 10 students have never misused a prescription pain medication that was not their own
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Be The
Think about what's most important to you. This helps you make good choices for your future. The decisions you make today will affect your life later.
You can use your experiences to be a positive influence for others.
We talked to Maine teens about how they handle life's pressures. Here's what they told us.
Sometimes just talking to a friend shows you care, even if they're not ready for help. Part of being a positive influence is telling the truth even when it’s hard to do. You can help by listening without judging and being kind.
Talk with your friends
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Listen without judging
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Give support
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Offer help when it's right
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Share helpful resources
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Sometimes what happens at school or with your friends can feel like it’s taking over your whole life. Low self-esteem and depression can be major triggers for not feeling your best. Finding new ways to deal with stress can make a big difference to your mental health.
Play sports or exercise
Listen to music
Watch a show or movie
Talk to someone you trust
Read books
Journal
Explore hobbies, new and old
Try breathing exercises
Using alcohol, drugs or vaping as a teen can mess with how your brain grows and can affect your mental health. Things like trouble at school, feeling alone without close friends, dealing with tough stuff like family problems or trauma, or having mental health programs can make it most likely to take risks or even get addicted to drugs.
Every day you face decisions and pressures. Know the facts about the dangers of drinking, vaping, or using other drugs. It's important to know that some choices have bigger consequences than others.
Short-term fun isn't worth long-term problems
Say no once, and it gets easier
Your friends won't care as much as you think if you say no
It's hard to feel different, but it's better for you
Life can be full of stress and everyday pressures – some are good, and some can feel really bad. Watch out for negative influences like peer pressure, school pressure, or social media.
You can help change things by being a positive influence. It starts with you.
Alcohol, vaping, and drugs can harm your body and mind. They might seem like they help for a moment, but the harmful effects last much longer. These substances can even make anxiety or depression worse. It’s important to choose healthy ways to deal with stress.
Physical activity like taking walks, playing sports, stretching, or dance
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Listen to music
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Read
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Journal
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Make art
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Talk to someone you trust
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Breathing exercises (like box breathing)
Watch TV or movies
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Spend time with family or friends
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Find people who keep you motivated
Be a positive voice for others who need it
Find a mentor or role model
Spend time with people who help you make healthy choices
Alcohol, vaping, cannabis, and other drugs can stand in the way of your goals. It’s important to figure out your goals, make plans, and take the steps to reach them. Have the confidence to say no to peer pressure and make the best decisions for you.
How Are You Being a Positive Influence?
What advice would you give other Maine teens struggling with peer pressure?
Keep it anonymous. Just share your words.
Know the
Health Effects
Short term memory loss
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Impulse control issues
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Trouble sleeping
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Acid reflux
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Anxiety and depression
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Shortness of breath
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More anxiety, stress, or depression
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Trouble sleeping
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Acne and skin issues
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Loss of taste buds
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Short term memory loss
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Lower math and reading scores
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Anxiety, depression, and paranoia
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Low motivation
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Low attention span
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