SAFE Is Making A Difference

For several years, the SAFE Foundation has been talking to children in our community about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. They are always happy to hear from young adults who have heeded their warnings and have chosen to abstain from these substances. They recently heard from three young community members who they are very proud of.

The first is a 21 year old man who told them that the reason he had never gone down the path of drug and alcohol abuse is because his parents had been telling him about the pressure to want to fit in with others, since the day he started high school. They warned him about what it could lead to.
When he turned 17, his parents repeatedly told him that he wouldn’t be allowed to use the car if they found out that he was drinking or using drugs. “I admire my parents,
he said “and I seek their approval. Therefore I stay away from things they would not do. They do not drink, so I think that it was easier for me, than for some of my peers, to understand what it’s like to be happy and successful and not living a lifestyle that includes drinking.”

In high school he tried to make smart decisions to begin building a successful life. He understood it would be more difficult to perform daily activities and work toward the achievement of his goals if he drank or took drugs. He also played sports and knew that his performance would be negatively affected by the use of these substances.

Thanks to the SAFE Foundation, he had heard about how drugs and alcohol had ruined many lives, marriages, and families. He was especially impacted by accounts of community members who shared their stories in school. Even if some people think there’s only a small chance that they’ll become addicted, it wasn’t a chance he was willing to take. He admitted that he has friends who use drugs and drink. Some of the friendships had dissolved, because they would try to pressure him to join them. He spends the majority of his time with friends who don’t drink.

The second person who got in touch with SAFE to thank them was a 26 year old woman whose mother always warned her that if she were to lead that type of life, she’d be sorry later. She also emphasized that when people get drunk, they do things they end up regretting and say things they never intended to share with anyone, which scared her. Some of her friends drank when she was in high school. Even though they wanted her to join them, they knew not to pressure her. In addition to the influence of her parents, she had a nutrition class once a week in high school where the teachers would discuss the dangers of drugs and alcohol. “Those classes and an assembly given by The SAFE Foundation in my senior year made a huge impact on me,” she concluded.

The final story came from a 17 year old girl. “I noticed that people who do drugs do so to escape reality. They turn to drugs and alcohol instead of facing their problems head-on. I also noticed that their problems rarely go away. If anything, they grow!” she said. “People often procrastinate while on drugs; this probably makes it take longer for them to reach their goals.”

She was never pressured into doing drugs. Her friends respected and understood why she chose and still chooses not to partake. “I have many groups of friends, so if I ever feel uncomfortable in the group that enjoys drinking, I just go to the other one,” she continued. They all respect her lifestyle choices and understand why she doesn’t enjoy hanging out with them when they drink.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call SAFE’s confidential, toll-free hotline, 24/7 at 1-866-569-SAFE (1-866-569-7233). If you have a question, email: ask@thesafefoundation.org.