I want to tell you about a web site I came across that I found to be both interesting and honest. CheckYourself.com is a site that allows teens to face the facts about drugs and the consequences of drug abuse. One part of the site really stood out to me: a message board where teens are encouraged to share their “Moments of Truth.” Many of these statements come from kids who have already said no to drugs. There are a few stories, though, from teens who realize that their drug abuse has gone too far. Here is an example of what one wrote:

My parents had no idea what i was up to. . . . I took 80 pills… I thought i was going to die that night. My mom found me lying on top of her car at midnight. I was rushed to the hospital again. Now, 3 weeks later. My brain hurts real bad, my body aches… A sip of alcohol would be bad for me. And when i try to think it hurts a lot, like a fuzzy feeling but painful. I’m lucky to be alive. Never try Cough Medicine.