Andrew Pennybacker
Peer pressure can creep up on you if you don't have a plan to stay safe this spring!
As we approach prom season, it is a time for fun and even some excitement with the last day of school just around the corner. Although this is a time for celebration, safety is a big concern. More specifically the potential consequences of alcohol and substance abuse.
There are many resources within the school and county to help students be aware of these consequences. Gamechangers is one of these resources. Club advisor Mr. Danny Doyle refutes some of the falsehoods of alcohol and substance abuse.
“I think peer pressure is one of the main reasons for students making these poor choices…the statement of “everyone’s doing it” is not true. The majority of the students at Wheeling Park High School are not making these poor choices,” said Doyle.
Contrary to what people believe, fewer students use substances and succumb to peer pressure. Mr.Doyle gives some advice to the students of Wheeling Park High School who may be struggling.
“I would tell any student that were to fall into bad habits that they are still young and the time to quit is now. The advice I would give is for this student to talk with one of their friends who does not partake in those bad choices,” said Doyle.
Founder of the Wheeling chapter of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Jody Miller, who lost her daughter in a drunk driving accident, shares the most important lesson for those who may choose to use.
“Never ever drink and drive nor get into a vehicle with someone that is impaired,” said Miller.
Miller suggests how Wheeling Park could better educate students about the safety of alcohol.
“Incorporate school-based intervention programs that address prevention as well as social and economic factors based on age-appropriate students,” said Miller.
There are many consequences for bad mistakes in relation to alcohol and substance abuse in general. Renee Lucas, a Youth Peer Recovery Specialist for Youth Services System, wants students to have one big takeaway from this article.
“A lot of people don’t think it can happen to them and in those moments of weakness or one mistake can truly have a lasting impact or ruin their future,” said Lucas.