Simpler Sobriety

What exactly does the word “sober” or “abstemious” mean? Well, it all depends on your experiences and your attitude. In today’s world, it may seem impossible to avoid alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances. Remember, however, you’re not alone. If you want to remain “clean” or “sober” you have to stop worrying so much about what others think.
You may be experiencing a lot of pressures from your friends to “try a hit” or “just take a sip” but know that your voice is the only one that matters. It always seems impossible to say no but think about your future and where you’ll be in 10 years. No, it isn’t true that one bad decision will keep you out of college, but certain situations can get out of hand very quickly. If you avoid drugs and alcohol you can have a much happier lifestyle and you can get so much done.
Imagine this: It’s a Friday night and your teacher gave a five-page essay to write this weekend. You know that on Sunday you’ll be at a family party all day so you should probably outline tonight and write the essay tomorrow. You try to get started on it but your best friend tells you about this killer party tonight and everyone will be there. So you put down your work, go to this crazy party, and you end up having a little too much to drink, so you head home. You spend all of Saturday in bed with a pounding headache and you don’t write your essay. Now you’re behind on all of your work and one night of excessive consumption has thrown your schoolwork off course.
Keep one thing in mind: even though it may seem like it, you’re not the only one. There are tons of students facing the same thing you’re facing. Remaining “clean” or “sober” in high school isn’t easy but if you keep your mind set on your goals and aspirations, it may seem easier. You’ll be too concerned with your dreams to think about drugs and alcohol. Therefore, you will find it easier to avoid harmful substances and it will make it easier to say no.