“Today the average person will first try alcohol at the age 12, and at the age of 16 begin a regular pattern of drinking. It is estimated that over three million teens are out-and-out alcoholics and several million more have a problem beyond their control. To help this problem, the Red Ribbon Program has made a priority to help teens stand against alcohol and drug abuse.

I understand the troubles that many teens face. Of course there always will be that peer pressure but in reality it will never go away.

I am a senior at Boylan Catholic High School and I have been participating in this program since I was a freshman. I believe that this program has made an impact on many young adolecents in the rockford community. Being a senior, I understand the troubles that many teens face. Of course there always will be that peer pressure but in reality it will never go away. As an individual you are not forced to do anything that you do not want to, but you choose what you want to do. I know that you may be thinking that since your friends are doing it that you should be too, but that is not the case. If you truly look at someone who has been drinking they are usually making a fool of themselves and irritating the people around them. Just ask yourself a question, Do you want to look like an idiot? The reason I am writing this is to let you know that I am here to talk about your feelings on alcohol and drug abuse. If you would like to you can write me back.”