These days kids are experimenting with a wide variety of drugs. While most people don't associate cigarettes with drugs, surveys as well as our own residents in Teen Challenge report that nearly all people who have used drugs started smoking cigarettes as youngsters before they first experimented with drugs.
"No step on this path is inevitable, but this 'gateway' principle makes clear that the best way to end new addictions among the young is by drawing a line on the abstinence side of marijuana use, underage smoking and drinking," the report said.
This is not to say that everyone who smokes cigarettes today uses drugs or used to use drugs. But when children begin to smoke, this is an early sign of rebellious behavior -- especially if your family does not smoke cigarettes.
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The people and their stories told in the Stay Sharp video are real. They found out the hard way that drug and alcohol use were not a fun distraction or something that you can just decide to use today and then quit tomorrow. They made the wrong choices. They faced the temptation of drug and alcohol use and gave in. They eventually found a way out but not until after they suffered the consequences. They found themselves in despair and hopelessness. Our hope is that you can learn from their mistakes and avoid the negative consequences.