SA/TO By Month
Topic Information: September

Drugs:
One of the most dangerous substances surrounding us today is that of drugs. They are all around us and pose a threat to our health and future. As we go through our high school years and continue with college we experience many close encounters with thousands of different types of drugs. It is a problem we cannot avoid between the peer pressure in the commons of our own schools to the post-game party we are presented with difficult choice to make, saying no to drugs. It is important not to fall victim to these substances because in the long run not only will they hurt you personally but also those people close to you.

USY takes a stand
As the issue of drugs is a hot topic in High Schools throughout the world, USY's newest club attempts to tackle this issue. USYers for a Drug and Alcohol Free Environment provides support for those USYers who have faced this conflict. Having published a guidebook it educates about the many different types of drugs and alcohols around us, peer pressure and the influence of the media. Most importantly it helps us to say "no!" However, we feel it is important that you bring UDAFE home to your chapter, and get all of the USYers around you involved and aware of the club. So, check out this month's SA/TO by the Month and help USY make a difference

The Jewish Perspective
B'tzelem Elokim – In the image of HaShem. This is a very important principle to us as the Jewish people. We are taught in Bereishit that we were make in the image of HaShem and therefore should return to the graves in the purest form we can (that closest to how we were born). This is why we are taught not to get a piercing or a tattoo, but how does this relate to drugs? We are not supposed to harm our bodies in any way, and by putting these substances into our bodies we are doing just the opposite. We put ourselves in danger when we put a foreign substance inside our body. Thus, the intake of drugs and other illegal substances goes against the principle of B'tzelem Elokim.

Facts and Myths

Myth:
Most teenagers take part in the use drugs.

Fact:
You may think that "everyone does it," but in reality most teens have not even experimented with these substances.

Myth:
Judaism says nothing against the use of these harmful substances.

Fact:
Although the Torah does not specifically come out and state refrain from the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs, but it DOES speak of resisting temptation and doing what is right in the face of outside influences.

Myth:
It is difficult to fit into social crowds when you don't use drugs and in the case that my friends chose to, I cannot do anything about their life choices.

Fact:
It is quite possible that you constantly feel peer pressure to do these things in order to be popular, but that does not mean that you do not have a choice. It takes a lot to turn down a friend when they offer you something, but talking to your friends about this decision can make a greater difference.

Myth:
Peer Pressure is always bad.

Fact:
Peer pressure can work both ways. If your friends are real friends then it will not matter whether you chose to or chose not to do these things, in fact your choice not to will make a positive impression on them about the choice to live drug-free.

Myth:
There is no one to talk to with questions about these substances.

Fact:
There are many people in which you can trust to confront about these questions. Whether they are someone in your synagogue, a guidance counselor, a family member, a friend or even a fellow USYer, you can find somebody anywhere who will be willing to help you answer these questions.

Myth:
I have no control over what may or may not happen to me at a party.

Fact:
The first step towards being able to say "no" is by making a firm statement on what you believe before you are in the situation to take this stand. When someone offers you a "puff," "snort," or "shot," that is not the time to make your choice.