Find Your Worth
WHAT'S YOUR WORTH?
Lots of things that happen in life can make you question your self-worth. Physical, sexual or verbal abuse, your parents’ divorce, growing up around someone who’s an addict—all of these could cause you to get down on yourself. You may think they’re your fault or feel ashamed because of them. And then you might turn to things like alcohol, drugs or vaping.
But your self-worth shouldn’t change because of what you’ve been through. You have value, no matter what you’ve experienced. Keep reading to find out how you can Find Your Worth.
You're worth more
Your friends may drink, smoke, vape or do drugs for a bunch of reasons. They may do it because their friends are doing it, or they think it makes them look cool, or they like how it tastes or how it makes them feel. They may be at the point where they do it because they’re addicted. Or, they may be trying to dull the pain from something they’ve experienced. Whatever the case is, it’s important to know that you’re worth more than anything you think alcohol, e-cigs, drugs, or any other substance can do for you.
Live Your Best Life.
Saying “no” to drugs and alcohol is a great start to living your best life. But there are many other positive choices you can make that have nothing to do with illicit substances.
Check out six areas of your life that will help you find your worth.
Click the subject you're interested in to get started:
Know the Consequences
There’s no denying it—when you misuse drugs or alcohol, smoke or vape, there will be some negative effects. Mostly, we think in terms of just two things, health risks and punishments. But the potential consequences go much further than that. They can also be social or internal. Below are just some examples of possible effects from substance misuse.
Health Risks
Weakened immune system
Changed brain chemistry
Possible death
Punishments
Family: Grounding and lost privileges
School: Detention or expulsion
Legal: Arrest or fines
Social Effects
Loss of parents’ trust
Broken friendships
Negative peer pressure
Internal Effects
Lower self esteem
Apathy (lack of caring)
Tendency toward other addictive behaviors
LEARN THE FACTS
There’s a ton of misinformation out there about alcohol and drugs. It’s important to make decisions based on reliable sources. Lots of times people get their info from places like social media, and in many cases, these accounts are run by people somehow connected to the products. For example, many YouTubers that review vaping products get kickbacks or outright payment from the vaping companies. Let’s get real—these are not unbiased reviews. If you want some honest and accurate information click on each substance.
BEING A TEEN IS TOUGH. FOR SOME, IT’S EVEN TOUGHER.
Teens these days are dealing with more now than probably any other time in history. Bullying, the pressures of social media, the distractions of technology, the stress to get ahead in school, at sports, everything—it all takes its toll. But for some teens, they have even more to face. Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, neglect, homelessness, illness, or an adult in their life dealing with addiction problems are all forms of trauma. And the effects of these issues are real—especially if they aren’t addressed and even more so if they’re dealt with through alcohol or drugs. But there are ways to heal.
Take the first step. Find Help
Help the hurt.
Sometimes substance misuse/abuse is a sign of an underlying issue. Drinking, smoking or taking drugs may distract you for a while or numb some pain you’re feeling. But that feeling won’t last. And it will cause other problems. Rather than try to mask it, use the resources below to find a way to help the hurt. Some common symptoms are listed with each condition.
Feeling restless or jumpy
Nausea, trembling or dizziness
Muscle tension, headaches
Racing heart or shortness of breath
Loss of interest in daily activities
Appetite or weight changes
Sleeping a lot more or less than normal
Trouble concentrating or remembering
Talking about wanting to die, even jokingly
Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Withdrawing or isolating yourself
Feeling like you’re a burden to others
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you know is living with a mental health issue or an addiction, take the first step toward getting help.
Talk to a friend
Or text Worth to 494949.
Call 877-257-0208
If you need immediate help.
Find Help
