Information found on this page comes from Green Mountain Prevention Projects : 

About Bullying

     Bullying is a serious problem that can lead to loss of self-esteem, anxiety, depression, grades declining in school, absences from school and even rare, more drastic outcomes like suicide. Bullying is basically "peer abuse".  Bullying gains strength from silence and non-action. It can be prevented when victims, witnesses and bystanders speak up to the bullies.

     Sometimes people are afraid to speak up to the bully because they fear that they will then become the target and get hurt. Though, this unfortunately can happen, you are more likely to help your friend, when you stand up for them. Wouldn't you want your friend to help you, if you were are suffering from being bullying?

  Problems with drugs and alcohol

My friend is always talking about drugs or "partying"

My friend uses drugs as a way to relax or forget problems

My friend has been withdrawing and keeping secrets from friends and family

My friend no longer eats or takes care of herself

Ok, I know my friend has a problem, NOW WHAT?

When someone you care about has a problem with drugs or alcohol it is a most difficult problem to solve.  Even though you really care about your friend you can't make them stop using drugs.  In fact if they have become addicted to drugs they may not be able to stop on their own even when they decide they want to. 

What you can do for your friend is help them get help. 

Tell your friend that you're worried about them and name those behaviors that worry you.

     Encourage your friend to come and get help with you, but also be strong and tell them that you will tell even though they don't want you to.

     Find an adult that you can talk to about this problem such as your mom, your dad, your teacher, or a counselor.

How can you help a friend?

• Tell a trusted adult both at school and at home about the issue.
• Talk to your friend about it. Let him/her know that you feel bad for what he is going through, that he/she is not isolated, and that you do care about him/her.