Teenagers face many challenges on their journeys through adolescence. The vast majority of U.S. teens are able to cope with the pressures. But the desire to exercise independence and to distance themselves from parents and other authority figures sometimes leads teens to act in ways they later regret. The media tend to exaggerate or sensationalize such teen behavior, but there is no denying that problems exist—and the results can be very serious. A willingness to explore, to test boundaries, and to try new things—often coupled with a sense of invincibility—lead some teens to experiment with dangerous behavior. In 2003, the United States government reported that 30.5 percent of 12 to 17 year-olds said that they had tried an illegal drug at least once in their lifetime, with marijuana being the major drug used. Teens engaging in premarital sexual activity place themselves at risk for pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Numerous community groups and nongovernmental organizations have formed in recent decades to help parents, schools, religious congregations, and law enforcement authorities deal with these issues.

During high school there are so many bad decisions a student can make. No matter how independent people think they are, other people still influence their thoughts and their decisions. I always said that I would never give in to peer pressure, however this was not as easy as I thought.

It's only after someone does something wrong that they realize how stupid it was. I tried drugs and got in a lot of trouble. Now I have something to learn from. So please listen to yourself and only yourself. You can make your own decisions if you can learn from my mistakes.

Tyler Tenorio, 16, grade 11, Fort Lupton High School, Fort Lupton, Colorado

I am 15 years old. Even as young as I am, I have struggled with a drug abuse problem. I have been in and out of rehabilitation programs for the past year and a half. But I finally realize the effect drugs have had on my life.

For about seven months I struggled with methamphetamine addiction. Now I am in the legal system because of bad choices I made during this period. But it has helped me a lot. I have been free from drugs for almost six months now, and I am very proud of my- self. I have been involved in a program called Intensive Out-Patient Program as well as attending meetings of a group called Narcotics Anonymous. They are both great programs that have helped me a lot. They help you to see the full picture of what drugs really do to your life.

I have let lots of people down. Disappointing someone I care about more than anything in the world is the worst feeling I have ever felt. They tell you in [NA] meetings that you can't change overnight. This is true you have to take recovery one day at a time.

Tenneil Ewing, 15, grade 10, McCutcheon High School, Lafayette, Indiana [http://www.wvec.k12.in.us/McCutcheon]

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