The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

You probably see and hear a lot about alcohol—from TV, movies, music, and your friends. But what are the real facts about underage alcohol use? Myth Alcohol isn't as harmful as other drugs. FACT Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill you. Myth Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties. FACT Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up. It can make you act silly, say things you shouldn't say, and do things you wouldn't normally do (like get into fights). Myth Drinking alcohol will make me cool. FACT There's nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain. Myth All of the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in. FACT If y...

Worried about your teen? We are rounding up second semester and looking at spring break.  Parents are worried as their high school student (teenager) is still failing, refusing to complete assignments and still believes that education is a farce. On the other hand we know our child is more than capable of getting A's and B's yet they are barely bringing home D's.  College?  We are praying they finish high school.  What is wrong with society? Why are kid of the notion that they can just drop out of high school and get a GED?  Years ago GED's were frowned upon--only for those that were either adjudicated or maybe medically necessary.  Now it is too easy for these kids to just drop out. Then we have teens that want to smoke pot on a daily basis.  You know it is legal in some states. You know their parents do it.  Really, is it that bad?  Well, as a matter of fact - it is. Marijuana, especially when sold on the streets to our kids, is...

Is your teen old enough to date?  This is usually a decision based on your teen's maturity level.  Are they responsible? Do they respect your rules and boundaries?  Let's put it in to reality and look at some statistics to share with them. Dating Abuse Statistics: Young adult dating violence is a big problem, affecting youth in every community across the nation. Learn the facts below. Too Common Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. Why Focus on Young P...