What else is there to do?

Here are some ideas of things you could do instead of drinking or using drugs

Get a natural high - exciting and fun activities make the body produce 'happy chemicals'. Drink and drugs copy these effects, so think about the natural version first! Try sports, arts, music, conversation - all good for those 'happy chemicals'.

Deal with your stuff - find someone you trust to talk to, or contact us, if you have stuff on your mind or you're finding it hard to cope. Think about ways to cope that don't involve drinking or taking drugs, like getting your worries down on paper as lyrics or in a diary, story or poem.

Make a change - change the way you look at life, change how you express yourself, change your friends, get involved in politics to change the world

Take a risk - there's no bettter high than facing up to your fears - jump out of an aeroplane, do a zip-wire, sing in public, make a complaint - just imagine how good you'll feel

Respect yourself - do something worthwhile - get a job, do some voluntary work, help someone - you'll feel good about yourself and gain dignity and self-respect

Love yourself - feel good because you're clean and well-groomed, and give yourself the odd (healthy) treat

Explore the world - it's big and it's fun - go out and visit places, meet different people, read up about things that interest you and try out different activities (make sure you be safe).

Be different - you don't have to be the same as everyone else (how boring is that?) Practice saying 'no' in a friendly way, meaning it, and sticking to it.

Check out your friends - is your friendship equal, or is it all give and no take? Do friends pressure each other to do things they don't want to, or that might be harmful? Do friends disrespect each other?

Check out the youth service - see links to the left