Austin Louis Mayer's Page

It's really sad to hear that. What a waste of life.

Welcome! Glad to see you found a Team. We are glad you are here...

It seems like it's more common than not for youth to rebel against authority, especially in adolescence. From what I've learned, programs presented by peers that promote a drug-free life are more effective than "Just Say No" type programs that are taught by adults. Also, more important than any of that, parents have a huge impact on whether or not kids use drugs. The family has more of an impact than any program ever can/will. Some parents need to know how to talk to their kids about it....because they often don't....and in other cases parents simply don't notice or take the time or they use drugs themselves thereby sending a message that it's okay.

so the way i see it and the way they do is wayyy diferent. So they dont even think theyre destroying their lives?

Nope, chances are they think they're having the time of their life's and they think they're cool and indestructible and normal because "everyone" smokes weed, drinks, experiments, etc., etc.

But wouldnt they realize from the lessons we have been taught in school. (such as d.a.r.e).

Research has shown that D.A.R.E. is highly ineffective. In fact, some schools no longer offer it. Many young people find their individuality by defying authority and testing limits. A program taught by cops is never going to work...in fact, it creates an opposite effect where kids will look for evidence to prove that using drugs is okay and that authorities are just overreacting and/or lying. I mean, look closely at many of our famous artists, musicians, and cultural icons and they often openly partake in indulgences or have at some point in their lives.

i am thinking about joining a club in our school called SADD ( Students Against Destructive Decisions) but idk if it will help??? because if the smoker, and drug users dont join how is me being in there going to help them?

It is nearly impossible to help others unless they want help. I strive to live by Ghandi's motto, "Be the change you want to see in the world." You might not be able to change any specific person or group of people but you can send a message that says it's okay to be straight edge, you can be creative and cool and be straight edge, you can have fun and be straight edge, etc., etc. I have found that when you lead by example, people will watch you from afar and when they see that you mean it and that your point of view is valuable they might either respect you or follow you.

Best wishes.

If you have time, watch the "Maybe You Didn't Lose It Afterall" video. You'll see where some of my "experience" in these matters comes from. I guess it's difficult for non-users to understand why any logical person would choose to destroy their life...but in all my personal and professional experience I've come to learn that when you really sit down and get to know people, they have very good reasons for their choices and it makes sense to THEM. You really can't help people change if you only want them to see your side but you aren't willing to see their's. It's really cool that you care so much and I'm sure you can channel that into something very meaningful.