Need some advice?

tNBC presents

February 28, 2001

Having a problem you don't know how to solve? Any unanswered questions about drugs, alcohol, or life in general? Get some answers from t-Talk!

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NBCi: Welcome to t-Talk, tNBC's chat room. tNBC and NBCi provide this service as entertainment for their users. The individuals providing information and advice are not professional counselors and the opinions and advice given do not necessarily reflect the views of tNBC and NBCi. BORING BUT NECESSARY INFORMATION. You agree not to use offensive language or personally attack any other participants or third parties. You are solely responsible for all of your communications, and you agree not to violate or infringe upon the rights of others. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right, but are not obligated, to edit or delete any information deemed to violate these ground rules. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right to suspend access to anyone who violates these rules. NBCi and Talk City also reserve the right to republish, disseminate and broadcast any materials posted. t-Talk, we have some great questions today. Let's get to them!

Jenn: Do you think all drugs are bad for you?

T-Talk: I think that anything that is illegal is probably not the best thing for you. However, there are prescription drugs that a doctor or physician may issue if necessary to cure natural problems.

Two Four: Do you think alcohol is a drug?

T-Talk: I think drinking alcohol falls into the category of a substance that can be abused. Obviously, if you are underage, you shouldn't be drinking, and I think alcohol is probably abused mostly because it's not considered a drug to people.

Jo: What damage does alcohol really do to your system? Is there a safe amount of alcohol you can drink and does the age you start drinking make a difference? (I am 16).

T-Talk: What alcohol does is impair your judgment. Anything that impairs your judgment is affecting your brain, therefore it wouldn't be safe. If you start drinking at a young age, that means you are doing damage or impairing your judgment, and if you continue to do that throughout the years it does have an effect on you and other internal organs. I think if you are going to start drinking or feel the urge, talk to your parents about it first.

Sam: I only drink on weekends--that's okay, isn't it? I mean, we get really drunk, but it is usually only one day a week.

T-Talk: Well, like I said earlier, if you are underage, it is something that you probably shouldn't be doing. You have to take responsibility for your actions. And if something does go wrong on one of those weekends when you have been drinking or, as you say, are drunk, you may not remember what you did or if it affected someone else. I certainly hope you wouldn't be driving on the weekends, as well. Just be careful.

Shari: My parents have a drink of wine or beer every night. They don't get drunk or anything--but is this bad? I worry a lot.

T-Talk: I think if it concerns you, ask your parents. Sometimes adults like to have a glass of wine or a drink during or after their meal. I can't say that this is a bad or a good thing, but if you feel like it is a potential problem and it does disturb you, you have a right to approach your parents because it is they who are setting the example for you.

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