I first started because my best friend was trying marijuana. I'd always heard drugs were bad, but I was never able to equate the anti-drug commercials or the D.A.R.E. programs with the stuff we were smoking behind the grade school. After all, my friends were doing it and they were fine.

My parents did everything they knew how to do. I never blamed my actions on what they did or didn't do. Instead of parents getting worked up about it, they should discuss it on a rational level and have their son or daughter look at someone they can relate to (a friend or peer) who is doing drugs. Then, discuss how doing drugs is affecting that person's life:

1. Can't concentrate in class.
2. Grades going down.
3. Attitude is really changing.
4. Has no motivation to do anything.

Why did I quit? I stopped when I finally came to terms with the fact that I could no longer live my life away from Christ. I always knew it was wrong, but I got so wrapped up in it that I didn't want to quit. I had to ask God to give me the will ...