When Friends & Family Use & Abuse / Question
Published: September 1, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
One of my best friends drinks. She doesn't do it a lot - only 3 or 4 times so far (at least that's what she says). I can't for the life of me convince her that drinking even a little bit once in a while is still bad. I mean, that is bad, isn't it?
Signed: My Best Friend Drinks
Dear My Best Friend Drinks,
It's great that you are concerned about your friend - it shows that you care about her a great deal. TeenHealthFX would need some more information to understand if your friend had a drinking problem like, her age and patterns of drinking behavior. Some information that you can use to help you understand your friend's behavior can be found in the answer to the question Alcohol Truths.
If after reading this question you are concerned about your friend, you can print out the warning signs and show them to her when you both are relaxed and calm. Let her know that you aren't judging her, just concerned for her health. You also can talk to a parent, doctor or local Alateen group if you continue to worry about your friend.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A national study of women ages 15-44 found that women were almost twice as likely to receive contraceptive services rather than STD services.
